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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 .
Mr. H. E. George found a creative way to sell FCs by taking them to livestock auctions. This article was featured in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
A September 2, 1953, article in the Toledo Blade relayed the news that Willys Motors and Mobile Fire Apparatus, Inc., were planning to produce a Willys mobile fire jeep called the Ranger. According to Four Wheeler Magazine, the1952 truck shown below is an example of the Ranger. However, it’s a little puzzling that the truck is a 1952, when the announcement wasn’t made until late 1953? Maybe Mobile Fire Apparatus used an older chassis? Anyone have an insight on this?
A second article shared the news that Brede Products was planning to sell a snow plow, powered by its own jeep engine. Below is one of two photos from Four Wheeler you can view the front of the rotary snow plow here. Anyone have a brochure for this?
A third article announced an agreement between Mitsubishi and the Willys Overland Export, Inc.
This video of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. Omar N. Bradley, Gen. George S. Patton, and others, includes a five star jeep with a rear extension and other mods. There’s also some graphic and grim footage as the men explore a former camp. This video was shared on Facebook a few days ago on the G503 page.
At the 18 second mark is a photo of the fronts of several jeeps, underscoring that multiple jeeps had been modified. At the 2:28 mark is a front look at two jeeps. For the next twenty seconds the video shows the jeeps driving away.
Bill Norris was contacted by the St Johns (formerly the Meadowbrook) Concourse Delegance in Plymouth, MI to see if he could find them a late 50s early 60s Willys wagon (preferably a Maverick) and an early 60s Wagoneer for a special SUV display they are putting on this year. I have nothing to do with the show, but some how they got my name. Anyway, the vehicles must be really well preserved originals or very accurate restorations. No customs wheels, paint etc. They want them to look as much like factory as possible.
This is a very prestigious show. Its not your local cruise in type thing. Many high end, high dollar cars from collectors all over the world participate in this event.
Anyone interested can contact Bill at billnorris5189@gmail.com? You must be willing to transport the vehicle to and from the show. It takes place the last weekend of July 29, 30 and 31. They need an answer by 5/13 so they can be included in the show’s program.
Charles wrote, “these are very hard to find i became them of a private collection from an ex para commando in katanga – 1956 (rep of congo). All these photo were old and not best condition they were digitalized and renewed as they are now.”
Great postcard.
“This is a very meaningful historical event of mankind history on postcard and this postcard is VERY VERY RARE.
Our Extensive collections are source through antique shop, collectibles shop, flea market and second hand market, we could not trace the originality and the previous owner status is unconfirmed but the card age consistently.”
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This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Tracy believes these parts were from a 1920s Willys vehicle, but isn’t sure. She’s hoping to get them to someone who could use them. She’s tried contacting the Willys Knight Registry, but so far hasn’t gotten any response.
I like the maze for the jeep on the inside. More jeep-like than a jeep.
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UPDATE: John pointed out that the early GAZ was modeled after the first Bantam. This may well be a restored early GAZ.
Roberto forwarded a link to a celebration in Vietnam that included jeeps. I was checking out the CJ-3Bs and M-606s when I spotted a jeep that looked curiously like a copy of the original Bantam BRC. It’s doesn’t seem to be a perfect copy, but still looks pretty neat. I’ve blown up the pics, so they are a little blurry.
Original post: http://www.tienphong.vn/nhip-song-thu-do/chu-re-lai-xe-jeep-dua-co-dau-dao-pho-ha-noi-947495.tpo
Original Bantam BRC from a similar angle.
Early GAZ
Seth found this photo of a stretched M-38A1 with extra seats parked at a Walmart. Looks like there’s a small sign attached to the beer case that indicates this may be in Virginia near the National Museum of the Marines
.
Dan’s hosting an FC gathering at his place in Illinois this September. Though it is branded a military FC event, all FCs are welcome. Contact Dan for more information.
Joe spend last weekend at Fort Miles and shared pics of the event. Thanks for sharing the info!
He wrote, “Fort Miles, a WWII era Military Garrison is along the coast in Lewes, DE. This event provides an interactive garrison exhibit that is conducive to educating the visiting public on the function and significance of Fort Miles during the second world war. The 261st Coast Artillery along with the 1252nd Service Command Support Unit (motor pool) was on hand for the day. During the Cold War years, Fort Miles served as NAVFAC Lewes from 1963 until 1981 as a US Navy SOSUS listening facility.”
The final two paragraphs in the February 1946 issue of the Montreal Gazette describes how workers in Cobourg, Ontario, used the rear wheels of a jeep to drive a tow rope for skiers.
This January 1958 article from Willys News highlighted a group of teen boys who provided the small town of Riggins, Idaho, with fire protection using a fire jeep.
This year’s FC Get Together has a new location, moving from Tacoma to Olympia.
Hmm … wonder if he delivered any Wurlitzers in this? This article was published in the January 1958 issue of Willys News.
Paul from Alaska wrote, “Recently I was at the Alaska Aviation Museum helping a friend assemble his plane when I noticed a very large photo displayed on the wall of the hanger. As you can see this photo was taken in 1947 at Adak but what really caught my attention were the numerous flat fender Jeeps with hardtops driving on the base. I took a close up photo of a cluster of these Jeeps even though the image is rather grainy but I thought you’d like to see it anyway.”
Labeling these 1 – 5 starting from the left, jeeps #1 and #3 look to have the same top. #2’s top is extended in the rear. #4 has no side windows. #5 I can’t see as well.
There’s a jeep near the top, again with a hardtop.
The full photo is in the background above the rare Boeing YL-15, which Paul’s friend has restored. The plane was built to win a military contract. The wings, tail and flaps come off quickly so the plane can be carried by a 6 by or towed by a Jeep.
Here’s an mocked-up example of a jeep pulling the plane:
And this shows a truck carrying it:
On another note, Paul has begun his tear down of an M-100 trailer, something he’ll rebuild in stainless:
I’m sure this has cycled elsewhere, but it’s just so true …. thanks to Steve for forwarding.
John dropped by the new showroom at Hanksters Hot Rods‘ in Daytona Beach, Florida, and took a few pics of their jeep. Admission is free and all donations go to the local YMCA.
Here’s a letter on a jeep illustrated letterhead, one I’ve never seen.
“An original World War Two letter including the envelope written by Cliff Brandow who was in the 256th Field Artillery. This letter is dated Oct. 18, 1943. It has the logo of a jeep with soldiers and says, Camp Gordon Augusta Georgia. I currently have other letters written by this individual listed. The letter is in very good condition, with some light wear, the cover has wear.”
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I got back late from Seattle late last night, so just a couple updates. Several readers asked if I got anything done on Biscuit while there, but (as Mitch can attest, because he dropped by) I took an hour to stare at the jeep, but between minor book fixes, caring for dad, and sonny-do projects, I didn’t have much extra time.
On my way home I stopped by to visit Roy Williams and his friend, Todd Francis. Todd is the 2nd or 3rd largest manufacturer of two-piece high performance VW blocks in the world. He ships them all around the planet. It was a real treat to watch the blocks being milled, drilled, and cleaned. His racing buggy was pretty cool, too. I didn’t have my camera with me, so no pics.
You can learn more about them on Facebook or at his website (which will be receiving a makeover sometime soon).
Blaine spotted this great photo showing hundreds of what appear to be M-606s about ready to be shipped to Iran in 1962. It’s part of an article in the Toledo Blade about the 75th anniversary of the Willys-Overland-produced jeep.
http://www4.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2016/04/25/Toledo-to-mark-Jeep-s-75th-in-August-fest.html
