emailNeed to contact me and don't have my email? Click on email button.
About eWillys
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.
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 .
Prior to the finalization of the MB Jeep, The American Bantam, Ford, and Willys all created pilot and prototype jeeps in an attempt to win Army contracts. Bantam built the very first jeep, the Bantam BRC. They also built the BRC-60 and BRC-40. Ford built the Pygmy, the Budd, and the GP. Willys built the Willys Quad and the Willys MA. Checker appears to have built one based on Bantam parts. Finally, are rumors of a jeep by York-Hoover, but I’ve never nailed down actual pictures. See this post: http://www.ewillys.com/2010/03/14/york-hoover-all-terrain-prototype/
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.
=====================================
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
“This is an original WW2 4″ x 16″ solid disc jeep wheel . Very good condition. Still retains its olive drab paint. Location is in Everett WA. I am posting it in a few places to find the right buyer.”
This November 22, 1941, article in the New York Daily news about a British strike force in Libya that used some jeeps. The jeep pictured appears to be the original Ford Pygmy.
I hope everyone enjoys their Fourth of July! We are spending it at home as we work on various projects. I’ve mostly been focusing on jeeps, while Ann has taken on painting the guest house a barn-red color.
I spent some time a couple days ago work on the racer’s frame (removing and grinding). Along the way I discovered a few interesting tidbits.
Here’s where I started, with the gas tank, battery, and cowl in place. Because I want to gain a few more inches for the cockpit, I want to move the gas tank and battery back farther, which means redoing the mounts for both.
Before removal:
After .. you can more easily see the custom crossmember that was added when the frame was widened. Not the prettiest installation work.
While looking at the rear of the frame, I noticed that the frame seems to widened further in back. It turns out the rear of the frame rails is about 1.5″ wider than the mid section and front section of the frame. I don’t believe that was intentional. Here are a couple pics looking down both frames rails. It’s easy to see the frame’s bows. However, I don’t want to redo the entire frame at this point; I’m more interested in functionality.
It’s hard not to want to toss the frame and do a full rebuild, but I don’t want to make that investment of time and money until I’m sure I still enjoy racing. It just has to be safe, comfy, and dependable. Looks can come later.
UPDATE: Grant spotted this video whose first segment includes the music at the bottom and glimpses of some early prototype jeeps (Bantams various points, mostly between :30 and 2:20 and a Ford GP around mark :50):
===================
Originally published March 27, 2019: Carl pointed out that the 1944 sheet music for “The Caissons Go Rolling Along” sheet music included a jeep on the cover (#1 below). After some searching on eBay, some other popped up. I bought the bottom one that features the Ford GP and Willys MA.
UPDATE: I had something else planned for today, but my email turned flakey, so those pics will have to wait until tomorrow …. This is the third time I’ve reposted this, as the first two links turned back. I first posted the video below in 2015. It’s worth a second third look.
This video is called “WWII Jeep Gets an Honorable Discharge” and shows Mayor Fred Heine’s Ford GP. The video shows the jeep working on the farm. Lots of great shots. Wyatt’s father was the first person to work on it when Fred Heine couldn’t get it started. The jeep is now at the U.S.Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville Alabama, which was featured last week.
Shane mentioned the existence of this video about a Bantam Fire Jeep Restoration by Duncan Rolls, who is well known for his other Bantam recreations (such as the original BRC). For some reason, the video won’t appear within the post, so follow the link below.
Blaine spotted what appears to be a jeep in the background of this Three Stooges movie. The jeep appears at the 1:08 mark and is shot from a couple angles until the 2:35 mark.
Can you spot the jeep and what model does it most look like to you? To me there are elements that make it look like it was originally a jeep, but it also has some elements that don’t look correct for this particular model.
