Born in Normandy (near Saint-Lo), France, Eric says he always wanted to have a Jeep.  While serving in the French Marines, he got the opportunity to drive Jeeps — In Africa and other places — which only only served to worsen his desire for a Jeep (yes, became a victim of the ‘Willys Sickness’).

Finally, in 1997, he found a 1942 GPW in the town of Carentan that needed restoration.  If Eric is like the rest of us, he probably felt it would only take a year or two to restore it (I don’t have any pre-restoration pics); instead, the restoration took 7 years.  However, the results speak for themselves — it’s a beautiful Jeep he named the Belly Flopper and in which he travels the countryside whenever he gets the chance.

While Eric’s family still lives in the Normandy area, Eric has moved to the central area of France, which is a bit cooler, especially in the winter.  The reason Eric and I exchanged emails initially was because he was searching for a heater.  I gave him some links on some newer heater options, but had no luck with any early heaters.  If you know of any for sale, he still might be interested in purchase them.  Just add a comment below and I’ll contact you.

Thanks for sharing Eric!