UPDATE: The status of Gobex is unknown. Their website is no longer active.

Here’s a couple unusual fiberglass, rear engine powered jeeps sold by a South African company called Gobex.  These are updated versions of the VEEP.  This might make a fun, different, race jeep body.   The exchange rate between the US dollar and the South African Rand is approx $100 – R863, so the CJ2 Jade Jeep Kit costs R14,615 or $1697.68.

“MISSION:  To become the leading provider of beach buggies, both long wheel base and short wheel base units. We manufacture the popular CJ2 and CJ6 replica Jeeps.  The Company started in 1983 as Steve’s buggies on the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal South-Africa. Over the years, as part of ongoing researh and development, a number of products have been refined and manufactured.”

http://www.gobex.co.za/index.htm

I found this body, which I believe is a Gobex body and not a Veepster body, at this site.

UPDATE: Last listed at $2000.  **SOLD**

(11/20/09) You can learn more about VEEPS here.

“1951 Willys Jeep with custom chassis. VW air cooled powered. Only 12 built that I know of, done very nice. Inspected by the PA department of Transportation and issued a special construction VIN. Titled as a 1977 special construction. Draws a lot of attention. Very solid Arizona body. Nice Best soft top.”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $12,500.

This VEEP was up for auction in January of 2010.

“This is the cutest little machine that I think we have ever restored.It’s a Veep!An all steel Jeep body on a custom tube frame with a ball joint Beetle front endand swing axle rear end with an upright 1600cc VW engine tucked neatly behind the tailgate.

This particular example was built in the 1980’s by Hadley Engineering in California.The car was first owned by a 1980’s child star and was his first car when he got his license.This actor was in the film Cocoon as well as D.A.R.Y.L and a whole host of TV appearances as well.Tired of the Hollywood spotlight, he quit acting and went into photography and has become successful in that path as well.The car went into storage at some point in the 90’s and sat outside in a lot north of Hollywood until we bought it andjumped into the restoration. Instead of restoring it just as it was, it was decided to turn it into a VW poweredversion of the legendary and highly collectible “Jeep Surrey Gala”

Another link and more pics here:

At SAMBA.COM it was listed for $12,750

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500

As VEEPs go, this one almost had me fooled.  It wasn’t until I saw that the seller mentioned the VW engine that I did a double take.

“1950 jeep 1776 vw engine with bus trans this jeep runs great 2 wheel drive super fun”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2000

(04/07/2009) The seller has some inaccurate info here.  I can safely say this is a VEEP and that it wasn’t a 1943 model.  And while Costa Mesa (where Hadley was located) is pretty far West, it isn’t quite so far west as the Phillipines.

“1943 Model Willies Jeep Built New In The Philippines In 1980 on A Stock Volkswagen Drive Train. 1600cc Motor, with an original WW2 Utility Trailer. I also have two WW2 combat helmets that i will include. This is not a vw conversion. This is the way it came stock from the factory”

(I meant to publish this yesterday …)

Continuing the VW theme, David Barrett has created a prototype for a VW Kit version of the 4wd Kuebelwagon, which of course was originally developed by Volkswagen.  I think it looks pretty cool.  You can learn more over at the Samba website about David and this project.  http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=766513

Here’s an original Kuebelwagon:

An here’s some pics of David’s kit project:

This veep had a good description and some interesting pics.

Here’s the original Ad

“this is a 1951 M38 body put on a custom built chassis, chassis was built by a former welding instructor, not mickey moused together…running a VW bug front axle and the rear section of a VW bus…looks like a real jeep but will do 70 mph down the highway, get 40+ miles to the gallon, and fly thru the woods like a dune buggy, it has independent suspension at all corners…It is fully street legal, titled and inspectable…it has custom vehicle title…until you look under it you would swear that it’s a real jeep  The body hasn’t been hacked or cut up at all it has normal surface rust, nothing major…the motor is in the back and a cover has been built to go over the motor, the motor sits where the back seat was…the gas tank and battery is under the hood up front…

Motor: 1800cc dual port from a bus, new carb, new alternator…runs strong
trans: deep ratio, 4 speed posi, bus tranny (stronger)

It has longer travel shocks at all four corners, brand new tiger top soft top and doors…factory roll cage…custom bumpers, the front bumper is set up with a tow bar that swings down so the vehicle can be towed very easily…”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $450.

The tub sounds like it is in bad shape, but lots of other jeep parts there.

“Hadley Veep project for sale. More a collection of parts from an original Veep along with additional parts needed to complete the project. Original Frame, Jackman 4 bolt wheels with the original Armstrong Norseman tires, fiberglass bucket seats, two hoods, two windshield frames, windshield glass, one set of good front fenders, front grill, tailgate, front and rear bumpers, irs transmission, original gas tank, replacement front beam, two roll bars, steering column, assembly manual and magazine articles from the 70’s when the kits were being sold. I also have a tub that can be used for fitting or with a lot of welding could be utilized. I may be able to arrange delivery within 50 miles from my location.”

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $3350. Here’s another one from SAMBA

t’s not quite a VEEP, but I’ve lumped it into that category none-the-less.

“These were built for the US Forest Service out West, back in the 70’s. I understand they used them to go up in the mountains to rescue snowmobilers that ran out of gas.

All metal body, fiberglass top (not removable). Rear torsion housing on back, is mechanically a ’70 Bus. Pans (shortened) on forward is a ’70 Bug. As far as I can tell, stock 1600 DP engine. Bus tranny has ridiculous gears, top speed 50 mph. Has built in tow bar and front mounted winch that operates from inside the cab. Windows go fully up or fully down. No back seat, the whole area is taken up by an aluminum 25 gal. gas tank. New tires and wheels. Includes spare, stock 5-lug bus wheels with snow tires that hold air (4 plus spare). Everything works except the horn. Starts and runs well. Needs new ignition switch (part included with vehicle) ….. Very rare unrestored and collectible piece of VW history.  Asking $3,350 No trades, please. ”

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

These are images of the one shown on the Samba site.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1175.

No motor with this VW Jeep. I doubt this is a ’42, but rather probably several decades later.

“this 42 willys has vw runnig gear spun bearing in motor dont have motor. is fun to drive yes i have a title u just need to find a motor i just dont have time thanks open to trades or cash”