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 20^th 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.”

View more pics

Continue reading →

UPDATE:  A reader noted that this has already sold

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…. ”

View all the pics on eBay

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.

“60 hp, 134 cu. in. inline L-head four-cylinder engine, three-speed synchromesh transmission with floor-mounted gearshift, Hypoid semi-floating rear axle, four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 80”

Visit RM Auctions to view more pics

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $30,000

“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.”

UPDATE: Was $41,500. **SOLD**

This might be the same one that was for auction on eBay.

“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.”

On first glance this looks almost brand new.  But, on a closer look I realized someone couldn’t resist modifying it by changing the windshield.  At first, I thought the windshield was raised and attached to an added bracket; however, after looking at more pictures,  I’d say someone tried to make a CJ-3B windshield fit on it. On such a rare and good looking jeep, I can only wonder why??

“This ultra rare 5000-mile documented original 1963 Willys spent the majority of it`s life on a golf course in Florida. It is believed to be one of the few Surrey Gala models. At some point in it’s life it has had a color change and top upgrade. For the last 15 years it has been part of a private collection. It has never been offered for sale before. It is in excellent mechanical condition and presents beautifully.”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

“BOUGHT BY FATHER 12 YEARS AGO, STORED LAST 5 YRS, TAKEN OUT APPROXIMATELY 3 TIMES A YEAR FOR CASUAL USE OR JUST TO CLEAN

WHEN PURCHASED, FRAME UP RESTORATION, BUT DID NOT TOUCH BODY, ORIGINALLY WAS PINK BUT WHEN PURCHASED RED IN COLOR, REBUILT MOTOR, PUT IN NEW BREAKS, WHEEL CYCLINDERS, BRAKE LINES, MASTER CYCLINDERS, TIRES, SHOCKS,SAND BLASTED, PRIMERED AND PAINTED EVERYTHING.  THERE IS A SOFT TOP AND DOORS INCLUDED, SEE PICTURES”