UPDATE: This has been rebuilt. See this post.
Vince spotted this unique bit of jeep history. It is beautiful! For us history nuts the seller has included some helpful information, too.
“1943 Willys Jeep “Woodie” Stationwagon. Purchased by Willenhall Coachcraft in 1947 from Military surplus sale. Converted to current condition and sold to the Earl of Shewsbury in June 1948.
It was sold in 1961 to Victoria Garage in Stoke on Trent, who then sold it to a Harry Hughs of the same town and then it later changed hands to an AD Broom of Norwich, where it laid in a shed which then became derelict.
In late 2004, the jeep was finally discovered by Fred Smith, a very prominent and recognised Jeep collector, who sold it to the current owner for restoration in 2005.
It has undergone a very thorough restoration, including complete remanufacture of all woodwork, back to the exact specification matching the original condition it left Willenhall Coachcraft in 1948.
There were 95 conversions of this type carried out by Willenhall, and this is the last known example, making it extremely rare indeed.
All woodwork, engine, chassis and fabrication was carried out by the current owner. Paintwork by Andy House Body Repairs of Liphook, Hampshire. Chrome by SilvaBronz of Alton, Hampshire. Trim by Jeff Mussell and Son, Godalming, Surrey.
The jeep is being sold as new since being restored by myself. V5 present, taxed, MOT’d. Registered with the plate now on 125 YUP.
Included in the sale of this vehicle is as follows:
· Photographic history of restoration
· Buff logbook (dating back to first registration)
· Photography of original vehicle and Willenhall Coachcraft History by Archie Templeton-Dick, Historian.
More photos of the jeep and the restoration can be found on Universal Jeep Supplies’ facebook page.
The number plate, NRF 9 is not included with the sale but im offering this for £10,000 separately.”