UPDAT: Was $10,000. **SOLD**
This was a navy Jeep. Plenty to read about this one.
“I’ve had this great running little jeep for several years. I’m thinking I may want to pursue a different hobby so it may be time for my Jeep to move to a new home. I purchased this from a friend of mine (WWII aircraft mechanic) that used it at Centennial Airport to pull vintage airplanes around the hanger. The reported history is it was originally purchased by the US Navy in Hawaii and used as a shore patrol or similar right after the war. Although there were many Army jeeps in the area, the Navy purchased a few right after the war directly from local dealers (sounds like a mini-stimulus program). I verified this info from a WWII Jeep forum on the web called G503.com.
In any event, the story goes it was in military service for a few months but then was surplused and ended up in New Mexico. There are brass plaques attached that reference 1946 dates of service. It spent the 50s-70s or so there until it was purchased by a local, well known construction company CEO. It ended up at Centennial Airport here in Colorado and WWII veteran guys and that is where I found it. I used to help maintain Wings Over the Rockies Museum aircraft. Long story short (well, kind of short), I ended up with it. I have used it to run into town, pick up kids from school, parades, and even taken it from the bottom to the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although she was breathing heavy at the top, she made it without missing a beat. The bottom line is this little guy never left me stranded even during high-altitude testing! It’s been kept inside for at least the last 20 years and hasn’t seen off road use since.
Will, as he is affectionately known by my family and I, starts, runs and drives, and shifts great. The motor was rebuilt at some point in the recent past but not by me (does not smoke or burn oil). Like many other vehicles of this age, it does leak some though (I keep something under it). I purchased a New Old Stock (NOS) transmission that the USA left in Turkey after WWII and installed it. If you know these Jeeps, 2nd gear has a tendency to jump out during downhills. This new trans does not. I put a new clutch, new ring gear, rebuilt starter (has been converted to 12 volt) and also had the transfer case rebuilt as well. Also has NOS foot starter button, unpacked from its original 1945 box. Lights work but turn signals (not offered in 1946) are the “stick your arm out the side” kind. I installed a new battery and electronic ignition distributor that gives the reliability of new technology with the look of the original. I obtained an original military-style fuel filter canister for it but though it is mounted on the firewall, is not operational (could be with some plumbing). A new master cylinder and one or two new wheel cylinders were installed in the last couple of years as well.
The body, though not a stitch of rust anywhere, has been dented in several places over the years, fixed by who knows who, filled with bondo in some places and painted (at least 2 coats of Navy grey paint over the original blue). The paint is still shiny but was not a high quality, restoration style paintjob. The drivers and passenger’s floor were replaced as well at some point (they originally hardwood supports underneath that tended to cause rust in the floorboards). I have canvas top (military style), Jerry can, and aircraft-style sheepskin seat covers. The back seat was built by somebody and though looks good, is not original. The steering box works fine but there is quite a bit of play in it. I have the rebuild kit that will go with it (seems easy enough to do yourself). Each nut and bolt I have ever turned on this Jeep turns just as easily as can be. None of them have ever needed penetrating oil or excessive force (beware that the left side wheel nuts are left threaded though, ha, long story there too). The toolbox floor is solid.
The window frame is intact. The wind caught the unlatched hood and the hood slammed up and weakened the window frame. I believe it can be easily welded for support but I also have another window frame that will go with it. The military style NDT tires are at the end of their life. I am ordering new military tires for it and will have them installed. Parts for these vehicles are easy to obtain and actually can sometimes still even be found at your local auto parts store. The fuel gauge works intermittently and the speedo does not currently work ( I have a new cable though and will provide).
I have an original canvas window cover (to minimize reflection to aircraft when the front window is folded down) and couple of vintage military canvas bags that hang on it as well. I have done my best to only use NOS parts and keep this Jeep as original as possible for future generations. It’s not a mud bogger, but a very fun vehicle to own. Please, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you have as I am quite knowledgeable about these and want you to be happy with it.