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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 .
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.
It’s a project.
“I have owned since 1974 and hate to sell, has had three restorations, currently was in the middle of 3rd and is unfinished. Has Chevrolet 350-v-8, warn overdrive, ford granny low 4 speed. Lots of fun”
It sure looks nice. I can’t see any rust in the pics, as they are small, but the seller says there is some.
“This is something I promised myself I would never do, but I need to sell my pride and joy to be able to get into a place to live. She is a ’51 Willys Wagon, all stock except motor which is a mid 70’s chevelle 307, which needs a head gasket due to a freeze she endured while in the middle of a nasty divorce. The body has some rust, due to living on the Oregon coast for a time. But it all can be fixed. She has a Warn over drive, professionally tinted glass, Boyd wheels and Warn hubs that you swap for off road use or hwy use. New MagnaFlow exhaust from the manifolds back. I have all the paperwork for her that came from the man that did the restoration before I got her.She has back seats as well. Like I said, I don’t want to let her go, but I have to do something to get my family by until steady work comes along. She has never seen mud since I never wanted to hurt her. If you are interested, please email me at cudagirl@hotmail.com. I am asking $3,000.”
http://bellingham.craigslist.org/cto/1562209020.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $4,695.
(02/01/09) “I am selling my 1946 CJ2A. Would be open to equitable trades, what do you have? Jeep is pretty much original and I drive it from time to time. I have done some work to the original motor, rebuilt the carb, new battery and cables, spark plugs and cables, fuel filter, etc… Please feel free to contact me with questions or if you would like to see it. Thanks! Nate ”
There have been 17 bids on this overdrive, pushing the price to $750. I’m surprised it is this high. (want a better deal? Try this one http://www.ewillys.com/?p=24620)
Also, this seller has several things on auction, including this ‘Agri Gear Box’
“This is a Warn OverDrive I planned on using for a project that will not happen. I will be listing other Willys Jeep CJ2A parts so see my other auctions. This is a complete Warn Overdrive for the Dana 18 transfercase found on most willys jeeps. This came off a CJ2A. This has everything you need to mount and run. Gears look great everything works as it shoud. My reserve is $750.00 Shipping will be around 20-30 dollars depending on location. I will combine items. ser #05795067”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3900.
(12/31/09) Here’s a militarized CJ-2A that has a slat grille according to the seller.
“1946 CJ2A Jeep $3900, runs fine, 4WD works fine, engine rebuild 2 years ago, body a bit rough (60+ years old ya know) converted to look like ’41 military jeep. Used for historical re-enacting. With canvas top, licensed, have title.
If it runs, it’s a fine price. 99% rust free seems a little bit optomistic. But, it appears solid.
“Body 99% rust free, not running, all original condition Call 805-494-1043 or 805-494-9595”
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/1561979530.html
UPDATE: **SOLD* Was $2000.
On my way to the Meridian, ID, Post Office, I came across this Truck for sale. I was in a hurry, so I only got a couple pics. It looks solid. There’s extremely minor rust on the edges of the back fenders. The interior looked fine. The price has already dropped once.
UPDATE: Now $1700
(12/17/09) This doesn’t look to bad.
“
2WD Bought for a family project that unfortunetly has never gotten underway…. This is the real deal, ITS ALL THERE!!! Never been taken apart, never, “restored,” and in great shape. Its been warehoused for the last ten years, and has not been on the road since the 80’s. It’s straight but has rust, Black plates, clear title – non op, 100% unmolested – Dash is untouched, roof is solid. A great candidate for restoration. This is a PROJECT….. there is rust in the normal areas, but the exterior skin is in extremely straight condition. Available to show Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. 1700 obo”
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/1562853562.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $23,000
Looks great.
“1942 WILLYS “Stat Grille” (¼ ton General Purpose Vehicle) JEEP.
This JEEP has been fully restored to the military exactness as it came off the line in Toledo, Ohio on March 5, 1942. Military Serial Number is 124833 and common features included no glove box, a round muffler, oil bath air cleaner/air filter, rubber hood bumpers, solid wheels, two hinges on the tool box lids, three bolt spare tire carrier, no blackout driving lamps, makers name on the rear panel, and a slat grill on the WILLYS.
This early Jeep comes complete with a mounted Garand carbine replica, strapped ax and shovel, and canvas top, and the frame plate for machine gun mount.
All numbers match manufacturer’s designation: model MB, serial number, 124833, build number 24832, and official government contract numbers; 303-ORD-2529 and army quartermaster corp. 398-QM-888 order forms, and hood number assigned 2042364. “W” was added at the base to distinguish Willys from Ford in later runs. Original “Go-Devil” engine.
Around 200 slat grills are estimated to have survived through 2006, according to ARMY MOTORS, the official magazine of the Military Vehicle Preservation Assoc.
From there it served in the United States Army and was eventually retired to Ft. Bliss, OK as a base transport vehicle and was sold at public auction in 1955 to become a farm vehicle. Eventually it retired from its years as an agri-jeep to a salvage yard in Enid, OK where another farmer purchased it 1992 for $1,000. The present owner purchased it at a farm auction in Tuttle, OK on March 13, 2002 for the same $1,000. Although the Jeep was originally delivered to the government for $399.68.”
Paul (of stainless M-38 friend) told me a couple days ago that he has a friend (whom he calls Crazy Ralphie) who has been restoring a GPA. He’s promised to provide us with some pics once the Alaska winter subsides a bit. In the meantime, here are some SEEP images I found at the Library of Congress. I have seen a few of these in books, but none as crisp as below.
Ice is no barrier to this prototype Ford-built amphibian car. According to Mark Askew in his book Rare WW2 Photo Archive 1940 – 1945 which shows this image and other prototypes of the SEEP, this photo was taken in February 1941 near the Ford Plant in Dearborn, Mi. Library of Congress
After breaking through the shore ice, the Ford-built amphibian car makes its way through ice floes and water at a good speed. Library of Congress
The Ford-built amphibian car can handle itself on rough ground. This picture shows a test driver putting one of them through its paces. Mark also features this image in his book. Library of Congress
Here’s a photo of tests on the Rogue River near the Ford Plant. Library of Congress
Here’s another shot from the Rogue River. Library of Congress
Below is a production SEEP. Note the ribs on the side. I believe this photo is from maneuvers held in the Detroit area, when soldiers from Fort Wayne in full combat dress manned the machines Library of Congress
The picture below shows maneuvers held in the Detroit area, when soldiers from Fort Wayne in full combat dress manned the machines. Library of Congress
The two photos below were taken by Arthur Siegel. During WWII he worked for the Office of War Information (OWI). These two were taken in April of 1943. Library of Congress
Thanks to a reader named Brett for pointing out this jeep. The front part of the jeep appears to be a M-38, though the year is off. On the other hand, the rear body on this jeep looks suspiciously CJ-5ish. I’d like to see some close up pics to see how the front and rear of the body has been merged. Perhaps it is a M-38 and 1954 M-38A1?
“1954 Jeep Military. !2 volt alt, 4 cyl flat head engine, front and rear seats,body in good condition. Brake wheel cylinders have been replaced. Body is in good condition with little or no rust. Selling Jeep and buying 4 wheeler. Come and see it at 210 North Main Street, Kanosh, Utah 84637.”
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list/view&ad=2052611
I can’t tell why the fender is off …
“1947 Jepp Willys 4 cly. All sheet metal, but the windshield frame. I rebuilt the carb and it runs and moves. no seats, has title
$1000 208-659-6180.”
http://spokane.craigslist.org/pts/1560187749.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $5000
Some serious mods here.
“I have a 1954 Willys wagon mounted on a 1 ton chevy truck frame. It has a front dana 44, rear 14 bolt , 400 tranny, and a 205 case. The motor is a fresh 454 bored 60 over,10.5/1 comp. forged pistons,eagle crank and I beam rods, comp cam, completely redone steel heads with 2.19 valves and roller rockers. Lots of other extras done to the motor. It has an aluminum radiator, B&M shifter, Mastercraft suspension seats with 4 point harnesses,and a rear seat with 3 sets of belts.The tires are 40 inch tall tractor tires mounted on 16″ wide wheels.I am asking $5,000.00 for the complete truck . I will sell it as a roller for $2,000.00 (no motor, trans, case, or tires) . I will take $1,000.00 for the tires and wheels.”
This is a great looking CJ-3B.
“1954 WILLYS JEEP CJ-3-B HIGH HOOD.THIS JEEP WAS A FRAME OFF RESTORATION ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO I BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO AND HAVE DRIVEN IT VERY LITTLE SO I AM ONLY SELLING IT BECAUSE I”M OUT OF ROOM NOT MONEY. THE MOTOR IS A F-HEAD 134 4 CYL. THAT HAS BEEN COMPLETLEY REBUILT. IT HAS A T-90 GEAR BOX THAT HAS ALSO BEEN REBUILT THE REBUILT TRANSFER CASE IS A SPICER-18 IT HAS A WARN OVERDRIVE.IT HAS A SPICER 44 REAR-END AND A 27 FRONT-END THE GEAR RATIO IS 538 AND NEW WARN HUBS IT ALSO HAS A SAGINAW STEERING BOX WITH A TILT STEERING COLUMN. IT HAS A NEW TUB (BODY)*NEW FENDERS*NEW HOOD*NEW WINDSHIELD AND FRAME*NEW TIRES AND WHEELS ALSO IT HAS A NEW FULL TOP BUT I DO NOT HAVE THE BOWS THAT GO WITH IT AND IT HAS A NEW BIKINI TOP THAT IS ON IT IN THE PICTURES. AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES THE WIRING AND MOTOR ARE VERY CLEAN. I KEEP THIS STORED INSIDE AND THIS IS A VERY SOUND WELL BUILT JEEP….”
UPDATE: Was $3900. **SOLD**
(01/19/10) For a non restored vehicle, this looks like it’s in good shape. Perfect for cruising the Santa Cruz Mountains after a winter rain and wind storm (think downed lines, mud slides, tree branches and more all over the roads ..)
“1960 Jeep Willys Pick-up. Dual Range 4X4. Super Hurricane 6-cyl. Original Ca. truck with blk. plates. New exhaust, Re-upholstered seat, Re-built electrical system, Runs and drives excellent!”
According to the seller, this is a perfect Valentine’s gift for someone. I can’t argue with that 🙂
“Up for sale is a 1946 Willys CJ2A in excellent running condition. Starts well, runs well, shifts well and brakes well. I’ve put tons of hard earned cash and precious time in getting the Willys into this condition. The body is in very good shape with the usual issues. Color is RED with a star. My wife told me to mention that it would make a wonderful Valentine’s gift for that perfect someone. This Willys is ready for the next step in the “restoration” process but not for me. I’ve spent way too much on
the project. The next owner will literally save a thousands (see the ad for all the work done)…. All this and more (I know that I missed something) This Willys can literally driven home. Call Dean at 248.762.3911 or Email me at Minnlowe@comcast.net. No warranty is offered or implied.”
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/1559800951.html
No pics and no specs.
“Please call 502-807-9947 for questions. I will email pictures if interested. Thanks for looking!”
I cannot remember seeing any pics with a gun mounted on a step. However, in the comment below, Lester has clarified for me that guns were mounted in that position. He notes that in “the Squadron/Signal book,WWII Jeep in Action by David Doyle, there is a picture on page 41 of a maintenance crew of the 1st Armored division installing just such a mount in the exact same location.” Thanks for the detective work!
“You will not find one this complete. This one is in great shape. It is very clean. It is not a total restoration, since I like military vehicle to look like the are battle worn, not new. It needs a new paint job, which I have the paint to do it, and it comes with the jeep. This jeep is in great working order. It is in restored condition. It is not a complete restoration. It runs and drives great. Does smoke a little. All parts are here. It is a 6-volt system. Been totally rewired. All lights work. Canvas top is new. It is garage kept. Brakes are all redone, new gas tank and lines. Has medical box. The motor sounds great. The leaks are in normal spots, If not started every day will need to be primed to start. Rebuilt transmission, clutch plate. Rebuilt transfer case. Put on a new fuel pump, new distributor, new coil, and new sensors. All gauges are in working order. The is a new speedometer, so I don’t know the original miles. Brakes are new and work great…..”
Do you have a problem with your Bell crank getting a little loose, affecting the steering on your old flattie? But, you don’t want to go through the mods necessary or alter the originality of the steering?
Gary’s friend Lawrence has developed a great solution. Lawrence Elliot theorized that that the bell crank could be machined in a way to accept tapered roller bearings. It is then fitted with a pin style adjustment. As you can see in the pics below, the final product looks simple and slick.
If you are interested in having Lawrence build you one of these, you can contact him at 828-287-5275. Thanks for sharing this great idea!
Another artist featured in the PBS series They Drew Fire, Combat Artists of World War II, Ed Reep, captured this scene. While he tries to paint the image colorfully, there’s no doubt, based on his description, that his subject had an unimaginably colorful character. After ending the war as an Army Captain, Ed would go on to teach at the Art Center College at East Carolina University and the California Institute of the Arts.
Ed writes, “There was a fellow who hauled a bathtub out of Notuno, and filled it with water, and then he punched a hole in the gas tank and lit it. The painting was nutty. That’s all there was to it. How in the world could this man be smiling on a beach-head where shell fire would come all the time, constantly?” You can see this painting on PBS’s Website. This painting is currently located at the U.S. Army Center for Military History in Washington, D.C.
UPDATE: The links to the PDFs are fixed.
Among the digitized items Bruce has sent me comes these articles. In this one, from the Hammond Times, July 23, 1945, Willys Overland introduces the new Post-War Jeep. What’s interesting is that it’s neither an “ad” nor is it really an article. You can view the entire PDF here.
Even more interesting was the pricing decision. These new Willys would cost $1000, a price not set by Willys Overland, but instead by the Office of Price Administration (OPA). This information comes from a July 31, 1945 article, in the Vidette-Messenger, Valparaiso, Indiana. Here’s the full PDF and an excerpt below.
No pics and little description.
“Rusty, incomplete, 4WD. Good for parts, or restore? 619-445-5455”
UPDATE: This is back on eBay. It was auctioned late last year.
This is a nice looking CJ-2A.
“1947 Willys Civilian CJ-2A. Please bid and have the money to complete this transaction. I bought the Willys just a few months ago to sit in the showroom. I have few other cars I have purchased that I need room in the showroom, so here is your chance! Frame off restoration a few years ago. Over $18,400 invested over the initial price of vehicle. This Jeep is about as nice as you will find, in, off, or on Ebay, or anyplace else. 274 miles since restored. No rust body, no filler, no bondo. Every known component rebuilt or refurbished. Starts immediately, idles well. Drives excellent. Correct Picket Gray paint, correct red wheels …”
No need to login to view the submenus .. but I guess that temporary plan didn’t work anyway … fortunately I have no ego wrapped in my coding abilities!
Actually, I thought my logging in idea had worked for users, until a reader pointed out that he still couldn’t see the sub menus even after logging in (thanks Robert!). It was then I discovered that I was the only person that could see the submenus …. cool for me but sucks for everyone else 🙁
So, after spending the day beating my head against my desk for several hours, injecting caffeine, and playing basketball … and it was a good day for bball … I finally found the culprit (some javascript related to the slideshow in the sidebar). So, for the time being there won’t be a slideshow of past posts, but there will be submenus.
Updates later (and I’ll answer some emails which i have ignored all day to track down this problem).
– Dave
UPDATE: Here is an updated link to Denver’s collection of Bingham’s pics.
Photographer Roy O. Bingham followed the 10th Mountain Division through at least part of Italy during World War II. I searched for some information on Bingham and though I found photos, I haven’t found any biography information yet.
During World War II, the 10th Mountain Division trained in Colorado in anticipation of fighting in the Italian Alps.
The following photo was snapped by Bingham and the 2nd is of Bingham himself.
Roy O Bingham. Library of Congress
This photo was taken by Richard A. Rocker, who was also a photographer with the 10th Mountain Division. You can see a variety of his pics at the Denver Library’s online collection of Western History and Genealogy,
The soldiers in this photo were likely parked amongst the rubble of a shelled town called Pietra Colora. According to the photographer, they are listening to the sound of German artillery falling nearby and preparing to take cover if the rounds start falling closer.
