Tracy shared pics of his grandfather’s WW2 jeep that was customized at some point, either motor-pool modified or post-war modified. He’s hoping someone might have more information about it.
“This Willys came to me by way of my grandfather, a WW2 veteran of Normandy where, D-Day+1 his unit was shelled by 88’s and he lost his leg.
I have no idea when he, himself, acquired it as I never even knew it existed until I was called to remove it. Since my father never mentioned it to me, it is likely he didnt know either.
I can only assume he had visions of restoring it. Now, that falls to me, and I gladly accept that.
My plan is to do more of a “restification” on it than an all out restoration.
You see, the modifications that have been made are completely, and thoroughly welded in place. As it looks to have been this way since, at least, the era that it was acquired as surplus, if not before, it has really become part of the vehicle’s story and it will remain. The workmanship is very well done and, whoever did these modifications was a very skilled welder/fabricator as all welds, fit, and finish are top notch.
So, I share it here in hopes that I may find information on that history.”
Glad to hear he’s going to keep it that way. Such a great piece of Americana. That it has the original horn in matching condition speaks volumes to a low or one owner post government history. What would be helpful in the history of it is determining the source of the fenders. ie: from an American car donor or a car from Europe. My guess? Immediate post-war Europe. I cannot imagine a motorpool customizing of this magnitude, even for a General officer. Or, the few that could thee would be many pics available to confirm it. This would also make a nice display at an MVPA National Convention which organization may be helpful in finding any history on it.
Wow would that look good in a two tone paint scheme, looks like the front bumper at one time had extensions on each end ?
Hello,
Could I speak with owner of the WWII Jeep with the modified fenders?
Regards,
Frank Buck
Gettysburg, PA
I would keep it as a Generals motorpool modified Jeep. Check out some of the pics of General Pattons WWII Jeep.
Hi Frank,
Hope you are doing well! I’ll send you an email.
– Dave
AWESOME !! great piece of history and a really great customizing job…I’d drive the heck outta that thing!
i have mixed thoughts about this jeep — its kinda cool but who wants to wreck a vintage ww2 jeep ?
Dave,
That looks like a Walter Cohn conversion, although the windshield is different. I might be wrong, but it sure looks like it could be.
This is very timely as we are running a story on Cohn in the Dispatcher Magazine which will go out this later week.
Dave I’ll email you a picture so you can compare.
Bill
Bill, I hadn’t thought about it being a possible Cohn conversion. I look forward to the article. Here’s more on Cohn: http://www.ewillys.com/2019/03/06/wally-cohn-jeep-king/
John North Willys,
I would normally agree but, given the era that this was modified and the feelings most people had at that time, it makes sense.
Back then they were considered by most to be just surplus army “junk” and/or ugly in their stock form. (It was the heyday of many a swoopy, fat-fendered car and truck, after all) and many people wanted an updated look.
If it was a more modern conversion, I’d probably remove them but these are part of the history of THIS Jeep and, love it or hate it, it has a unique personality to it. There are PLENTY of very well restored and preserved stock original flat fenders.
I’ll keep this one as is. 😉
I just came across one of these post war modified Jeeps. This one is a sedan.
I would share a picture but dont see how to.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Feel free to email the pic to me at d@deilers.com and I can post it.
Thanks,
– Dave
Ewillys.com