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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example. This section used to be split into jeeps, parts and other categories, but recent changes to eBay will require this information to be recoded.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was Make Offer
Randy spotted this unusual vehicle. Jack has left a message with the owner in hopes we can learn whether this was a kit or a custom project or something else.
“This is a one of a kind that I know of.
Late 1940’s or early 1950’s. Austin devon chassis with a modified Jeep body on it.
Unfortunately, this is a project that I do not have time for. Sad to see it go. Make me an offer.”
**SOLD**
Buz spotted this one. Current Bid is $25. Auction date is 1/03/2014. This is only a couple miles from me.
Lots of updates to this nice looking wagon spotted by Doug.
“New interior. New wiring harness. Power Windows. New 35″ BFG KM2 Tires. Power disc brakes. Tilt Wheel. Power rack and pinion steering. 350 4bolt main Chevy. Ford top loader 4spd. Saturn OD. 4:88 posi front and rear. Model 18 transfer case with heavy duty upgrades(bigger shaft and tapered roller bearings). Hydraulic clutch w/ McCloud blowshield and hydraulic throughout bearing. Full floating rear axle w/locking hubs at all 4 wheels. Original Ramsey Winch and fairlead. Brand new PTO and PTO/OD adapter, never used. 10″ lift. Front spring perches and shackles reversed. Many more mods. More mods. Too much to list. Serious inquiries only. One owner since 1977. Not interested in trades or shooting the breeze. Don’t waste my time. I don’t have any.”
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4267169527.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was auctioned.
Buz found this one, too. It looks like it might run. The top appears in good shape, too. Auction closes 1/07/14.
Not a lot of value here.
“41 willys jeep cj2a. rebuilt flat head 4 cyld engine with less than a thousand miles. drive train pretty good condition. needs to be put back together or used for parts.”
http://macon.craigslist.org/cto/4267909051.html
UPDATE II: Not only did they publish a book, but they also filmed a documentary in color, called We Made the “Impossible” Tour, that was part of a lecture tour. In addition, their adventure was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post in 1957:
January 12, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour, Part One: How We Motored Through the Jungle
January 19, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Part Two: How We Went to Sea in a Jeep
January 26, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour, Part Three: Island-Hopping the Spanish Main
February 2, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Part Four: Trigger-Happy Territory
February 9, 1957, We Made the “Impossible” Tour: Conclusion:The Land of Fire – three agonizing miles of travel in southern Argentina.
UPDATE: This same book is published under a different name with some different photos: “La Tortuga an amphibious journey from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego”. I could not find a copy for sale when I last looked.
“20,000 Miles South: A Pan-American Adventure in a Seagoing Jeep from the Arctic Circle” by Helen and Frank Schreider is a great read. In the book they relate their first failed attempt to travel south in a Willys Wagon, which leads to their decision to try it in a SEEP (named La Tortuga). In 1954, they started their journey south, sharing in the book their struggles, successes and failure. At one point they try to drive down a railroad track, but are forced to give up the effort due to the damage the track inflicted on the SEEP. At another point they enter the country of Colombia by water, only to be told when they attempt to exit the country that they didn’t get the proper stamp (because they entered via the water). These are just some of the challenges they face.
I’d have to say this is one of my favorite jeep related books that I have read. After the “20,000 Miles” book they wrote the “Drums of Tonkin“, which is about a trip through Indonesia, and “Exploring the Amazon.” They also joined National Geographic as photographers and authors.
Frank died in 1974 at the age of 70. He suffered a heart attack in the cabin of his sail boat, Sassafras, while anchored off the island of Crete. I suspect that’s the way he would have wanted it. Helen was still alive and living in New Mexico at last report.
La Tortuga was re-discovered in California in 2006 and shipped to Norway. La Tortuga appears to still be for sale.
It appears you can borrow a copy of the book through the open library project. Learn more here. Here are some photos. This is a shot of the inside cover which shows the path they drove/boated:
This photo was taken after the maiden voyage in Balboa Bay, California. Helen is holding onto their dog, Dinah, who could often be found riding on top of the cabin.
2013 proved to be a wild ride!
2013 was by far the best year for eWillys yet. In March we embarked on our trip through the Southwest, which included the 2013 FC Roundup, camping, offroading and exploring. We followed that up with a trip to the East Coast and back, also full of rewarding experiences, festivals, and adventures. Especially important, we got to meet so many people with whom I’ve only known virtually. Everyone was kind and wonderful; I especially appreciated how welcome you made Ann feel. So, thanks to everyone!
The CJ-2Apage forum regulars got together for a group photo at the 2013 Willys Reunion.
For 2014, we plan to do a trip in March through California on our way to the FC Roundup. From there, depending on funds, time and my kids’ schedules, we may head only as far as New Mexico OR we’ll head deep into Texas. Either way, we’ll likely be doing another trip through rarely traveled areas of Utah and Idaho on our way back north.
Our side trip off the Burr Trail in Utah – March 2013
Part of the California trip is designed to help inspire me with my third book, tentatively titled October Gold. It’s named after a painting completed by my Aunt Emma and display at an art show in 1915 in New York City. The title was so perfect for my subject (Pacific WWII gold) that it seemed tailor made for my book. In the book, the characters travel part of California, so we need to trace some of the characters intended travels (trying not to pay spoiler here). The book’s a long way from being finished — I’m currently enjoying the research (my favorite part of writing).
I currently anticipate no big upcoming changes to the website. You probably noticed I finally placed a good adsense box at the top of the website, something I was forced to do because of the change by eBay in the way they calculate revenue.
I expect to have Biscuit back on the road by early summer. I haven’t seen any reason to endure the cold garage temperatures at the moment (it’s a better time for reading and book research).
I don’t know if 2014 can top 2013, but I can’t wait to find out. Happy New Year everyone!
My wife sure is a good sport . . . even when I put her in ‘jail’. I expect there will be plenty of photos in 2014, too.
UPDATE: The mystery Crosely at the bottom of the post has been identified as a Crosley Bull Pup thanks to L.C. Odin.
For those who haven’t read the article I posted on the lightweight jeeps a few years ago, Crosley built ‘extra-light weight’ four wheel drive vehicles called the CT-3 Pup and marketed to the military in 1942. The Pup had a 2-cylinder 13hp engine air cooled motor and weighed 1125 lbs. What I didn’t know was that a slightly different ‘hi hood’ version of the Crosley Pup was also built. More about that in a moment.
The issue of the Pup came to my attention yesterday because Marc forwarded me a great photo of a CT-3 Pup being loaded onto US Navy Bomber May 5, 1942, on eBay.
View all the information on ebay
According to Hemmings thirty-seven Crosley Pups were built before the idea was abandoned, at least in part, due to some weak parts. As in the photo above, here’s another look at the ‘classic’ version which you can view at Mighty Eight Air Force Museum in Pooler, Ga. (more pics of it here) and check out these fantastic detail photos at the Comancheclub.
What makes the Crosley Pup jeep more interesting is that I discovered the following photos taken at the Cincinnati History Museum (Interesting note: the Museum offered a history program on Powel & Lewis Crosley in 2013) of a version of the Crosley that seems to have been ignored.
UPDATE: This has been identified as the Crosley Bull Pup. See L.C. Odin’s comment for more info .(Photos taken by Nicholas Massa)?
Charles shared some more photos.
The name of this road is Hell’s Highway (learn more about Highway 69 here) which was used during Operation Market Garden. Given the soldiers in the ditch, I’d say this 1944 photo captures they felt the same way:
1944 photo of Graves Bridge, Holland, an Operation Market Garden strategic point:
This photo shows the Belgian Army in Korea:
