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About eWillys
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.
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: The September 1962 issue of Four Wheeler included a full page ad for its new hardtop and half-top designs. The magazine included both a full-page ad and a short article. Given this info, it looks like the top redesign was introduced during the summer of 1962.
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Originally Published July 7, 2020: Sometime in the early 1960s, Kelly Manufacturing altered the design of its angular full and half hardtops. The new tops eliminated some of the horizontal bevels and the flat back design for a slightly more elegant design; but, the tops did retain the angled top-side that was so recognizable (As I don’t have much knowledge on any interior changes, this post will stick to the major exterior differences) (See Kelly’s connection to Beck and Kemco and an early Kelly brochure) (Also see CJ-3B page Beck and Kelly histories)
Interestingly enough, Kelly branded the Flatfender tops as 23-series, but not the CJ-5 tops. Here’s a 1962 Kelly brochure that highlights a wide variety of the rear-angled design for both the CJ-5 and the flatfenders, along with the model numbers:
To make the differences more clear, let’s take a look at the early Kelly design (these early hardtops were also marketed by the Berg’s as JeepKing hardtops). Notice the horizontal bevels along the driver’s side rear and on the rear latch. Also note the flat vertical back of the hardtop.
This silent collection of videos sent by John includes footage of a jeep carrying General Eisenhower.
“Several shots of the American soldiers clearing debris in heavily bombed area. Various shots of convoy of jeeps driving through town streets, heavily bombed buildings in background. Jeep stops and General Eisenhower (Ike) gets out of jeep and enters a house. Ike leaving house with several other officers. They stand on doorstep talking. There is a three star General with Ike, possibly General Bradley. Ike puts coat on and lights cigarette, he chats a bit more, gets into jeep and leaves.”
This silent video also contains a number of scenes featuring Eisenhower:
“Various shots of General Dwight D Eisenhower presenting medals to American soldiers. Ike gives them a shot pep talk. Shots of General Eisenhower and other senior officers looking over map.
Ike and others arrive in jeep. Different angle of medal presentation and Ike’s pep talk to the men. Eisenhower climbs into jeep and leaves.
Various shots of Eisenhower talking with American officers.
Various shots of American field artillery being fired.
Shots of Troops advancing behind tanks across field. Tanks move into wooded area, possibly an orchard. Soldiers follow up behind them.
American troops with a bulldozer crush a crashed German Messerschmitt ME 109 plane. CU American star symbol painted over German cross on small tank.
Various shots of building with German abandoned staff cars.
Various shots of the broken remains of German aircraft (possibly wooden mock ups) at captured airfield in France.”
“1955 jeep whilly panel wagan clean title no damage no accidents not sure about the miles not at vehicle right now, automatic trans,350 engine new tires new battery runs an handles great can be seen by appointment gives me time to get to vehicle”
“1951 jeep willys cj-3 2.2l Jeep willys engine transmission manual works great 4×4 . .this is a fun old jeep Cheaper than a side by side . Great for the woods hunting, or farm No title but have the forms to get one.”
“Hello Everyone. I’m posting my 57 Jeep FC for sale. I have way to many projects going on so I’m thinning the garage out. I really hate to sell it but it is neccessary and would really like it to go to a good home. I purchased it about a year ago or so. As you can tell it’s been out in the elements and has been treated pretty roughly unnecessarily. She is very rough but is at least a foundation for a build. I really liked what roam auto did with there FC. If you have a way with metal it is possible to fix the cab and even swap it to another frame. Here are the basics: 1957 Jeep FC 170 226 hurricane inline 6 No title! Bill of sale only. 6ft wide, bumper to bumper 15ft Let the pictures be the best description!”
“1963 willys cj6 Brand new wheels abd bfg tires. Comes with a half top and a full top Includes trailer brake controller (brakes work but could probably use bled again) Jeep runs drives and stops. Title is clear and in hand in my name. Actual mileage is unknown. Will consider trades for dual sport motorcycle, World War Two items, side by sides and others.”
The January 1952 issue of National Geographic included an expansive article on the King Ranch in Texas, which at the time was America’s largest ranch. One of the photos included in the article showed a CJ-3A (in black) and a CJ-2A (in green) towing farm implements.
Anyone know anything about these unusual wood carvings? The buy-it-now price is $140, but the seller will take offers. They don’t look very big, but look pretty interesting.
“3 model Jeeps with British Paratroopers. Probably made just after WWII when British Soldiers were extremely popular in Denmark. No factory given. Could be kitchen made, or prison work.”
There are multiple jeeps that appear in this video, but more interesting is how youthful the German prisoners look, some as young as young teens. It’s one thing to read about this, but another thing to see their faces.
“Various shots of civilian refugees walking along road, American Military Police on side of road. Various shots of boy soldiers (very young) marching along road with American jeep leading them. The boys sitting on railway platform. Several close up shots of boys talking to American soldier, eating, smiling to camera.
Several shots of American soldiers on a lorry on empty road, men firing at plane flying overhead.
Long shot of a small town with river in the middle and hills around.
Burning lorry on side of road, vehicles moving past. German prisoners being rounded – some women amongst them. Several shots of dead bodies scattered on ground. American soldiers search and question German women prisoners.”
This ad cites Willys-Overland’s use of the Dictograph as part of an advertising campaign. Given the war references, this was likely printed between 1942-1945.
“This is a vintage original ad, not a copy or reproduction. Neatly removed from magazine. Would look beautiful framed. Measures 10 and 1/2 by 14 inches”
The seller has the starting bid price at $3000, which seems a good price. It appears to run and drive. It’s also got a Meyers hardtop with the Meyers industries label, which means the top may pre-date the companies relationship with Sears/Allstate.
“Complete frame off restoration done in 2015. Only has 1140miles since restoration. It has been converted to 12v,Engine and transmission rebuilt, all new leaf springs, brake system, wiring, gauges, starter, alternator, tires are new 7.00-16 NDT including matching spare, installed new soft top assembly, had seats reupholstered, he has over $16,000 in receipts for all the parts and pieces. It runs like a top”
“1953 Jeep built for Silver lake. Frame has beet stretched and boxed, custom roll cage, fresh rebuild 355 sbc, 350 hp, turbo 400 trans, 4k stall, 4.55 rear gear. Full Suspension done by GFW reverse Deaver springs, and fox shocks. Rips across the sand and I have over 20k invested. Asking 8500. 00 OBO.”
“1946 Willys Jeep with plow, under 21000.0 miles. Has been in storage for the last four years ( barn Queen ). Don’t use, only reason for sale. Also a show winner, best in class. Asking $10,000 OBO”
Tom spotted this jeep. Described as “in near perfect condition, it looks like the rear portion of the tub has been repaired/modified and it lacks a tailgate. The front looks in good condition. Listed as a 1948, it may actually be a 1949 CJ-3A.
“1948 willys jeep with only 19,000 miles almost perfect condition needs brakes hasn’t been started in 7 years $10,500.00 got serial number this morning there only 74,000 made Been kept in a dry storage super cool jeep Well after little cleaning and putting in good battery old girl started right up”