Well, I completely blew it. I’m ashamed, embarrassed. Truly, I wasn’t thinking clearly. Too much stuff was clogging my brain tunnels to put the pieces together. Here’s the sad, brief tale …
Late yesterday afternoon the ‘staff’ (also known as Brett) at the Utah Bureau of eWillys spotted a great deal: A 1948 flattie for only $1000. It appeared almost completely stock, with no obvious rust, though there was plenty of paint oxidation.
It had unusual bezels, a CJ-3Aish windshield, a cutout for a breather on the passenger side of the hood and hooks on the front. It was an odd combo of a M-38, a CJ-3A and titled with a year of 1948. Also, strangely, it had no willys script on the hood that I could see.
My gut said go get it. My practical side said no, so I put it out of my head. I should have listened to my gut, because after thinking about, I now realize it was CJV-35U that was running, extremely stock (except for the installation of the bench seat), and in great shape.
OHHH THE PAINNN!!!! How did I not put those clues together? Unfortunately, only an hour or so after I made my decision not to get it, it disappeared from the KSL classified list. So, the decision was made for me and I put it out of my mind. It wasn’t until this morning that I realized how big my mistake had been.
Alas, this too shall pass, slowly, painfully, like a kidney stone.
Here’s a perfect example of what it looked like (I didn’t get the chance to download the pics of it). Imagine this, unrestored, without the breathers for the intake and exhaust … and with a hardtop: http://www.cj3a.info/sibling/cjv35u/photos/p158.html (or click on the above link)
Dave,
Ouch. Sorry you missed out on a great deal. I know how it feels — I’ve been through it on eBay and Craigslist. But I always believe that “things happen for a reason.” With all the research that you do for eWillys, I’m sure you’ll find more deals down the road.
But yeah, I’d probably down a few drinks to flush this one out. 🙂
Good luck!
Dexter
Bummer, those are cool things to have.
Dave,
I missed out on a NOS crated mb engine a couple years back. It was something really low like $800. It was in a beautiful marked crate and still covered in cosmoline. I was second to call on the craigslist ad. I chased it through the seller but didn’t have a direct contact. I talked to a friend of the new owner that said the guy was considering installing it in a gpw or cj (I don’t recall) either way I thought it a shame. There are plenty of L134 to make to make new again out there and once installed the nos engine is used. Anyways I missed it and still stings a bit but I have had my share of fantastic finds.
A few of my nicest finds come from great leads you posted on the Ewillys!
P.S. No I didn’t snag CJV-35U from under you but maybe that lucky scoundrel who did get it will come forward.
-Josh
Well Josh, if you did snag it from under me, I couldn’t imagine it going to a nicer person. Besides, I know where you live and could visit it from time to time 🙂
Mostly, I was just mad at myself for misreading what it was …
So what color should I paint this thing? Joking of course.
Shoot, I didn’t know it was such a jewel in the ruff. They sound rare then. My ignorance has shone thru again. Sorry to not bring it to your attention sooner, I would have loved the finder bragging rights so to speak. I will try to be more diligent with my duties. Maybe they didn’t sell it and just pulled the ad. I like the feature that allows the seller to mark it as sold so people know where an item stands. What ever it was, it wasn’t there long. I watch all the time, if I see anything, I’ll be sure to chime in.
if i remember right only 1000 or so were made, mostly fo the navy and marines.
wish i would have seen it, but i’m up in the north east, would have cost a ton to ship it.
You remember correctly! 1000 made in the first half of 1950. http://www.cj3a.info/sibling/cjv35u/evolution.html