emailNeed to contact me and don't have my email? Click on email button.
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 ad promoting “8 reasons why the ‘Jeep’ does more jobs … better!” appeared in the March 15, 1956, issue of the Heppner Gazette Times in Heppner, Oregon. Interesting that it shows a dual pane windshield.
If you haven’t read this, take a look at the CJ-3B page and check out this story on the Australian CJ-3B Gala.
https://www.cj3b.info/Finds/FindsSurreyAustralia.html
Tyler built this desk out of parts he gathered at last year’s Great Willys Picnic. Here are a few more pics.
“I just wanted to share my computer desk I made from some parts I picked up at last years great willys picnic. That I found out about thanks to one of your posts. I took up the project as a way to teach myself welding. I designed the desk to also work with my simulation steering wheel and pedals so I can drive jeeps in video games at my jeep desk. The last thing I set up was two stage led lights in the headlights for added style :).”
UPDATE: I was sold out, but now have a handful left.
Original is on the left, the reproduction on the right. The colors are closer than they appear, as the original has caught some extra light from the window on the left.
The jeep ran into the rear of a lumber truck, injuring a soldier and his girlfriend.
View all the information on eBay
“1946- U.S. Soldiers Examine the Wreckage of a Willys Jeep on Santa Mesa Blvd. in Manila.Photo measures approx. 7″ x 9”
This three page brochure for a General Electric 200 AMP Mobile Arc Welder appeared in a Willys Overland Sales book circa 1950.
This one was published in Life Magazine.
View all the information on eBay
“Photographer: Eliot Elisofon
Title: “Jeep Skids Across Muddy Tunisian Road”
Size/Media: Approx. 6.5″ x 8.5″ Glossy fiber silver gelatin
Vintage shot of a jeep skidding on a muddy Tunisian road in 1943 by noted photographer Eliot Elisofon while on assignment for LIFE magazine. This image was published on p.18 of the April 26, 1943 issue of LIFE magazine.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2900.
UPDATE: As Blaine pointed out, we’ve seen this exact type of vehicle before: http://www.ewillys.com/2014/03/07/mini-beep-kit-from-struck-kit/
“This is Jeop Willy’s replica that my dad and I built. It’s true 4×4 and is also amphibious. Has brackets to mount a trolling motor in the rear to take in the Lake or stream. Has high and low range gears. Kohler gas motor, fun to use around the farm or camp. Has receiver hitch as well.”
In 1945, a movie called the Jeep-Herders was released. Not long after that (most likely between 2 to 6 years), several folks formed the El Dorado Jeepherders jeep club in the Placerville area of California. My assumption is that the name of the club came directly from the movie.
The internet claims that the El Dorado Jeepherders is the oldest jeep club in existence, however I could find no dates to confirm this. One claim puts the club’s roots in early 1950. By the early 1950s, there were several clubs in existence in the West, including the two earliest that I know of: the Yakima Ridge Runners and the Hemet Jeep Club. A copy of the club’s original bylaws can be found on eBay. Here are pics of them:
UPDATE: **SOLD**
Glenn’s selling this hard-to-find folding wrecker made by Canfield.
“Want to stand out at the car show this year guys? Here’s your chance, The second image will give you an idea of what this thing looks like once it’s put together I’ve only ever seen pictures of one of these before and this particular one I brought in from North Carolina of all places
This is an extremely rare Canfield folding, PTO winch included and correct for the time. But not necessarily the right one for the Wrecker but no one will ever tell the difference as it is the same brand that Canfield used and the same capacity. Also included is the extension boom”
Another Willys ad from Eastern Oregon. The ad was published Thursday, October 27, 1949, in the Heppner Gazette Times.
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $200.
Anyone recognize this scraper blade? Aftermarket Willys equipment?
“This is an unusual scrape blade. Appears factory made and has a farm jeep style top link. Came from farm sale with other jeep attatchments. Haven’t found who made it.”
This ad was published in the tiny Oregon town of Nyssa, August 29, 1946.
<– Post Trip Items: German Documentary w/ Alaska Or Rust Folks –> | Day 21 – Saturday May 19th: Mr. Infamous –>
UPDATE II: Merlin has created an order page for the book. Payment by check or credit card (no PayPal), check preferred. Directions are all on the order page. After April 20th all books will be direct from publisher and more expensive.
https://hansonmechanical.wordpress.com/2018/04/05/ordering-the-alaska-or-rust-book/
We may have a handful of books for sale at the Midwest Willys Reunion, but probably not too many.
UPDATE: I confirmed with Merlin that the first run of hardcover books will cost $40 and that will include shipping in the continental US. The book is 144 pages with over 300 color photos. After that, the book will be available through Blurb.com at a cost of $42 + shipping (I suspect they print and mail them to order). When Merlin is ready, he will create a book order page on his website. He will only be accepting checks or money orders. I will let you know when he’s ready.
Printing number one of the book will be hardcover edition. I really like the hardcover so I will probably only release a paperback down the road, or maybe just print some and sell them at shows. As soon as I have the postage details together I will start accepting orders for books and I will setup a blog post with instructions on how to pre-order.
Merlin Hanson has authored a photo book on our trip to Alaska and received his first full proof yesterday. He doesn’t plan to print a lot of extra books, but I would be curious to know if anyone has any interest in purchasing a copy (I thought of this last night and still need to check with Merlin about it).
<– Post Trip Items: German Documentary w/ Alaska Or Rust Folks –> | Day 21 – Saturday May 19th: Mr. Infamous –>
That’s some thick mud! The photo features Staff Sargent Edward Adolphe of 350 West 57 Street, New York City in the jungle mud of Vella Lavella in the Solomon Islands.
View all the information on eBay
“1944- U.S. Marine combat correspondent moving through muddy jungle on Vella Lavella in Willys “Press” jeep.”
This hard-to-find brochure is being sold out of Great Britain.
View all the information on eBay
“An original Willys Jeep CJ-5 sales brochure – Willys Jeep Universal CJ-5 Emblem of 4-Wheel Drive Transportion brochure
Contents Include:
Worlds Most Useful Vehicle
Jeep Versatility
Functional Design Jeep Economy
Jeep Durability
Power to all Four Wheels
Petrol of Disel Engine – Jeep Balanced Power
Specifications
No of Pages: 8
Continue reading
This collection has a few interesting items, such as early (factory?) photos of the Porter & Reed Hardtops. But, I don’t see a ton of value here. Interestingly, the rear door of the Porter & Reed top swings sideways.
This photo from 1977 shows some postal jeeps that were caught in a July flood. This was featured on the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum site.
“Postal inspectors were deployed to western Pennsylvania following a devastating flood, which was caused by a massive thunderstorm on July 19-20, 1977. These jeeps, swept away by the enormous force of the floodwaters, were recovered half a mile from the Windber Post Office.”
Paul, from Willys America, spotted an FC for sale outside the Portland Swap Meet. He also has a booth setup at location Hall E-2 #4389-90.
And, the FC-150 he spotted:
One place I’ve yet to reach is Russell’s Travel Center, a gas stop on historic Route 66 along I-40, exit 369, Glen Rio, New Mexico. Don recently stopped in their to take photos of their 1948 CJ-2A, along with some other vehicles. This year, on my return trip, I plan to stop and see it!
UPDATE II: Thanks to Fred, we have a facebook link to a couple color photos and a link to diaries (in French) thanks to the Guy’s grandson David: http://www.vehiculesmilitaires.com/viewtopic.php?f=159&t=355&hilit=sauterelle
UPDATE: Jalopnik published this story in March 2017 that gives more background to photos Charles forwarded back in 2015 (see pics below). I couldn’t find much info on the trip pat the time.
Jalopnik’s story: https://jalopnik.com/the-incredible-25-000-mile-road-trip-through-africa-tha-1823690388
I’ve been playing with some t-shirt designs. I’ve narrowed it down to three. Any thoughts?
This one is ‘louder’ and more colorful:
I didn’t overthink this one too much. Just whipped it together:
Check out the second episode of Throwing Wrenches. Didn’t catch the first one? See it here.
UPDATE: **Status Unknown** The listing has been removed from eBay for some reason.
This is a 13.5″ sign spotted on eBay by Chris. It’s located in the Philippines.
“This Auction is for this Vintage Jeep Dealer Sign . It is rusty in places and a little dirty but I did try to clean it and may not be completely flat as well but it may still need more cleaning after you receive it. I treated the rusty places so it’s not too bad anymore .
It measures 13 1/2 Inches at its longest measurement And is heavy metal sign not plastic or decals stickers.
I auction signs for customers here and I keep contact information if you need more information on this I will contact original owner of this and see if can get more information for you . or if you like I can get you contact information from the owner just let me know in advance
The age and condition of this is seen in pictures so look closely before deciding to bid because by bidding you are in agreement to bid to win and keep this item as The pictures are part of the item description.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
I’ve seen full-color postcards of this image (see bottom image), but not a black & white press photo. Seller lists this as a 1954, but I doubt it was any earlier than late 1955.
“Original factory photograph , 8 x 10 , original factory stamp on reverse , ” Kaiser Willys Motors , Toledo , Ohio” ”
Postcard:
