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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 .
This news report from Toledo shared the news that Willys Overland’s former plant property is now being used by the Dana Corp and others.
https://www.13abc.com/content/news/Willys-Overland-creating-jobs-again-502929891.html
They aren’t jeeps, but these rigs surf the Silver Lake sand dunes with passengers, and have been doing so since 1930. I’ve included some post cards of older dune tour vehicles below. To see all pics, or to schedule your next dune ride, check out Mac Wood’s Dune Rides here.
This article takes some liberties with jeep history.
http://fordauthority.com/2019/01/its-time-to-buy-a-no-reserve-1942-ford-jeep/#comment-375328
This May 23, 1943, American Car Company Ad was published in the Evening Star, out of Washington, D. C.. Given Bantam lost the production contract in 1941, it seems an unusual ad, especially many folks probably hadn’t heard of nor seen a Bantam vehicle.
UPDATE: Here’s another postcard of Salty Johns on eBay.
This postcard shows Salty Johns, his dog Junior, and his “Flashy” jeep. Salty’s real name was Vernon Johns. He worked as the Audubon Society Wildlife Warden for Lydia Ann Island. He also brought some color to the Port Aransas, Texas, beaches. That sure is an unusual bumper setup.
View all the information on eBay
This October 3, 1945, ad from Willys-Overland was published in the Evening Star, based in Washington, D.C.. The ad announces the appointment of Willys of Washington as an area distributer.
A Popular Science March 1954 photo and caption highlighted the use of a jeep engine as the driver of a centrifugal pump that creates a water jet capable of powering an aquatic mower.
The price has been dropped to $11.25 (plus $4.95 shipping) for this 4-page brochure.
View all the information on eBay
“1959 Willys Jeep Estanciera Sales Brochure & Specifications In Spanish Text.
The inside pages have several illustrations of the Jeep doing various jobs.
The back page has a list of specifications.
Pages: 4
Details: W 8.5 x H 11 x D 0.1”
I stumbled onto the below video of the Bolide XJ-002 after doing some searches based on the post related to the XJ-001. The video is part of a larger All-Par article (see more photos here).
Now I’m wondering if the Parmely body was based originally on this XJ-002 body design. The Parmley looks like it’s a little more practical, convertible version of the XJ-002.
Unlike the XJ-002, which was designed on a Jeepster Commando chassis, the XJ-001 was atop a CJ-5 chassis. The Parmely was also designed to fit a CJ-5 chassis, so its lines couldn’t be as long nor sleek as the XJ-002.
The video isn’t the most compelling piece of work, but it manages to record some unusual history. As of 2010, this vehicle was reportedly undergoing restoration.
This is a press photo of the XJ 001. If you don’t remember, this prototype jeep was built on the CJ-5 chassis and power by the 360CI AMC V-8. Essentially, it was a 4WD muscle car. You can read about the vehicle on Hemmings. Unfortunately, the prototype was destroyed in an accident as it was being transported. The article also indicates some folks called the 1998 Jeepster prototype the ACT II of the XJ-001.
View all the information on eBay
Here’s a photo from the internet that shows the front:
This is an odd brochure. It’s titled, “Let’s Keep Them Running”. The front page has some of the poorer illustrated trucks and wagons. All the vehicles look a little off in terms of size and styling.
View all the information on eBay
“Original salesman’s part color catalog , 8.5 x 11 , 12 pages , 3 file holes at edge , shows and describes the parts dept. and including merchandising information with photos .”
Here’s another unusual brochure. It’s titled, “What Good Service Can Mean”. It includes an questionnaire, which is at the end of the list of images.
View all the information on eBay
“Original salesman’s part color catalog , 8.5 x 11 , 12 pages , 3 file holes at edge , also includes non color sales sheet , 8.5 x 11 , 2 pages , shows and describes Willys service department”
The Quiz:
Given non-running DJ-5s can be picked up for under $1000, I’ll be curious to see if this sells for the asking price. No description provided.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/344281486145920
The title of this brochure is “The Other Side of the Picture”. The document is design for Willys Overland Salesman. There’s a quiz at the end of the brochure.
View all the information on eBay
“Original salesman’s part color catalog , 8.5 x 11 , 12 pages , 3 file holes at edge , also includes non color sales sheet , 8.5 x 11 , 2 pages , shows various Willys features , descriptions , etc”
UPDATE: This is form D DM-5 for trucks.
“1958 Original Jeep Pickup Truck mailer sales brochure folder.
All of the pages are shown in the photographs. The photos are of the exact item you will receive.
Measures 5.5 x 8.5 inches and folds out to 2 times the cover size.
Print Code: Form No. D DM-5
I only charge shipping for one item on multiple item purchases. Please see my eBay store for additional items. Add all of the items to your shopping cart then click on combine shipping for the discount or request a total before paying and I will adjust the shipping charges and send you an invoice.”
I went over to Seattle on Wednesday and back to Pasco on Thursday morning. Just one post today.
This seems like a good idea … David Tracy compares a CJ-2A to a Roxor. Which won? Check it out:
Mark alerted me to a scam by a guy named William Cameron. Mark said William called him up claiming he had an FC-150, just what Mark was looking to buy. All Mark had to do was wire him a down payment. Long story short, it was a scam.
It turns out William Cameron is a regular scam artist. He’s even been in jail for it, though no prison time. So, if he calls you, tell him to where he can go ….
Here’s what Mark wrote me:
“He calls, says he has exactly what you need. Sounds very old, but when googling him you find he is only in his 50’s. Same scam always for the most part and he has gone to jail for it. Tells you he can not take any pics. Tells you everything a buyer would ever want to hear. His price is dirt cheap and he says all he needs is a deposit and says you can send the rest later. All the while he is coughing and sounding very old and he says he is retiring to Arizona. Google his name or number along with the words “Craigslist scam” and you would see he has taken advantage of many people.”
UPDATE: Gayland noted that there are copies for sale on Amazon, too.
I’m not familiar with this book.
View all the information on ebay
“Synopsis
A delightful history of the Willys Jeep written in verse. Set in WWII, this is the story of Willis the Jeep and his soldier counterpart Joe as they tend to the chores of freedom. It covers the Willys Jeep’s production history, trials against the horse cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas and the Jeep’s ultimate replacement of the US horse cavalry as couriers and scouts in wartime. Willis the Jeep is a loving tribute that honors how the Willys Jeep changed the military.”
UPDATE: Another postcard with this image is back on eBay.
(08/01/2015) You can learn more about Fantastic Caverns here: http://www.ewillys.com/2012/11/22/bill-visits-the-fantastic-caverns/
“Springfield Missouri~Jeep & Tram Thru Fantastic Caverns~1960s Postcard”
View all the information on eBay
This prototype looks a bit different from the finished version.
View all the information on eBay
“1950 Press Photo Jeep Developed by British, Bagshot Heath, England. This is an original press photo. A new 80 horsepower jeep, developed by the British, was demonstrated recently at Bagshot Heath, England. Larger than the standard model, the new vehicle is specially equipped for beach landings. The engine will run underwater. England, army, defense, equipment. Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches. Photo is dated 08-10-1950.”
The Palm Canyon jeep tour is still available through Red-Jeep Desert Adventures. Red-Jeep also offers other tours via jeeps.
Here’s one of their postcards on eBay
There are still some rustic cabins at this historic mining town of Columbine, Colorado. The jeep looks to be an MB/GPW.
View all the information on eBay
Happy New Year everyone!
It was another fun year of travel, jeeps, and interesting posts. Our trip east was a lot of fun and we got to meet a variety of readers along the way. Here’s the final map of our April/May/June trip.
Now, anytime we sit at the kitchen table, we can look at the painting Ann bought in Spanish Fork and think fondly of our trip, especially of our flat tire, her lost purse, and that rough first day.
HEALTH ISSUES:
Ann’s ongoing ankle and other health problems kept us from traveling much of the rest of the year. The good news is that we hope that her upcoming surgery in three weeks will fix some female issues that will get he back on track to address her ankle issue.
Dad’s health took a big dip at year’s end. We’ve decided to support him with in-home care, along with family-care, in hopes he doesn’t have to go to a nursing home. His inability to walk at this point (though he can stand) will insure we’ll be around him a lot until his end. Meanwhile, my mother has hip surgery in two days, so the family will have our hands full in January for sure!
I wish I’d had time to get more done on my jeeps in 2018, but time demands and distance kept that from happening. However, rest assured, we do have a plan in place to make that happen.
CHANGES:
The good news is that, eWillys will be around for all of 2019. However, assuming everything happens as we expect, in 2020, probably around April or so, eWillys will transform from a system of daily updates to more of an occasional blog.
In fact, the 2020 FC Roundup will be Jesse’s last one and that will likely be where I will end the daily eWillys reporting as well (at least that’s what I’m telling myself right now). Because of some upcoming, most excellent (stealing Jesse Ybarra’s phrase) changes to our lives, we’ll be moving to a new place where I’ll be able to work on my jeeps and get a couple more.
Even better, our goal is to have the room, facilities, and space to begin hosting an annual vintage jeep event somewhere in the Pacific Northwest (we aren’t sure where exactly we’ll end up). The first year could be in 2020, but more likely in 2021. And, again if everything happens as we expect, that’s just the beginning …. So, stay tuned!
This is a curious model that Robin spotted on eBay.
View all the information on eBay
“You are bidding on a Readycut Sport Jeep Wood Model in the box. Box is there but has some staining from age and use. Box measures approx. 12 x 3.5 x 2 inches. Comes with instruction sheet and all parts are there that I can see from instruction sheet. You be the Judge and look at pictures. Has been put together and then disassembled.”
UPDATE: Thanks to Blaine for locating a video and some pics!! The below video appeared on this website:
Below is a brochure for Villa Gesell, a resort city founded by Don Carlos Gesell. The brochure was posted to this page, one that includes many pictures, some with jeeps. That could be Don Carlos himself in the driver’s seat of the jeep, but I can’t possibility say it.
This shows Don Carlo’s former jeep. The buyer of it is seated in the jeep. More information here.
Original Post 12/31/2018: Moncholo Deniz shared these pics of a monument to Don Carlos Gesell, founder of Villa Gesell in Argentina (map & history). The monument includes his dog Fifi. Not sure why the sculpture had to include a shovel in the top bow holders.
I tried to locate pics of Don Carlos in a CJ-2A, but couldn’t find any online.
