The February 1957 issue of Science and Mechanics introduced readers to the FC-150 with this short article.
Features Research Archives
Canfield Tow Company Wrecker Mailers & Documents
UPDATE: Mike shared some additional Canfield information, which I’ve added to this post.
1. Mike’s Canfield Wrecker Mailer Postcard. 8 x 9 Folded , 11 x 9 Unfolded. This is the outside back and front. Note the Overload Springs and Push-Plates (aka Push-Bumpers), which Canfield marketed for years (Koenig also had push plates/bumpers, but with slots for a winch).
This inner portion allowed recipients to resend the postcard back to Canfield for more information.
2. Canfield Wrecker Mailer Postcard from eBay. These images came from eBay and don’t show the whole card. From the eBay ad: “original Postcard, 8.5 x 5.5, Canfield Tow Truck Equipment.”
3. Additional Canfield information. Mike provided these bulleltins about how to sell the Canfield wrecker to prospects. These first two pages deal with incentives for Jeep dealers for installing Canfield wreckers.
1944 Photo of Jeeps in Mud Advancing on Germany
This photo of a couple jeep maneuvering through mud and over a series of logs was published in the October 14, 1944, issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Western JEEP Toy Ads on eBay
UPDATE: Here are three Western JEEP toy ads on eBay.
1. This ad appeared in the May 1946 issue of Toys and Novelties. It looks to be an early ad for the Western Jeep. I didn’t realize it was manufactured out of Seattle.
2. This ad appeared in the Playthings Magazine in September of 1946. It announced that the Western Jeep had proven too popular and was sold out. There was a kiddie ride called the Western Jeep that look like it used this style of jeep (see post below this one).
View all the information on eBay
3. This ad appeared most likely in a 1946 issue of Toys and Novelties. The seller of this ad is purposefully obscuring the date and magazine, so it isn’t clear whether when this ad was published.
View all the information on ebay
4. This ad appears in a 1947 magazine, probably Toys and Novelties. It announced a new low price (though the price of the ad on eBay is anything but low):
Coast Guard’s Miracle Jeep aka Invader Jeep
The Coast Guard’s “Invader Jeep” (with photos here and photos/article/film here) was apparently also called the “Miracle Jeep”. The designer was Chief Petty Officer Charles D. Benjamin.
For starters, this short news reel clip has a reference to it in the Descriptive Log as a Miracle Jeep: https://www.historicfilms.com/tapes/14555_1773.97_1798 . Here’s a screen shot:
The March 18, 1944, issue of the Dayton Herald refers to the Coast Guard Super jeep as a “Miracle Jeep” as well:
The June 25, 1944, issue of the Indianapolis Star also refers to the jeep as the “Miracle Jeep”.
1979 Spain Jeep Rally video
Here’s another, less exciting video with more safety equipment. I don’t understand why they are racing with the windshield in place? And, I’m glad when I raced I didn’t have so many people so close to the track.
Desert Foxes Jeep Club Patch on eBay
Currently priced at $149.99, it looks like a club jacket patch. According to the California 4-Wheel Drive Association’s history page, the Desert Foxes formed out of long reach prior to April of 1959. The club was one of the charter members of the Association.
View all the information on eBay
“Original Desert Foxes Jeep Club Member Embroidered Patch Iron-On Sew-On 7 1/2”. Condition is “Used”.”
Willys-Overland Inscribed Lighter on eBay
This is priced at $750. This has a late 1940s-early 1950s Willys-Overland logo along with the cursive inscription of Liz Hunnicutt. I tried to matched Liz Hunnicutt with Willys, but I didn’t have any luck with Google searches.
View all the information on eBay
“Rare Zippo Lighter Willys-Overland Automotive Advertising 1937/1950
Pat. 2032695
The Insert is a 2517191
Good Condition with Good Snap
Inscribed Willys-Overland On One Side
Inscribed Liz Hunnicutt on The Other
VERY RARE LIGHTER – ESPECIALLY INSCRIBED WITH LADY’S NAME (POSSIBLE WAR TIME)”
1950 Sunset Fishing Line and Twine Contest Ad
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on ebay.
(07/07/2020) In May of 1950, Fishing Line and Twine sponsored a contest that is described in the Field and Stream ad below . The grand prize consisted of a Willys-Overland Station Wagon, Trailorboat, Harris Trailer, 7 1/2 h.p. Marting outward motor, My Buddy tackle box, Hodgman wader, Montague rod, Ocean City reel, set of Voo Doo Lures, and a spool of Sunset fishing line.
To win the contest, a person simply had to write down their favorite fishing ‘tall tale’ in 150 words or less and send to the Sunset Line and Twine, located in San Francisco. There were 22 weeks of weekly prizes and then the five top prizes.
“1950 Print Ad Sunset Fishing Line Willys Overland Station Wagon Contest”
Valentine Welder & Mfg Co. Lightweight Jeep Prototype Photos
Nick Oxander found and shared these photos on Facebook. It appears this lightweight prototype was manufactured by the Valentine Welder & Manufacturing Company; yet, this same vehicle has been credited in other places, such as Hemmings and on eWillys, as the KEL Kaiser extra-light jeep. Anyone have an insight into this conundrum?