Hmm … wonder if he delivered any Wurlitzers in this? This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Features Research Archives
Alaska WWII Jeep Hardtops & the YL-15
Paul from Alaska wrote, “Recently I was at the Alaska Aviation Museum helping a friend assemble his plane when I noticed a very large photo displayed on the wall of the hanger. As you can see this photo was taken in 1947 at Adak but what really caught my attention were the numerous flat fender Jeeps with hardtops driving on the base. I took a close up photo of a cluster of these Jeeps even though the image is rather grainy but I thought you’d like to see it anyway.”

Labeling these 1 – 5 starting from the left, jeeps #1 and #3 look to have the same top. #2’s top is extended in the rear. #4 has no side windows. #5 I can’t see as well.

The full photo is in the background above the rare Boeing YL-15, which Paul’s friend has restored. The plane was built to win a military contract. The wings, tail and flaps come off quickly so the plane can be carried by a 6 by or towed by a Jeep.
Here’s an mocked-up example of a jeep pulling the plane:
Paul’s M-100 Trailer Teardown
On another note, Paul has begun his tear down of an M-100 trailer, something he’ll rebuild in stainless:
Jeep Parts Needed
Hanksters Hot Rods’ New Showroom in Florida
John dropped by the new showroom at Hanksters Hot Rods‘ in Daytona Beach, Florida, and took a few pics of their jeep. Admission is free and all donations go to the local YMCA.

1943 Letter w/ Jeep Illustration at Top on eBay
Here’s a letter on a jeep illustrated letterhead, one I’ve never seen.
“An original World War Two letter including the envelope written by Cliff Brandow who was in the 256th Field Artillery. This letter is dated Oct. 18, 1943. It has the logo of a jeep with soldiers and says, Camp Gordon Augusta Georgia. I currently have other letters written by this individual listed. The letter is in very good condition, with some light wear, the cover has wear.”
Just a Couple Updates Tonight
I got back late from Seattle late last night, so just a couple updates. Several readers asked if I got anything done on Biscuit while there, but (as Mitch can attest, because he dropped by) I took an hour to stare at the jeep, but between minor book fixes, caring for dad, and sonny-do projects, I didn’t have much extra time.
On my way home I stopped by to visit Roy Williams and his friend, Todd Francis. Todd is the 2nd or 3rd largest manufacturer of two-piece high performance VW blocks in the world. He ships them all around the planet. It was a real treat to watch the blocks being milled, drilled, and cleaned. His racing buggy was pretty cool, too. I didn’t have my camera with me, so no pics.
You can learn more about them on Facebook or at his website (which will be receiving a makeover sometime soon).
Hundreds of M-606s
Blaine spotted this great photo showing hundreds of what appear to be M-606s about ready to be shipped to Iran in 1962. It’s part of an article in the Toledo Blade about the 75th anniversary of the Willys-Overland-produced jeep.
http://www4.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2016/04/25/Toledo-to-mark-Jeep-s-75th-in-August-fest.html
One Way to Save on Gas
The green FC-170 pictured below is the one for sale out of Chicago. I have to say, this is one way to save on gas!
The Australian Combat 6 & Sportster CJ-5s
Maury ran across this rare CJ-5 and figured few people knew about it (I’ve never written anything about it). Kaiser Jeep of Australia built what they called Jeep Combat 6, a CJ-5 derivative. They had Ford 170ci straight 6 motors, the same engine used in the early Mustangs. It was the Australian answer to the Dauntless V6 being installed Stateside.
About 460 Jeep Combat 6 vehicles were made. Of the 460, it is unknown how many were CJ5’s or CJ6’s, as all documented records were either lost or destroyed. The chassis and the tubs were imported from Kaiser’s US plant and assembled with the Ford engines in Brisbane. Here’s photos of 1968 Combat 6 that was for sale about a year ago in Australia:
You can learn more about them at the CJ-3B page (scroll down to the page’s bottom). Here’s an example of a Combat 6 brochure.
According to the 3B page, the Combat 6 marketing didn’t last for long. The Australian arm of Kaiser Jeep dropped the Combat 6 brand, possibly replacing it with the Sportster. As you can see in this ad that was for sale on Australia’s eBay, the Sportster CJ-5 had the inline 6. If anyone has more info, please let me know. I couldn’t find much on these.
























