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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 .
Bruce spotted this unusual jeep utility addition. The seller notes they scrapped the jeep, but then says he was just kidding and is keeping the jeep (in other words, jeep is not for sale). Anyway, the hotdog vendor unit is certainly an unusual feature!
“Up for sale is a hot dog cooking insert for a willys jeep. Scrapped the jeep(was a little rusty) but thought the hot dog unit was worth saving. Has lots of places to cook stuff and it fits like a glove. Check out the pics. some modification to the wheel well on the drivers side to accomodate what looks to be a sink.probably could remove this piece so no cutting wheel well.Has all the valves and burners I think never tried it out. could use some nobs for the temp control. from the front of the jeep you can not tell this is in the back, and from the back you can not tell its a jeep. from the side it looks like it should be there. happy bidding ! Only kidding about scraping the jeep, the jeep does not go with it. pickup in howell nj only. Pay in full and will hold inside as long as needed. this thing would be the hot diggity dog of the trail rides. good luck! Bill”
UPDATE: Bruce let me know that there were three different windshields sported by the DJ-3A:
1. The typical 3A type with the vent that opens up;
2. It also came with what is referred to as the 3B WS frame. That green jeep (see below) probably has it’s original WS frame;
3. The 3rd style is the ventilating WS frame that is similar to the 2a frame in
that the glass tilts outward. This 3rd type is very rare and I have only
seen one DJ with the 3rd style
OVERVIEW
I’ve been meaning to write this history of sorts about the DJ-3A ever since I received this information from Bruce last October. Many thanks to Bruce for his tireless effort to understand the DJ-3A and his desire to share this information with the world-at-large.
I would still not consider this post finished, as I’m sure a few of you have some interesting details to add or correct.
THE GOAL:
My goal here is to take Bruce’s information and organize it in a way to make sense of this strange thing called the DJ-3A Dispatcher Gala Surrey Not-quite-a-CJ-3A colorful Jeep. I want to differentiate between these three models — DJ-3A/DJ-3A dispatcher, DJ-3A Gala, and the DJ-3A Surrey — so that I can better evaluate these vehicles when I run across them for sale.
Importantly, and for clarification, based on all the research I have reviewed, there appears to be no such thing as a DJ-3A Gala Surrey (and I’m as responsible as anyone for describing them that way). The literature I have received from Bruce refers to either a DJ-3A Gala or a DJ-3A Surrey. The Gala’s were promoted as Gala’s at the international resorts and Hawaii (which became a state in 1959, which might explain why this was being handled like an international sale).
THE DJ-3A & DJ-3A DISPATCHER:
The DJ-3A was introduced in 1955. It used the body style of the older CJ-3A, along with the L-134 engine. Unlike the CJ-3A, it came with either a column shift or top loader three-speed T-96 manual transmission. It was offered with many different body options including a soft top, hard top, or even a full van body. Some of these body options made changes to the body necessary, including some that had no tailgates so the spare tire could mount in the rear.
Others, like the DJ-3A Dispatchers, had differently shaped passenger and driver sides to allow easy entry & exit of the vehicle (I assume those were the reasons). With all these different body options, it is no wonder many of us, and yours truly as well, were confused about what constitutes a DJ-3A.
Thus far, everything I’ve learned suggests that there were no 4wd DJ-3A’s produced. So, if you encounter a 4wd DJ-3A, it’s been modified.
Probably, the most distinctive, unique, and consistent body attribute of a DJ-3A is the large speedometer, similar to the CJ-5 and the post-1955 CJ-3B speedometers. It was the only ‘low hood’ flat fender produced with the large speedometer.
EXAMPLES:
Below is a Convertible DJ-3A. You can see the lack of 4wd in the front. Click on the picture to see more pictures. Though I thought the below windshield was from a CJ-3B, Bruce provided a correction to that statement. He says some DJ-3As came with a 3B SW Frame, and he believes that’s what we are looking at in this pic.
Here’s an example from Chris of a DJ-3A without a tailgate.
Here’s a DJ-3A Dispatcher example (note cutout sides) with a tail gate:
And here’s another nice dispatcher with a top:
THE DJ-3A GALA:
In early 1959, the DJ-3A Gala was introduced and marketed to vacation locations in an attempt to offer rentable transportation solutions for vacationers visiting resorts. According to the article below, the idea was the brain child of the Las Brisas Resort in Acapulco, Mexico, which painted a few jeeps pink and offered them to consumers. Louis Yocich, a Willys dealer, spotted them and brought the idea back to the factory. To this day, the Las Brisas resort and hotel still refers to itself as a ‘Pink and White Paradise” (see quality control comment).
MUCH MUCH More information. This post was simply too big to put on the front page:
“This example in the rare colors of Cerulean Blue and Glacier White is probably the best completely restored example in the world. Everything has been done to the highest standards from the paint and chrome to the bright waterproof fabric upholstery and surrey top. The underhood presentation is exceptional and no detail has been ignored. Much more practical than a Moke or Jolly with legendary Jeep reliability this is a superb and entirely practical vehicle for bright summer days at the shore lake or ranch and will vie with Bentleys and Ferraris for pride of place in valet parking lots in Hollywood the Hamptons or South Beach. $42,500”
This was for sale as late as Sept 5, 2009 for $35,000.
“This is Red Skelton’s personal Surrey. With 14,000 original miles, it has just completed a body-off frame restoration. There is much memorabilia that goes with this Surrey and photo documentation of the restoration and Red’s journey.
This darling little Surrey was previously owned by the legendary comedian Red Skelton. Most of us can relate to one of his characters like Freddie the Freeloader or Clem Kadiddlehopper, for in each of his characters was a bit of each of us. Red Skelton’s Willys DJ-3A Surrey Gala has just completed a meticulous 10-year, body-off frame, complete nut and bolt restoration. The finished product is beyond stunning. Included with the sale of this Surrey are many pieces of Red Skelton memorabilia, like the Freddie the Freeloader vest used during the Red Skelton Hour on CBS TV during the 1960’s, with certificate of authenticity. Red was also quite an artist and included are three Red Skelton prints, the “Girl Clown”, “Floral Bouquet” and “Old Glory”. There is also a limited edition “Clown with Candy Cane” painting with certificate of authenticity. Also included is a 13-page binder of photographs documenting the entire Surrey restoration. The binder chronicles the life and times of Red Skelton’s comedy career. There are many fun stories and photos that invite you into the humorous life of Red Skelton. There are copies of Red Skelton’s California titles and a note from Red’s widow, Lothian Skelton, describing the Surrey and how much Red loved it. All of this goes with the sale of the Surrey.”
UPDATE: Colin reports that he purchased this Jeep and is enjoying it a lot! Congrats! He also reports below that the original date listed by the seller as 1956 was incorrect and that it was actually a 1960 Surrey.
“Production of the 2-wheel drive Willys DJ3A model began in 1956 and continued until 1964. The DJ3A utilized the 4 cylinder “Go Devil” engine, T90 side-shift transmission, and a Dana 23 rear end. The DJ3A surrey was marketed to resorts and as a fun beach buggy. This dj-3a gala surrey was Owned by 20th Century Fox where it was used in a few beach movies. Annette Funicello, Frank Sanatra etc.. Sold to Pioneer Garage in 1982 where it was totally redone. down to the frame and sat on display in the pioneer jeep showroom on Washington St. in Peabody Ma. Until purchased in 5/09 to me when the dealership closed its doors forever. It runs and drives awesome, 3 speed on the column, a true collectible. I have pictures and documentation from 20th century fox showing the vehicles history there. Also I have pictures of the jeep with Annette and Frank in the vehicle. Mileage is around 2000 miles, although California determined it as a undetermined value amount because the gauge glass was sun faded and not readable. When you see this vehicle you will know the mileage to be true.”
It is very rare to see one of these in such poor condition.
“Elvis owned one. 1960 Pink surrey gala jeep. Condition restorable original parts. Bought in May 1978. odometer reading 20,000. Engines apart but complete. $3,ooo or best offer.”
I’m not sure if this is actually a Surrey or not, but it’s definitely a 2 Wheel Drive DJ-3A.
“Up for bid is a Surrey Gala pink Willys Jeep. I do not know an exact year the Jeep was made (the year I put above was a guess). The Jeep was painted over but there is still lots of pink showing all over. The Jeep runs. Carburetor needs rebuilding it runs way to rich and leaks gas. The gas tank has rust in it and clogs up fuel filters. Column shifter is broken at top of shift handle. I have been shifting with vice grips, transmission shifts good and appears to have had been rebuilt, dope looks brand new and case has been cleaned to bare metal. Seat frames are very solid and springs seem in very good shape, steering wheel has some cracks in it. The windshield glass is broken and the windshield frame is very solid but it has some rust spots, the hood hinge was broken and somebody put screws in it. Bowl for air filter is missing. A hole for a radio was cut into dash. The body tub only has two holes rusted through, one on the right side at the body support above the fender step and the left side at top of wheelwell underneath a roll bar that was in it…. ”
I have to say I find it frustrating when professional sellers make mistakes with the history of the jeep like RM Auctions. You can read their interpretation of jeep history here. This will be a no reserve auction on August 14, 2009.
UPDATE: Last listed in 2009. The bumper appears Surreyish.
(07/13/2009) This has been family owned for it’s entire life.
“1948 WILLYS CJ2A PURCHASED BY MY PARENTS NEW IN NOV 15TH 1948. BODY IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. ENGINE PONTIAC 4 CL
1980 WITH VERY LOW MILES, RUNS GOOD.
USED ON FARM, DRIVEN VERY LITTLE.
PARENTS BOUGHT NEW FORD IN 1950..
I LEARNED TO DRIVE IN THIS WILLYS IN THE EARLY 1950’S.
IT HAS BEEN IN SOUTH FLORDIA SINCE 1982, ONLY DRIVEN TO THE BEACH A FEW TIMES. IT HAS A LOT OF SENTIMENTAL MEMORIES. 64 YEARS OLD.
IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. $5995 OR BEST OFFER.
PLEASE PUT 1948 WILLYS IN RESPONSE OR I WILL NOT RESPOND, THANK YOU. ”
“This 1960 Willys Jeep DJ Gala Edition Soft Top Coupe features a 4 cyl cyl Gasoline engine. It is equipped with a 3 speed manual transmission. The vehicle is Pink with a Pink Vinyl interior. It is offered As-Is, extended warranty is available. AM-FM, Wheels, Vinyl Interior Surface – Contact Eric Lotz at 910-815-1055 x2 or sales@fleetleaseremarketing.com for more information.”
“This 1963 DJ-3 has been restored to better than new condition and is beyond perfect in every respect. It is powered by Jeeps rugged little 134 cubic inch inline four-cylinder engine with three-speed manual transmission. More importantly it is festively finished in Flaming Pink and White with a Pink and White striped surrey top and spare tire cover. It is cheeky cute cheerful and fabulously restored.”
There are a TON of great pictures of this Surrey. I don’t think I’ve seen this Surrey listed previously, but I might have missed it; it looks like no expense was spared in it’s restoration.
“Purchaced by Wayne Davis because his wife liked the way it looked, this Gala-Surrey was purchaced at a small Jeep dealer in Cleveland, Texas, a full restoration began with an unlimited budget. The car was brought back to its original color scheme of pink and white as no detail was overlooked. The end result revealed a car ready for any show. Contact Jose at 281 497 1000 with questions about this Jeep”
