The January 30, 1944, Sunday issue of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune made John Henkels and his son front page news for the purchase of their 1941 Ford GP from Wilensky’s auto parts. What a cold drive back to Fulda, Minnesota, that must have been!
1945-1946 Ads for Army Surplus Jeeps in Minneapolis
This ad appeared within the classified ad section of the October 04, 1946, issue of the Minneapolis Star. It was posted by American Motor Sales, which was located at 1220 West Broadway. Whether the company actually had Ford GPs for sale isn’t clear; most likely, it was just standard MBs or GPWs.
A few days later, the Downtown Chevrolet Company advertised in the October 09, 1946, issue of the Minneapolis Star that they had 100 surplus jeeps available for customers:
Subsequently, an ad was placed by Twin City Motors, which also claimed to have jeeps (either GPWs or FORD GPs or both):
So, how did these companies obtain the jeeps? As we saw yesterday, there were some bidding opportunities that allowed Hyman Berg and others the opportunity to purchase multiple prototype jeeps. So, perhaps these Minneapolis-based companies also scored some prototypes that way?
What we do know is that the government was selling jeeps to veterans (previous stories highlight sale in Hawaii and California). And, those jeeps sold pretty quickly.
For example, in late 1945, the government’s War Asset group put 10,000 jeeps up for purchase by veterans. Those 10,000 jeeps were promptly sold (November 30, 1945, the Star Tribune):
A month later, an article from the Dec 08, 1945, issue of the Minneapolis Star, announced that another batch of 10,000 jeeps had been made available as of December 1945:
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January 1956 Koenig Hardtop & Misc Brochure
This is Koenig bulletin #156, one that I finally purchased and scanned. This brochure marked a change in model numbers from Koenig’s 1955 brochure; the “-5″s were eliminated in favor of individual hardtop numbers (which I imagine was easier for consumers to understand). See a Koenig hardtop brochure history here.
ACE Model Willys-Ma Torrance, CA $15
Unfortunately, the seller won’t ship model, which is very Willys-MA-like. Otherwise, I would have snagged this. Great price.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2600242193600795
“No holds No shipping Cash only Xposted”
9 Jeep Safari Belt Buckles Westminster, CO $85
Here’s an unusual collection of belt buckles from past Jeep Safaris.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/406060797361623
“Selling the lot for $85 or best offer! Shipping is available!”
1948 CJ-2A Auburn, CA $12,000
Needs some work. Sell is asking for offers.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/285295629608087
“1948 Willys CJ2A all original motor. Cash only make offer. Motor runs perfect. Needs new rear driveline an Brake lines”
1951 CJ-3A Vacaville, CA $2500
Not sure how much value is here.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/261254399001397
“It has been sitting on property for years Sold as is & will need to pick it up on property In Jamestown”
1948 CJ-2A Tucson, AZ **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.
(01/27/2021) Seems worth a look.
“1948 Jeep Willy Cj2A
Needs full restoration but it’s all there. Straight 4 engine and manual transmission all original. I was going to restore it but I decided to go another direction. Comes with Seat frames and Roll bars. Body Has very little rust in your usual spots but it’s a great project worth a lot some day. I’m the 3 owner and have original title as memorabilia.
Asking price is: $3500”
1975 CJ-5 Sand Jeep Surprise, AZ $7500
UPDATE: Still Available.
(11/27/2020) Needs some work, but seller doesn’t specify.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1022408671545172
“1975 CJ it has a built 440 (old technology built with parts from Loper’s. Over 20k in the motor) motor has approximately 5-10 hours on it. Has reversed shift pattern 3 speed TorqueFlite with manual valve body built for motor. Upgraded differentials. Fiberglass front end Made to climb competition hill without having to back down. It needs some tlc but is solid. I need it gone. I have to many projects and preparing to move out of state”
1954 CJ-3B Wellington, NV $2000
UPDATE: Still Available.
(02/07/2021) The frame is likely shot.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3866730096720257
“1954 Willy’s CJ3b jeep. Clean NV title, good 283 SBC engine. The bad, the frame is tweaked in front and will need straightened. The hood and front fenders are shot. Grill is a maybe.
New Hood $400 – https://www.morris4x4center.com/willeys-logo-marked-hood-dmc-681334.html New left fender $300 – https://www.morris4x4center.com/fender-left-hand-681229-3a.html
New right fender $300 – https://www.morris4x4center.com/omix-replacement-front-fender-right-side-sold-individually-12004-14.html
For the right person, this is an excellent project jeep. No delivery available, will need trailered. Cash in hand to come see.”






























