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About eWillys
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.
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: The September 1962 issue of Four Wheeler included a full page ad for its new hardtop and half-top designs. The magazine included both a full-page ad and a short article. Given this info, it looks like the top redesign was introduced during the summer of 1962.
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Originally Published July 7, 2020: Sometime in the early 1960s, Kelly Manufacturing altered the design of its angular full and half hardtops. The new tops eliminated some of the horizontal bevels and the flat back design for a slightly more elegant design; but, the tops did retain the angled top-side that was so recognizable (As I don’t have much knowledge on any interior changes, this post will stick to the major exterior differences) (See Kelly’s connection to Beck and Kemco and an early Kelly brochure) (Also see CJ-3B page Beck and Kelly histories)
Interestingly enough, Kelly branded the Flatfender tops as 23-series, but not the CJ-5 tops. Here’s a 1962 Kelly brochure that highlights a wide variety of the rear-angled design for both the CJ-5 and the flatfenders, along with the model numbers:
To make the differences more clear, let’s take a look at the early Kelly design (these early hardtops were also marketed by the Berg’s as JeepKing hardtops). Notice the horizontal bevels along the driver’s side rear and on the rear latch. Also note the flat vertical back of the hardtop.
This silent collection of videos sent by John includes footage of a jeep carrying General Eisenhower.
“Several shots of the American soldiers clearing debris in heavily bombed area. Various shots of convoy of jeeps driving through town streets, heavily bombed buildings in background. Jeep stops and General Eisenhower (Ike) gets out of jeep and enters a house. Ike leaving house with several other officers. They stand on doorstep talking. There is a three star General with Ike, possibly General Bradley. Ike puts coat on and lights cigarette, he chats a bit more, gets into jeep and leaves.”
This silent video also contains a number of scenes featuring Eisenhower:
“Various shots of General Dwight D Eisenhower presenting medals to American soldiers. Ike gives them a shot pep talk. Shots of General Eisenhower and other senior officers looking over map.
Ike and others arrive in jeep. Different angle of medal presentation and Ike’s pep talk to the men. Eisenhower climbs into jeep and leaves.
Various shots of Eisenhower talking with American officers.
Various shots of American field artillery being fired.
Shots of Troops advancing behind tanks across field. Tanks move into wooded area, possibly an orchard. Soldiers follow up behind them.
American troops with a bulldozer crush a crashed German Messerschmitt ME 109 plane. CU American star symbol painted over German cross on small tank.
Various shots of building with German abandoned staff cars.
Various shots of the broken remains of German aircraft (possibly wooden mock ups) at captured airfield in France.”
“1955 jeep whilly panel wagan clean title no damage no accidents not sure about the miles not at vehicle right now, automatic trans,350 engine new tires new battery runs an handles great can be seen by appointment gives me time to get to vehicle”
“1951 jeep willys cj-3 2.2l Jeep willys engine transmission manual works great 4×4 . .this is a fun old jeep Cheaper than a side by side . Great for the woods hunting, or farm No title but have the forms to get one.”