Slat Grille Research Archives

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1942 MB Slat Grille Wellsboro, PA Auction

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

Bidding closes on this jeep May 3.

https://jelliffauctions.hibid.com/catalog/444217/willys-military-jeep–peter-gorda-estate–auction/

“Willys Overland MB – 42? Willys Overland Mb, military serial #123565, date of delivery 2-27-1942, engine turns freely, (has not been started) with 1000 lbs. electric winch, Willy’s serial #451-GB1 23800 also VIN #, Military Jeep Complete book (with title)”

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1941 MB Upper Lake, CA $10,000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/08/2022) This flattie with what looks to be a replacement body has some Dec 1941 data tags.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1061683957846683

“1941 Willys Jeep
Stock
4 cyl flathead
Manual over drive
Bigger drum brakes
Carb rebuilt in 2018
Bimini top and Full leather top with doors
Warn winch”

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1941 MB Slat Grille Owensville, IN **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $14,000.

This is a project that includes a second slat grille frame and what the seller believes to be is a correct slat-grille engine.

“41 Slat grill MB project. This is currently a running, driving jeep, however, I am keeping the M38 motor that is in it. The T86 trans has the passenger side fill hole (correct for slat). The current frame is kinda cobbled up, a 2nd slat grill frame with axles & original slat grill is included. Seats are repros with Beechwood Canvas covers, a set of original split-back seats are included. Four 4 1/2″ 90/90 solid wheels and one 4″ 90/90 solid wheel go with. Also included is a chain drive 638632 block that i believe to be an actual slat grill motor (turns free) and 639660c cylinder head. The registration number on the hood is not original, dod tag and frame tag are missing, but the ser# on the title matches the features present on this jeep, I believe it to be the correct ser#. I have estimated the dod to be Dec 19. Clean title in my name. Serious inquiries only please. Located in SW Indiana, delivery available for a fee.”

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1942 Slat Grille MB Marietta, OH $35,000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , , .

Tom shared this nice looking MB.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1375306293283087

“Very rare only 25k made. This was the first Jeep Willys MB made for ww2 before Ford made the stamped grill. Built in Ohio a lot of very hard to find original parts. Runs and drives very nice. The ultimate jeep collectible Serial number 110515 D.O.D 1-8-42”

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1942? Slat Grille? MB? Fresno, CA $8000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

This is listed as a 1942; it has some military parts; and, it has no glove box, so it may have been a slat grille at some point.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3319730388275939/

“1942 Jeep Cj2a · Other_body_style · Driven 10,000 miles 350 engine automatic trans”

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1942 MB Slat Sacramento, CA **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $11,500.

(12/25/2021) This has some unusual rear mods.

“1942 Willys Slat Grill Jeep, good condition and runs well. Needs a gas tank and water pump gasket to be road ready. Very complete, always garaged and many extras.
Very rare, only 25,000 produced.
$11,500 or best offer”

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Continue reading

 
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1942 Slat Grille MB Salt Lake City, UT **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , , , .

UPDATE II: This sold on eBay for $20,300.

UPDATE: I thought this had sold on eBay 09/2020. On the ebay ad the extra plate could be seen. It is a remanufactured jeep, completed by the Moore Corporation (data plate on dash).

The seller of this jeep, which as been stored for 50 years, claims this is all original. But, this Willys MB had GPW tool lids. It also has a small plate, probably a reconditioning plate, above the standard data plates. I wish there was a close-up pic of the dash.

View all the information on eBay

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1941 Slat Grille Pics

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: .

These pics featuring the newly designed jeep appeared in the December 05, 1941, issue of the Ithaca Journal, two days before Pearl Harbor. I feel bad for those women having work the line in a dress and high heels.

The blurb below states:

THE JEEP TAKES ITS PLACE IN ARMY AND IN DICTIONARY: Officially designated as “quarter-ton four-by-four trucks,” but known to the U.S. Army as jeeps, the fast little scout cars, being turned out by thousands to serve as liaison between advanced mechanized units and infantry follow-ups, now are recognized as among the most important contributions of modern American assembly-line methods to the service. Powered with a 63-horsepower, four-cylinder engines, the jeep has a four-wheel drive, can carry three men and a machine gun, and can tow a heavy-calibre anti-tank gun. The pictures, illustration jeep production and testing, were made at the Willys-Overland plant in Toledo, Ohio. Left (in our case top): Women employees at work on a jeep assembly line. In the rear is an assembly line of civilian cars. Center: The cars being tested on the proving-ground. At right (in our case at the bottom): Negotiating an open field choke with heavy brush.

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1941? MB? Slat? Gilbert, AZ $12,990

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, CJ-3A, MB • TAGS: .

The body is civilian. The grille is slat. The rest seems to be a variety of parts.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/gilbert-1941-willys-jeepextremely-rare/7282924522.html

“Extreme rare and you may be one of the last to own this amazing critical part of America history
.. not to many left in this good of shape trust free and running..
Make me good ..
All decent offer will be looked at..”

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1942 MB Slat Grille Johnson City, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.

Travis has this Slat Grille for sale.

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“Located near San Antonio, Texas, 78264. Cash, Paypal or Venmo ONLY. Up for grabs is a 1942 Willys MB, serial #117397, DoD of 2/6/42. Only 25,808 slat grilles produced, unknown number of survivors. Very solid restoration candidate, great historical value.

Cons:
– No title
– Incorrect post-war CJ engine (seized)

Pros:
– Excellent original chassis with no rust through
– Very minimal body rust (hat channels/floor board)
– Original T84 transmission
– Original Dana 27 full floating rear axle
– Still has soft-top bows for canvas roof
– All 3 body data plates intact
– Both original seat frames in great shape”

 
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Undated Slat Grille Photo on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: .

Here’s a 7″x9″ photo that includes a Slat Grille MB.

View all the information on eBay

“WWI
Army
Willys Jeep
Springfield Rifle
Photo #1
Size: 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches
Condition: Good condition”

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1942 Tobe Deutschmann Ad w/ Slat Grille MBs on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .

A whole ‘flock’ of Slat Grilles flying over a battle field.

View all the information on eBay

“What It Is
A wonderful original magazine ad from 1942 for
Tobe Deutschmann Corp. Filterettes and Capacitors – Canton, Massachusetts
wonderfully illustrated by Walter Richards
Those Jeep Riders have an ear cocked for radio instructions.

Specifications
Ad is about 7.5 x 11 inches
Condition Note
It’s rather difficult to get the color and the contrast of the original in a scan AND preserve any flaws, which tend to get muted, so this text will describe flaws, if any.”

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Globemaster Airplanes and Jeeps

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images, Old News Articles • TAGS: .

No year listed on this press photo that shows a slat grille MB being loaded into a Globemaster. The photo appears to have been ordered on July 2nd, 1947, but that’s likely not the date of the photo. My attempt to find the photo in a newspaper failed, but I did find a few other photos of jeeps and the Douglas C-74 Globemaster.

View all the information on eBay

“This is an original press photo. Military – Jeep – Globemaster aircraftPhoto measures 10.25 x 8inches. Photo is dated –NONE.”

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In the summer of 1946, a Globemaster was loaded with 15 jeeps. A few photos of the event made the newspapers. This first one appears to have an illustrated jeep on the elevator:

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CREDIT: June 22, 1946, in The Sentinel out of Carlisle, Pennsylvania

This photo shows a broader look at the lineup of jeeps.

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CREDIT: June 23, 1946, in the Quad City Times out of Davenport, Iowa.

This article in the September 06, 1945, issue of the Daily News out of Los Angeles introduces the world to the new Globemaster. The bottom image shows two jeeps loaded next to one another.

Continue reading

 
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1941 MB Slat Grille Hamburg, NY $14,000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

The front floors appear to have some patches. Needs a battery at the very least.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2912015075751577/

“1941 Willis MB Military “B” or what became the “jeep” The MA was the prototype this is the redesigned MB pre-war late 1941 production note the distinctive welded slat grill. After 1942 this was changed to a stamped grill. Newer seats, brakes are free, replaced the fuel tank, fuel pump. Turns over but needs a battery.”

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1941 MB Slat Grille Aurora, OH **Status Unknown**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: Status Unknown. Was $14,000.

Tom shared this early Slat MB.

“1941 Willys MB Army Jeep / Runs Good / No Rust / Rare Early ’41 with the Slat Grille”

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1942 MB Salt Lake City, UT **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , .

UPDATE **SOLD** on eBay for $19,600.

Dan shared this Slat MB for auction on eBay. This is a remanufactured jeep, completed by the Moore Corporation (data plate on dash).

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“The Willys Slat Grille jeep was produced only for several years 1941,1942 at the very beginning of WWII. There are many distinguishing differences between the Slat Grill and the MB which followed in production, the main one being the different looking “Slat Grill”, and the letters “WILLYS” stamped in the tailgate on the left side under the gas tank. There are many other differences which separate this early model and the MB which followed. Very few of the Slat grills have survived to today.

This jeep is one of a large collection of early Willys jeeps which was put into storage 50 years ago.
it was running and drivable when stored, however it has not been started for many years.

This jeep is unrestored and completely original. It has its original body which is solid with no rust or dents. It has the original 6 volt electrical system, 4 cylinder (4-134 L head) engine, 3 speed trans, and 4×4 high-low transfer case. It has it’s original sand tan paint and combat wheels. There’s only 19709 miles on the odometer. This one was delivered 1/20/1942.”

 
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1942 MB Slat Grille Hickory, NC **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was For Trade.

Seller only wants to trade.

“1942 Willys MB slat grill project, early model with no glove box, has postwar engine (turns) , t84 transmission that shifts freely. Frame Looks to be pretty good minus the usual gussets and rear crossmember. Body tub is rough but repairable using new floor pans and a rear panel. Front clip is restorable. Slat grill is pretty nice. Came from Georgia so no title as they didn’t title older vehicles. Has four excellent combat wheels that can or can’t be included depending on deal. I’m looking to trade for a restorable m151a2 jeep , lots of work needed is ok but need a restorable candidate . May also consider a complete m274 mule but mainly looking for m151a2”

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MB Slatgrille? Maquoketa, IA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: **SOLD** for $14,100.

Bill shared this one. The seller claims to not know what this model is, but it has a slat grille and lacks a glove box. It does not have the squared off gas tank. Currently, it’s sitting at $12,100.

“Not a Jeep expert. Found a Ford. So this one goes. Excellent runner. Well maintained. A few small oil leaks. Newly rebuild WW2 transmission. Not sure whatS original and what isn’t. So you will need to ask questions. If your looking for a good runner for re enacting or just cruising around town. This is the Jeep for you.”

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1941 MB East Aurora, NY $14,000

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , , .

Could be worth a look.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/758075494946697/

“Good body, needs some minor work but solid frame. Title in hand. Make an offer.”

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1942 Slat Grille MB Napa, CA $14,500

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

Runs and drives.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/napa-1942-willys-slat/7039628697.html

“1942 Willy’s slat grill jeep. DOD of Jan 1942. Runs drives and ready to go back to the glory that she deserves. Have original data plates and frame tag. $14,500 obo. Has title and can help with international shipping. Reply to this email with a phone number.”

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1942 Slat Grille and Other Parts Sikeston, MO $4000

• CATEGORIES: MB, Parts • TAGS: .

Seller has a Slat Grille and some tubs for sale.

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/pts/d/sikeston-willys-b-slatgril-jeep-parts/7032043226.html

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“Item 1. I have for sale a February 1942 Willys Slatgril jeep. The frame is rusted through. It has no title. It does have both axles, drive shafts, hood, grill, left fender, windshield, tub, frame, springs, torque reaction spring, three gauges(gas gauge, oil pressure, amp gauge), speedometer, glove box door with data plates and brass windshield latches. This jeep is rough, but very rare and very restore-able. Frame and glove box door tag match 122025 on data plate and frame.
Item 2. In this sale also is a pair of original ford ww2 axles 3075 and 4025(front and rear) from anther 1942 gpw.
Item 3.There is also a 1943 willys M B tub with good frame.
Item 4.The third tub also in this sale is a willys mb tub that has been stripped and ready to repair.

I would trade this for a Ramsey PTO Model 50 winch complete setup.”

 
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1943? Slat Grille MB Logan, UT $8500

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , .

This looks to be a no-glove box body, so it might be an early slat grille MB. If so this won’t last long at this price. It may have a civvy engine (at least the head). If might also be a reconditioned jeep, as there is a small data plate on the dash.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/551103595639066/

“1943 Army Jeep very good condition for its age. Original early 1940s Willy’s Jeep. Mechanically it is very solid. Engine, transmission, transfer case, and high/low range, wheel hubs all work as they are supposed to. I drive this jeep around every now and then to just keep things moving. 6v original system works well. Lights and everything work as well. Call or text. If I don’t answer leave me a voicemail and I’ll get back to you. In southern Utah but make frequent trips to Logan Utah and might be able to deliver.”

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1941 MB Slat Grille Auburn, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: , , .

UPDATE: **SOLD**. Was $20,000.

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I Inherited this jeep… I know quite a bit about these but not everything by any means. The Prev
owner owned it since 56.

Things I know…

-Original WILLYS Slat grill jeep… with real original WILLYS SCRIPT …

VIN is 103503 – SEE Last pic of frame tag its been painted over like 50x but its readable..
Date of Delivery 12-10-41

-REBUILT MOTOR…. Sometime in the last 3 yrs or so… the jeep was gone thru….
motor has less than probably 200 miles on it.. Fires up nicely and purs nice too..
I wasn’t there when it was done of course but I know it has that few miles on it b/c
soon after … he got sick and couldn’t use it anymore. And it shows b/c it all looks brand
new.. it has been loved and cherished all its life since he owned it first in 1956.. it has
pretty much always been stored inside a garage… or now in my shop…. except of course when he drove it… mainly around the 8 acre property he owned and 1 time on the road I know of for sure
when I took him to dmv to help him reg it …. that was a few yrs ago…

Continue reading

 
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Early MB Tub? Toughkenamon, PA $1200

• CATEGORIES: Parts • TAGS: .

Steve spotted this tub. It looks to me to be a glovebox-less MB slat grille tub to which someone has added a funky cowl lid. Thoughts?

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/atq/d/toughkenamon-1940s-willys-jeep-tub/6913100249.html

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“I’m honestly not sure what this is. I have been told its an uncommon 1940’s Willy’s jeep tub. condition is rough but its fixable. the serial number is broken in the middle. it says: 1—40. no shipping/deliveries. no glove box, no front fenders, no back storage doors. probably needs new floor. if more pictures are needed let me know.”

 
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1941 MB Morton Grove, IL **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: .

UPDATE: **Status Unknown** was $24,999.

The seller of this jeep suggested to at least one potential buyer that for more pics and a description, the potential buyer could download a book from Shutterfly for $70. While this may or may not be a scam, I feel such a suggestion is inappropriate. Moreover, the seller refuses to be contacted by phone (text only), even though the seller contacted me by email.

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“Restored to 90% specification using original parts and other high quality reproductions. THIS IS NOT THE 1945 WILLY’S MB! The 1941 model is exceedingly rare and differs from the 1945 Jeep in more than 30 ways.

Some of the notable differences that are found on this Willy’s are: rubber steering wheel, brass framed instruments, pumpkin air filter, distinct fuel tank and filler, seat upholstery, and gears; heavy drive shaft, rectangular gearbox cover, glass fuel filter, single-piece rims, and more that are detailed in a book included with the purchase.

The vehicle is exceptionally unique and has a clean title. I accept only serious offers. TXT only, please.”