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Happy New Year: 2014!!

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
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2013 proved to be a wild ride!

2013 was by far the best year for eWillys yet. In March we embarked on our trip through the Southwest, which included the 2013 FC Roundup, camping, offroading and exploring. We followed that up with a trip to the East Coast and back, also full of rewarding experiences, festivals, and adventures. Especially important, we got to meet so many people with whom I’ve only known virtually. Everyone was kind and wonderful; I especially appreciated how welcome you made Ann feel. So, thanks to everyone!

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The CJ-2Apage forum regulars got together for a group photo at the 2013 Willys Reunion.

For 2014, we plan to do a trip in March through California on our way to the FC Roundup. From there, depending on funds, time and my kids’ schedules, we may head only as far as New Mexico OR we’ll head deep into Texas. Either way, we’ll likely be doing another trip through rarely traveled areas of Utah and Idaho on our way back north.

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Our side trip off the Burr Trail in Utah – March 2013

Part of the California trip is designed to help inspire me with my third book, tentatively titled October Gold. It’s named after a painting completed by my Aunt Emma and display at an art show in 1915 in New York City. The title was so perfect for my subject (Pacific WWII gold) that it seemed tailor made for my book. In the book, the characters travel part of California, so we need to trace some of the characters intended travels (trying not to pay spoiler here).  The book’s a long way from being finished — I’m currently enjoying the research (my favorite part of writing).

I currently anticipate no big upcoming changes to the website. You probably noticed I finally placed a good adsense box at the top of the website, something I was forced to do because of the change by eBay in the way they calculate revenue.

I expect to have Biscuit back on the road by early summer. I haven’t seen any reason to endure the cold garage temperatures at the moment (it’s a better time for reading and book research).

I don’t know if 2014 can top 2013, but I can’t wait to find out. Happy New Year everyone!

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My wife sure is a good sport . . . even when I put her in ‘jail’. I expect there will be plenty of photos in 2014, too.

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More on the Crosley “Pup” Jeep

• CATEGORIES: Airborne Lightweight Jeeps, Features, Museums, Old Images • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: The mystery Crosely at the bottom of the post has been identified as a Crosley Bull Pup thanks to L.C. Odin.

For those who haven’t read the article I posted on the lightweight jeeps a few years ago, Crosley built ‘extra-light weight’ four wheel drive vehicles called the CT-3 Pup and marketed to the military in 1942. The Pup had a 2-cylinder 13hp engine air cooled motor and weighed 1125 lbs. What I didn’t know was that a slightly different ‘hi hood’ version of the Crosley Pup was also built.  More about that in a moment.

The issue of the Pup came to my attention yesterday because Marc forwarded me a great photo of a CT-3 Pup being loaded onto US Navy Bomber May 5, 1942, on eBay.

View all the information on ebay

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According to Hemmings thirty-seven Crosley Pups were built before the idea was abandoned, at least in part, due to some weak parts. As in the photo above, here’s another look at the ‘classic’ version which you can view at Mighty Eight Air Force Museum in Pooler, Ga. (more pics of it here) and check out these fantastic detail photos at the Comancheclub.

What makes the Crosley Pup jeep more interesting is that I discovered the following photos taken at the Cincinnati History Museum (Interesting note: the Museum offered a history program on Powel & Lewis Crosley in 2013) of a version of the Crosley that seems to have been ignored.

UPDATE: This has been identified as the Crosley Bull Pup. See L.C. Odin’s comment for more info .(Photos taken by Nicholas Massa)?

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Photos from Charles

• CATEGORIES: News This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Charles shared some more photos.

The name of this road is Hell’s Highway (learn more about Highway 69 here) which was used during Operation Market Garden. Given the soldiers in the ditch, I’d say this 1944 photo captures they felt the same way:

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 1944 photo of Graves Bridge, Holland, an Operation Market Garden strategic point:

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This photo shows the Belgian Army in Korea:

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Ride-em Erector Set from 1960s **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

I don’t remember these toys in the old Sears Catalogs. The cover has a jeepish sort of vehicle.

“GILBERT RIDE-EM ERECTOR BOXED SET 15x21x5.5 deep box contains complete.From 1965. Box has creases, some missing surface paper.
Still displays Fine. Box lid and instructions show 5 different vehicles to be built including jeep, sports car, 3-wheel scooter, runabout and tractor. Instruction sheet has partially darkened with age

Instructions has been torn, all due to age. and wear and use!! This is an incredible Rare Erector Building set. 47 going on 48 Years OLD !!! SUPER VINTAGE !!! FOR ALL TOY COLLECTORS
This is the Ultimate Building Set, Builds, 5 different vehicles, all PARTS are accounted for. Box, shows wear, as shown on pictures. Please look at all pictures and message me any questions.
Obviously if this was Complete Mint from 1965 it would be worth thousands and thousands, probably not even have a known value. However these are rare and hard to find in any condition.
In 1965 A.C Gilbert Company went bankrupt in 1967, so with the financial issues, they didn’t make a massive run of production on sets before than.”

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2 M-38A1s Abilene, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: M-38A1 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $5800. Likely Sold.

Both run.

“I have a couple of M38A1 Military jeeps that I need to sell…One is a 1954 and the other is a 1955…Both jeeps are 24 volt electrical systems….Both jeeps start and run…They both need some TLC…Not rust buckets…2 new batteris included….I have more pictures…I have a title for one of the jeeps and a bill of sale for the other..Great restoration projects…Asking $5800.00 for both jeeps or make me a resonable offer….email this post for more info..”

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1960 FC-150 Conyers, GA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: FC150-FC170-M677 • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was listed at $5000.

This jeep may be worth a look.

“1960 Jeep FC150 – Runs, four wheel drive operational, little rust, new carb., new fuel pump, new master cylinder.”

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1948 Jeepster Fairfield, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: Jeep Rods, Jeepster • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $38990

Nice looking Jeepster.

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This 1948 Willys-Overland Jeepster VJ2 two door Pheaton convertible (Stock # B8034) is available in our Fairfield, CA showroom and any inquiries may be directed to us at 707-748-4000 or via email at Sales@SpecialtySales.com.

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1942 MB Slat Grille Pahrump, NV **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** was $6000

This appears to be a complete jeep along with lots of good parts.

“Extremely rare early WW2 MB jeep. Comes with new correct body and all sheet metal. Many more parts not shown in photos. Two windshields etc. Located in Pahrump. Phone only, no text, email, or scammers”

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