Sebastian, whom I mentioned in this post (a couple posts down), taught me a couple things about Willys in Colombia today.
1) Willys are very popular in Colombia. They started arriving during the 50’s and immediately became a sensation. They are still used regularly in the coffee plantations. He assures us that every single coffee beam that we enjoy in a Colombian Coffee has been transported at some point in a Willys (most probably a CJ-3B). There are cities and towns where you can see Willys everywhere, being used as work vehicles. For somebody from this country it would be like going back on time. They are also used as taxis, carrying people by the dozen. [Editor’s note: Nice work Sebastian; I am sold on a trip to Colombia :-)]
2) There are many Jeep festivals in Colombia. Most of them occur between September and October; they are called “Yipaos”. The festivals were started in 1988. The vehicles are driven through the main streets of a city and the Jeeps with the largest amount of objects carried with the most harmonious arrangements earn prizes. In fact, in February 2006, a Guinness World Records was established for the “Longest Jeep Parade” in Calarca, with a caravan of over 370 Jeep Willys vehicles. It seem to me that we need to break that record back! Here’s an article about it on the CJ-3B page.
Sebastian also sent me a powerpoint with some nice big pictures of one festival. You just gotta see it to believe. Check out the mud flaps … I’ve been looking for some older looking mud flaps!
Selling my 46 Flattie, just not enough time or money at the moment so it’s gotta go. Only bought this this spring so I haven’t accomplished much. This will also include a partially torn down Buick 225 Odd-Fire V-6. Motor had a bent push rod and has sat for some time. All parts except distributor come with it though, I may be able to get a distributor if that’s the selling point. What you see is what you get with this one, no seats, cooling system, or wiring. From the middle of the cowl back is all torch cut 1/8″ plate, not nice to look at but would take a beating off road. There is a trans, transfercase, and axles present but I have not checked them out and it is to be assumed that they need rebuilt. Best part is this thing has a clear title in my name.”
Selling my 1948 Will’y Jeep with a 1945 engine in it. It runs! It has been converted to 12 volt and has the original fold down windshield. Please call for further details or to come take a look!”
