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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.
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.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
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 .
Here’s an unusual bit of marketing.
View all the information on eBay
“Has some soiling, the middle portion has two weights under the yellow part to hold it down. I believe these were used on fenders in show rooms or shops but I’m not very sure. Made of cloth, measures 58”x14.5””
Seller is asking $115 for this unusual jeep made of wood and metal. It’s missing the driver’s side fender. Appears delicate.
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“RARE WWII ARMY JEEP. MADE OF METAL AND WOOD, 14in LONG, 6 1/2in WIDE, 8in TALL
Very early this morning we headed to Minnesota to pick up a new puppy. We won’t be stopping or sightseeing, as we can’t linger away from Ann’s mom for too long. I’ll have time to do updates, but my email/comment response time will lag.
This adventure was recorded in the April 30, 1955, issue of the Saturday Evening Post.
I think it is interesting that there’s rope wrapped around the front bumper on this vintage ad. I guess that was a ‘thing’ at the time.
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“The original 8×11″ magazine ad in very good condition. NOT a reprint.”
This issue of Willys News highlighted a new advertising campaign, the “Gets there . . . works there . . . anywhere!” magazine ads (will highlight those on Thursday). Page 3 has some advertising reprints (lower left pic), showing the diversity of ‘Jeep’ ads (I hope to find examples of all of these for a future post). Also on page three appears to be “NEW LIFE” ads that include concentric circles. Maybe that was a local parts dealer campaign. I’ll have to see if I can find newspaper examples of that campaign from DC newspapers of the time. On Page 2, there’s an image of the Light Rescue Truck, featured in yesterday’s post about the Light Rescue Truck brochure.
Ted Bumiller’s trip around the world was highlighted in this issue as well. More information this trip, including reference to a film about it, can be found in this 2016 film and lecture post.
Blaine spotted this watercolor illustration, titled The Investigators, that shows some sailors in a jeep ogling two women standing next to the Greenpernt Grocery. The watercolor sold for $287 at auction in April of 2019. It’s larger than I initially thought at almost 3 feet wide (35.75 inches) and 28.75 inches tall. I could find nothing about an artist named “Sweet”.
The name “Greenpernt” might be a reference Greenpoint in Brooklyn, New York. Apparently, Greenpernt was how Brooklyners referred to the area at one time. As one person wrote on a remembrances page, “My Brooklyn was High School days riding the GG train to Brooklyn Automotive in Greenpoint (Greenpernt to my dad)”.
There’s also a corner of Noble St and West St (note the signs in the illustration) in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, that suggest this corner might have inspired the artist.
UPDATE: Dan’s got a good thread related these trucks at the Old Willys Forum. The 1956 June-July issue of Willys News included a reference to this vehicle.
I suspect this brochure, Form W-F56-1, was published in 1956, so I’ll republish it here as we are attempting to move through the 1956 brochure year. My guess is that this eight page brochure was a lunch brochure for the light duty rescue truck.
One great thing is that it has a list of all the equipment that is supposed to come with truck, plus a picture showing how it was organized in the back.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $375.
Ed shared this link for this nice looking Hamilton Air Force Pedal Jeep.
“1950’s vintage Hamilton U.S. Air Force Military Jeep Pedal Car. This pedal car is mostly original from what I can tell and in amazing condition. It is fully functional and turning and pedaling work great. Asking $375 or best offer. Can deliver on base.”
The last week in March is the final time Jesse and Andrea will be hosting the FC-Roundup. I will be down there for sure, but Ann may not make it this time. However, in her place may be my oldest son. So, we’ll see how things go. I look forward to seeing everyone down there!
http://thefcconnection.com/2020_fc_roundup_information.htm
“Andrea and I, personally invite all Owners and friends of Jeep Forward Controls and Jeep FleetVans. This will be the Last “Most Excellent” FC-Only International event in Phoenix. There is no charge for the event. On this property, all parking is limited to Jeep FC / FJ Only.
Learn and see a lot more in a weekend, see how other FCs and FleetVans look, take detailed pictures, talk to other owners. Bring your imagination and any FC items, toys, memorabilia, photos, artwork, literature, or manuals to display. See new FC related products and parts, special tools will also be on display. FC Roundup event hats, T-shirts, will also be available.
There is no charge for the event. We welcome and we are always so very grateful for your donation of any FC related items that are given away during the Saturday afternoon free raffle. Also on Saturday are the XXL BBQ Hot Dogs and much more, for lunch. Free refreshments daily. One of the best things that happens everyday, is that you are also invited to drive your FC.
We have FC-Only groups that cruise to and from breakfast and dinner. We offer transportation to and from the nearest lightrail station that connects to Phoenix International Airport. Make your reservations now for the GCU Hotel and other hotels nearby.”
This brochure form W-1772 (see full version here) is currently priced at $11.95 on eBay (with $5 shipping). It does have a stain on the cover.
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“1950’s original Willys 4 wheel drive book 23 pages advertising / sales brochure.
Brochure remains in nice collectible / visual condition and may show normal minor signs of age, storage and handling such as light creases, spotting, edge or crease wear, micro tears etc.
Any issues beyond normal wear and tear that may impact aesthetic value (larger tears, writing, stains etc.) will be specifically noted and pictured.”
Regarding the back page article, it’s a bit hard for me to believe that the motorhome the Murray’s built on a truck chassis (with an inline 6?) was capable of sustained cruising of 70 MPH, especially given that modern interstates had yet to be built (the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956––aka Interstate Highway construction bill––hadn’t yet been passed when this issue of Willys News was published).
This ad was featured in the Dillon Daily Tribune on May 06,1947.
A reader (and my pea-sized brain can’t remember who) noticed that the front of the Overground Railroad, a book by Candace Taylor, had a Jeep Wagon on its cover. It looks to be a 1950-1951 wagon to me.
I haven’t read the book just yet, but look forward to it. The book is about 300 pages, but has at least 100 pages of photos. The reviews for it have been very good. Here’s a review from a Route 66 website.
Looks in better shape than many I’ve seen.
https://southbend.craigslist.org/clt/d/nappanee-1950s-oglesby-red-cast/7083343894.html
“1950’s Oglesby Red Cast Aluminum Willy’s Jeep.
Made in Peru, IN.
All original paint and tires.
Condition is used but very nice.
Jeep measure approximately 10.5 ” in length.
Also includes Oglesby Red cast aluminum Trailer.
Very rare to find these together.
Trailer measures 8.5″ in length.
Overall both pieces in very nice condition.”
UPDATE: Mario shared his newest flea market find. It’s a Ford GPA Seep shaped lighter that holds a lighter similar to the small flat fender jeep lighter shown below.
While searching for another example of the above SEEP lighter, I discovered someone made a SEEP ashtray. It may have been a one-off build, but it’s neat none-the-less:
From the Collectors Weekly website: “This is another more unusual piece of trench art. This model is 6″ long and stands about 1 3/4” tall. The body is of shell brass and the wheels are “42” and “43” dated .50 cal rounds. The headlights are smaller rifle brass cartridges, dated “43”. The center portion lifts out for cleaning.”
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Original Post (Feb 2020): I just returned from a quick trip to Seattle, so limited updates today.
While there, I picked up three different sizes of Jeep lighters (thanks to Dan)! I plan to keep one of each and will sell some of the others. I tried to price these on eBay, but none of these are currently on eBay.
The largest one is particularly cool (far right). To ignite it, you collapse the steering wheel; the fire shoots out the hood. I’ll get a video of it tomorrow. The smaller ones are surprisingly heavy.
I wish the pic and caption were better reproduced in this scanned newspaper, but the December 02, 1948, article in Montana’s Choteau Acantha newspaper demonstrates how surprised some civilians were by the jeep’s capabilities. The writer mentions Black Leaf Canyon, which is south of Glacier National Park.
This is season 1, episode 2, by Mark and Tom Smith of Jeeptruck.com from his series with Drew Norman at his Jeep Farm in Phoenix.
Maury spotted this cool sign. Price is $2500, but seller is accepting offers. Looks like ti was for the Bobe’s K-W Motors dealership.
View all the information on eBay
“VINTAGE Willys Jeep Double Sided Sign . Condition is Used. One of a kind RARE keeper!!!”
Lots of interesting items in this issue.
Something a little different …. According to Autoeveolution.com, there’s been an increasing number of “Jeep Willys builds” at drag strips. A digital artist, Yasid Oozeear, decided to render a drag jeep with a WWII look (this is an illustration, not an actual build).
You can read more here: https://www.autoevolution.com/news/jeep-willys-fat-boy-looks-like-a-stock-car-for-offroaders-140712.html#
CREDIT: Illustration by Yaddesign: https://www.instagram.com/p/B76Z8OBFST3/
CREDIT: Illustration by Yaddesign: https://www.instagram.com/p/B76Z8OBFST3/
Possibly a Holden Jeep?
This ad was published in the April 16, 1953, issue of the Dillon Daily Tribune.
This July 25, 1945, article in the Dillon Examiner highlighted the newly released CJ-2A.
This is season 2, episode 2, by Mark and Tom Smith of Jeeptruck.com from his series with Drew Norman at his Jeep Farm in Phoenix.
What Is The Jeep Farm? Drew Norman’s Garage in Phoenix, Arizona: