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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: This was originally published Aug 30, 2013.
Famous barnstormer and racing pilot Roscoe Turner endorsed the jeep in this 1946 letter.
UPDATE: Zac shared a Parmley that he inherited along with a document that shows some pricing and states it was designed for the 81″ chassis.
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Originally posted in 2013, with some pic updates over the years:
As many of you know, I am very curious about the fiberglass aftermarket bodies made for the jeep. While I’ve seen most models for sale over the years, I have yet to run across Parmley Engineering’s fiberglass body, one of the more unique ones ever created.
After wrecking his CJ-5 in the early 1970s, Californian Tom Parmley, a machinist by trade, decided to build himself a better body for his still-good chassis. He wanted the body to legally accommodate wider tires, a dash box with more room, a hood that was lower, and other features. So, he built and tested his dream body with great success. Along the way, he received so much positive feedback that he created a kit so others could easily install a Parmley body on their CJ-5 Chassis.
So far, I have only located two resources that document this body. One is the February 1974 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine, which featured a multi-page article about the new body. Additionally, at least two issues of Four Wheeler Magazine also have ads for the Parmley body kit. The other resource is a June 1975 Popular Mechanics article. The Pop-Mech article also shows off the fiberglass top he invented (at least I assume it is fiberglass).
Here are a couple publicity photos taken by Tom Parley and published in the Feb 1974 issue of Four Wheeler:
This image shows the Parmley with a top and is from Popular Mechanics. Note the top example sports Desert Dogs …
Here is a Parmley-bodied jeep on the cover of a the May 1978 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine.
This Parmley Engineering ad appeared on the back of January 1974 issue of Four Wheeler Magazine:
Bob Christy wasn’t sure what this vehicle was when he photographed it in 2008, but now we know.
This Parmely sold in 2015 and included a rare top:
This one sold in 2022:
UPDATE: This article was originally published April 9, 2015:
On July 19, 1945, the Toledo Blade published an extensive story about the unveiling of the CJ-2A to reporters. The paper is also full of interesting stories, such as the sinking of the Ticonderoga, the identification of a returning GI with amnesia that turned out to be a Nazi Agent, and the jailing of a Walnut Grove, California, woman who threatened a returned Japanese American soldier who was a POW in Germany.
A small part of the CJ-2A story was published on page 1
The majority of the story was on the front page of section 2.
UPDATE: This article was originally published April 11, 2015:
In 1965 Brits R.M.E. Diamant, his wife, and three children completed a five month drive around the United States in a Jeep Wagoneer Camper. Mr. Diamant intended to publish stories of their adventure in travel magazines in the UK and the US, but his article in the 1966 Jeep News was the only one I found.
I’ve created this rough map of their journey based on the places mentioned in the article.
UPDATE: Originally published March 27, 2015:
Interesting story from the St. Petersburg Times if accurate.
The 14th Annual Willys Overland Rally takes place this May 19-21 in Moab.
Learn more here: http://www.willysrally.com/index.php
Image from 2021 Willys Overland Rally
UPDATE II: There’s no date on this rare 6×6 Super Jeep postcard that I just picked up from eBay. I imagine this was published around 1942 or 43. It looks like the postcard was based on this press photo at the bottom of this post.
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Originally poste on February 13, 2014:
Craig spotted this rare photo. It shows a Ford GP 6×6, which also appears to be called a Ford GP T14 37mm. I’m not clear on how many were made, but this one (or something very similar) can be seen here: http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_465000-Ford-GP-T14-37mm-GMC-1941.html
UPDATE: Merry Christmas everyone. Here’s photo Christmas throwback to a post originally published March 20, 2011.
Originally found via Photography News website and courtesy of the Australian War Memorial come these four photographs that capture Santas, Christmas, the Holidays and Jeeps.
1. This photo is from Japan (original link to source no longer works)
ITSUKUSHIMA, JAPAN. 1946-12-20. DURING THE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY 116TH AUSTRALIAN CONSTRUCTION DEPOT, BCOF, AT MIYAJIMA SCHOOL SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES BY JEEP. ON THE FRONT OF THE JEEP, INSCRIBED IN JAPANESE, ARE THE WORDS “MERRY CHRISTMAS”. LEFT TO RIGHT: VX150376 DRIVER A. R. DAVIS, EUROA, VIC (1); SX34345 PRIVATE M. P. BURGESS, NORWOOD, SA (2); NX196391 PRIVATE C. R. ANSELL, WILLOUGHBY, NSW (3).
2. Here is a photo from New Guinea (original link to source no longer works).
Ramu Valley, New Guinea. 1943-12-25. NX103434 Captain F. D. Smith, dressed as Father Christmas, arriving at one of the wards of the main dressing station, 2/6th Australian Field Ambulance, in a jungle cart (Thompson Stretcher), drawn by a jeep, to distribute Christmas presents to the patients. Identified personnel are: SX28258 Private E. J. Cummings (2); TX5952 Private R. G. Viney (6), and Corporal R. Roessler (7).
3. This image is from Korea: (original link to source no longer works)
Santa Claus arrives at the Christmas party given by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), to two hundred Korean children from villages near the Gallipoli camp. Santa found some straggling guests on the way to the party and gave them a lift in his sleigh, the fire chief’s bright red jeep. An unidentified soldier is sitting in the back of the jeep with the children.
4. Here is another image from Korea: (original link to source no longer works)
Unidentified members of either the 2nd or 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR or 3RAR), gather at a jeep which has carried Santa Claus to their camp in Korea. The jeep has been decorated with branches of Christmas (pine) tree and has two large loudspeakers attached to the front.
UPDATE: Originally published February 17, 2015, it now looks like these vehicles are no longer produced. Jim notes that Fermel is no longer in business.
After publishing the post about the Union Mine Jeeps, Marc found a website that features new ones. A South African company called Fermel makes four different utility vehicles. The webpage for each jeep includes a video of each respective jeep.
1. Mini UV Emergency Vehicle: A light utility vehicle with permanent 4 wheel drive and a maximum payload capacity of 1500 kg. Built on a unique Meccano Type chassis
Features Include :
Blue Flashing Light , Siren , Roller bed & locking point for stretcher , Lockable cabinet , Overhead oxygen bottle rock , Drip hooks, Defibrilator carring points , Rubberlined rear , Fabric Lattice tailgate , Foam cushions , Flourescent lights at rear.
2. MIni UV LDV: Categorized as a light utility vehicle, the MINI UV LDV is a 2 seater, 1500 kg payload capacity underground machine. The loadbay is ideally suited for materials transportation. The vehicle features permanent 4 Wheel Drive , a unique meccano type chassis and wet multi disc brakes inboard axles. Load area for carrying general materials.
3. Mini UV LWB: A permanent 4 Wheel Drive , light utility transporter with a payload capability of 1000 kg. A seating capacity of 4-6 passengers. Built on a unique meccano type mining chassis , the MINI UV is a mining vehicle designed for use in harsh operating conditions. The vehicle is equipped with a DEUTZ 4 cylinder air-cooled motor , COMII , EPA II Emission compliance and wet-multi disc. Service and failsafe service inboard axles.
4. Mini UV SWB: A permanent 4 Wheel Drive , light utility transporter with a payload capability of 1000 kg. A seating capacity of 4-6 passengers. Built on a unique meccano type mining chassis , the MINI UV is a mining vehicle designed for use in harsh operating conditions. The vehicle is equipped with a DEUTZ 4 cylinder air-cooled motor , COMII , EPA II Emission compliance and wet-multi disc. Service and failsafe service inboard axles.
UPDATE: It’s been almost nine years since I posted a series of Testimonials to the early jeeps that were part of a very rare early sales book. Most, but not all, included images. A friend of mine shared them with me. You can see them all here: http://www.ewillys.com/tag/1946-testimonials/
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Originally Posted September 16, 2013:
Here are several examples from Police Departments from the sales book:
And from New York City:
UPDATE: There’s another Baraboo Postcard on eBay.
(08/04/2014) This CJ-5 used to ferry visitors around Baraboo. I visited Barboo about two decades ago, but never saw it. It must have already been gone.
http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/our-treasures/history-of-circus-world/
This jeep and tram toured through Baraboo, pointing out various circus sites, including final resting spots in Walnut Hill Cemetery.
UPDATE II: This photo from eBay shows the front the “Dinosaur Jitney” jeep used to pull the tram.
View all the information on eBay
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UPDATE Posted Aug 21, 2018: This was last published in 2012. A couple of the postcards are back on eBay.
Originally published November 10, 2012: The Lewis and Clark Cavern was Montana’s first State Park and is located here. You can read about the history of the caves here. In 1947 the Montana Standard published an article about the cavern accompanied by the photo and caption below. You can view the entire article in this PDF file.
Here are three postcards related to this Jeep Railway.
1. View all the information on eBay
2. I haven’t seen this one on eBay in a while …
3. View all the information on eBay
