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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 .
Roger spotted this early 1980s video tour of the Toledo Jeep Plant on Facebook. I believe I’ve figured out a way to share it even if you don’t have an FB account. Hopefully, this works for everyone.
Here’s the original link just in case the movie doesn’t work for some folks: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMotorsMovie/videos/202921640972219/
An article that discusses the 9 slot vs. the 7 slot grille appeared on Justacarguy.com’s website. Not surprisingly, the author missed some points.
Read the article here: https://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2016/01/9-slot-vs-7-slot-jeep-grills.html
In response to the article, Mark Wahlster pointed out on Facebook that the author forgot to mention the issue around the 7″ headlights, which were required at the time:
“The Ford design and inability to trademark it is part of it but the main reason was because 7″ headlights which is what the civilian world was using at the time wouldn’t fit. Simple as that. Also the first civilian jeeps came out in 1944 the first CJ2A’s hit the market in July of 45 BEFORE the end of the war in Sept. The first pilot vehicles the CJ2 had the 7″ headlights and 7 slot grills those were made in 1944-early 45.”
However, I thought it important to correct the inaccuracies regarding the trademarking of the grille, which I’ve seen appear in older articles on other sites as well.
“On the whole, I’m in agreement with Mark on this, especially regarding the 7” headlights. However, I’d like to clarify one minor point. The article uses inaccurate info from other, older articles regarding the ‘trademark of the grill’ issue. In my research, and when using TESS, I’ve not encountered any evidence that Willys-Overland tried to trademark the grill during or after the war.
In fact, the trademark filing for the grill wasn’t made until 1979 under AMC
Chrysler, which received the trademark (category IC 012) in 1981 (1170088 … see reference pic). Ever since, AMC and Chrysler relied on that trademark to defend the iconic 7 slot grill design (see this link for example: https://law.justia.com/…/distri…/FSupp2/44/1062/2567958/). The trademark does not reference older trademarks; instead, it simply looks back at the first use of the grille (1941) to make its case for a trademark.So, the issue over the Ford design wasn’t about a grille trademark;, it was that Ford claimed ownership of the grille and wanted credit for it. That led to a fight between Willys-Overland and Ford over who got to use the grille design, who got credit for the term “Jeep” (which Willys DID try to trademark in 1943), who got credit for inventing the jeep design (Willys wanted full credit), and who had the right to use all designs related to the WWII jeeps (which Willys felt entitled to use).
Of course, this wasn’t decided until July 1950 when Willys-Overland was awarded the JEEP trademark, reg #0526175.”
1979 Jeep Grille Trademark Filing
This image shows a young girl and her Sherwood Lightening peddle jeep. I found what I think are images of a good example of this model (seen at bottom).
According to one site, this Sherwood Lightning Express pedal jeep was produced from 1947-1950 . Sherwood later became Hamilton.
View all the information on eBay
“5” x 3.5” in good condition.”
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These images of a Sherwood Lightening peddle jeep came from this site:
Like we saw with the 1948 ads in the Montana Farmer-Stockman, the ads run in the Chronicle-Star out of Pascagoula, Mississippi were more sparse. Moreover, two different dealers posted ads. The first half of the year it was the Runnels-Wiggins Willys Dealer publishing ads. The second half of the year it was the Stewart Motor company out of Mobile, Alabama, publishing ads.
RUNNELS-WIGGINS: February 13, 1948:
RUNNELS-WIGGINS: March 05, 1948:
RUNNELS-WIGGINS: April 09, 1948:
1958 Photo of Arthur Gaeth: Source
Arthur Gaeth had a career that ranged from being a pre-WWII LDS missionary and tour conductor in what is now the Czech Republic/Slovakia, to reporting on displaced citizens in Europe. In 1946, he reported on the Nuremberg trials. In 1947, he provided more details on his life during a Senate hearing where he encouraged the loosening of travel restrictions in Europe. He subsequently had his own radio broadcast and Washington Correspondent for the Mutual Broadcasting System. In the 1950s he became the “Voice of the Denver Post” and a News Commentator for Denver’s KBTV News.
The reason for the background information on Arthur Gaeth is that In January of 1950 he delivered a scathing review of Willys-Overland’s management, which was printed out in the January 1, 1950, issue of the Arizona Sun. While there’s likely some exaggerations within, it still provides some interesting tidbits, such as Mahoney’s Technical Services, Incorporated, side deal. Also, if the name Empire Securities isn’t familiar to you, I’d suggest reading this 1946 Fortune article.
Not much of the jeep shows in this photo showing a soldier hoping for some sleep in the back of a jeep.
View all the information on eBay
“1950 Press Photo a soldier sleeps in his jeep while battle rages near Kumchon. This is an original press photo. South Korea — American troops grab their sleep whenever possible in the battle area near Kumchon. Here one soldier sleeps on the back seat of his jeep.Photo measures 9 x 7.25inches. Photo is dated 08-04-1950.”
These were built as pedal cars, but optionally included a 6 volt motor upgrade. Some of these were also adapted for kids amusement rides. You can learn more at the CJ-3 page: https://cj3b.info/Toys/RidingToysJuniorPro.html . Not many have come up for sale, so the value is hard to ascertain.
“This is a 1947-57 junior pro products 6 volt electric jeep. JPP used to build carnival rides and then built these as pedal cars and later on optioned them with 6v power. Very rare jeep. Not a lot of info on these and not very many like this one were sold. This one came from a cushman dealership in Altoona PA. It had never been sold and was still being stored since the 50s. I’m offering it up for sale for $1200 OBO. The motor still works in forward and reverse. The tires have flat spots on them and it’s missing the v-belt for the motor and the hood. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Thanks the price is shipped within the United States.”
Here’s the 1948 Report On The Universal ‘Jeep’ in Conservation I mentioned last week. At twenty-three pages, it’s larger than I expected with lots of photos. All but three of the photos were taken at the Rio Grande College Farm in Ohio (see last page for more info).
No date on this photo of Joseph K. Brown checking this 1952/early 1953 M-38A1. There’s a possibility that this could be Joseph K. Brown who served in the Korean War and died in 2013.
View all the information on eBay
“Press Photo Joseph Brown checks the motor of a jeep for the workout. This is an original press photo. Sgt. 1/c Joseph K. Brown checks the motor of a jeep in preparation for the workout during the three-day exercises.Photo measures 10 x 8.25inches. Photo is dated –none.”
UPDATE: SOLD. Joe in Mesa snagged this one.
This Oglesby model is missing the trailer and the windshield. The front bumper is broke as well. But, it’s only $29.99 (with $15 shipping) or less with the Make Offer option. Bidding ends at 4:19PST today.
“Vintage 1950’s Oglesby Cast Aluminum Willy’s Jeep . Condition is Used. Shipping priority need a little dusting has bumper damage on the corners missing windshield has paint loss hub caps little loose but can be fix it rolls great sold as is”
Mark shared this article about bumper ropes by Gene Olsen, who also sells ropes he makes through various dealers including Army Jeep Parts.
http://warjeeps.com/articles/BumperRope/WJBumperRopeArticle.html
I can’t imagine there is much value here. I’ve never seen one of these. Looks home made.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1375313335985314/
“Wooden and metal Jeep for sale. I don’t know much about it due to receiving it as a debt payment. I am open to offers.”
