Colin spotted this Surrey-fied MB at Barrett Jackson yesterday. He also saw the “Tender” that was posted last month there.
Features Research Archives
1941 Article about the New Jeeps
This article was published in the May 20, 1941, issue of the Evening Star. It’s rare to see a Willys MA in newspaper photos.

1944 Photo of MacArthur Returning to the Philippines
This photo was published in the November 12, 1944, issue of the Evening Star.
1947 ‘One Versatile Vehicle for 1001 Jobs’ Ad
This ‘One Versatile Vehicle for 1001 Jobs’ ad was published in the March 28, 1947, issue of the Wilmington Morning Star.
1945 Photo of Toy Jeeps w/ Real Jeep
This is all for today (well this and the two videos below). We are still out camping.
These toy jeeps were part of the Seventh War Loan drive. Given the date this was published (July 19, 1945), could these have been the early Al-Toy jeeps?
And, here’s a video highlighting the Seventh War Loan Drive (that includes the Iwo Jima sculpture unveiling).
Alan Hassell’s 1955 M-38A1
Panama City, Florida’s, News Herald featured this video and story about Alan Hassell’s M-38A1.
https://www.newsherald.com/news/20190107/retired-colonels-restored-jeep-is-armed-and-ready-photos
New Industry at Willys Overland’s Former Property
This news report from Toledo shared the news that Willys Overland’s former plant property is now being used by the Dana Corp and others.
https://www.13abc.com/content/news/Willys-Overland-creating-jobs-again-502929891.html
Mac Wood’s Dune Shooters
They aren’t jeeps, but these rigs surf the Silver Lake sand dunes with passengers, and have been doing so since 1930. I’ve included some post cards of older dune tour vehicles below. To see all pics, or to schedule your next dune ride, check out Mac Wood’s Dune Rides here.
Ford Authority’s Ford Jeep ‘History’
This article takes some liberties with jeep history.
http://fordauthority.com/2019/01/its-time-to-buy-a-no-reserve-1942-ford-jeep/#comment-375328
1943 American Car Company Ad
This May 23, 1943, American Car Company Ad was published in the Evening Star, out of Washington, D. C.. Given Bantam lost the production contract in 1941, it seems an unusual ad, especially many folks probably hadn’t heard of nor seen a Bantam vehicle.
1950s Postcard of Salty Johns, Junior and Their Jeep on eBay
UPDATE: Here’s another postcard of Salty Johns on eBay.
This postcard shows Salty Johns, his dog Junior, and his “Flashy” jeep. Salty’s real name was Vernon Johns. He worked as the Audubon Society Wildlife Warden for Lydia Ann Island. He also brought some color to the Port Aransas, Texas, beaches. That sure is an unusual bumper setup.
1945 “Jeep is Here” Announcement
This October 3, 1945, ad from Willys-Overland was published in the Evening Star, based in Washington, D.C.. The ad announces the appointment of Willys of Washington as an area distributer.














