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Aug. 18, 1944 Newspaper Ad for the Willys Jeep

• CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s a curiously early newspaper ad for the Willys Jeep in the August 18, 1944, page 3, of the Healdsburg Tribute and Enterprise out of California. It’s a small, one-column, straight to the point ad without any credit as to what company placed the ad. This may be the earliest ad for the jeep I’ve seen in a newspaper. This would have been placed during Willys-Overland’s fight with the FTC over W-O’s use of the term “Jeep” in its marketing.

1944-08-18-healdsburg-trib-willys-jeep-ad

The ad was again published the following month in Monterey, Virginia, on September 29, 1944, in the Highland Recorder: https://virginiachronicle.com/cgi-bin/virginia?a=d&d=HR19440929.2.28.1&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN-willys+jeep——-

1944-09-29-highland-recorder-willys-jeep-ad

 
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Kids Driving Jeeps

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: This photo of Jimmy Crabtree resides in the Free Library of Philadelphia Digital Collections (see bottom image).

1948-jimmy-crabtree-working-on-jeep

PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia Digital Collections ; PHOTO CAPTION: San Francisco: Jimmy Crabtree, 3, does some repair work on his miniature Jeep, with some aid from a helper. Jimmy’s father, a race car aid from a helper. Jimmy’s father, a race car mechanic, and his uncle made the Jeep for him. It is powered by an electric motor like those used in invalid chairs. Two batteries, one under the hood and one under the rear seat, furnish enough juice for 10 hours driving at 14 mph. Mr. Crabtree estimates it cost about $75 in parts and $2,000 in labor. February 21st, 1948

 =================================

Originally posted in November of 2014: The Chicago Tribune featured two kids driving jeeps. The first was about a boy named Richard Aulerich who built a soap box entry and then turned it into a drivable vehicle.

1947-04-22-pg40-chicago-tribune-soapbox-jeep

Boy from Detroit turns Soap Box Jeep into drivable vehicle.

A year later Jimmy Crabtree proved a little smarter than Richard. Three-year-old Jimmy had his father make him a drivable jeep, but it seems ladies-man Jimmy made sure it was a two-seater. He wasted no time picking up Susan Spitzer and taking her for a ride.

1948-02-16-chicago-tribune-pg16-kids-in-jeep

 
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1948 CJ-2A Denver, CO $5000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Look solid. Appears to have a custom top.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/632485847280136/

“48 cj 2a all original engine was rebuilt 8yrs ago has maybe 4-500 miles on it runs drives great”

1948-cj2a-denver-co95 1948-cj2a-denver-co96 1948-cj2a-denver-co97 1948-cj2a-denver-co98 1948-cj2a-denver-co99

 
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1948 CJ-2A Kenai, AK $8500

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Has a few mods.

https://kenai.craigslist.org/cto/d/kasilof-1948-willys-cj2a-original-side/6986767589.html

1948-cj2a-kenai-ak2 1948-cj2a-kenai-ak3 1948-cj2a-kenai-ak4

“1948 Willys CJ2a that was restored around 2006. (Has a CJ3a windshield) Three speed on the floor with high and low range Front seats are not spec..but are nicely covered and match the back seat that is not shown. Soft top in excellant condition and only needs some tlc to clean storage dust. (DOORS NOT SHOWN) Engine ( 4 cylinder L Head Go Devil with 60 horse power) professionally rebuilt by RPM with just about everything under the hood replaced and new. Converted to 12 volt and has new electronic distributor. Also removed oil bath aircleaner and converted to regular cartridge cleaner. 4 wheel drive works and has locking hubs…GOOD RUBBER. Starts and run great. Only thing not operational is gas gauge. Lights work. New high speed starter. Always garaged. Have new chains for the tailgate. IS REGISTERED AND READY TO G”

 

 
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1959 CJ-5 Benzonia, MI $800

• CATEGORIES: CJ5 • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The engine runs. Seems like there’s value here.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/414302515893625/

“Runs good needs bolts for the rearend”

1959-cj5-ben-wi2 1959-cj5-ben-wi3 1959-cj5-ben-wi4

 
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1953 CJ-3A Austin, TX **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3000.

Has potential.

“1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep- project condition.”

1953-cj3a-austin-tex6 1953-cj3a-austin-tex7 1953-cj3a-austin-tex8 1953-cj3a-austin-tex9

 
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1966 CJ-6 & 1981 Jeep Scrambler Sedillo, NM $3650

• CATEGORIES: CJ-6 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

No pics provided.

https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/for/d/tijeras-jeeps/6991253161.html

“1981 Jeep Scrambler and 1966 Jeep CJ6.
Not running, need work.
Both $3,650.00
Clean Titles”

 
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1946 CJ-2A Bakersfield, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $18000.

Looks nicely refurbed.

“We received the vehicle in poor condition from a family member. We performed a body-off restoration to bring the car to its former glory. Converted it from a 6 volt to a 12 volt and threw on some bigger tires for safety concerns. Everything else is kept to original specs. Project began 10 years ago and finished around 6 years ago. She starts up every time and hasn’t had any major issues. We also have a backseat/bench that is not included in the pictures, it matches the front seats. The handbrake is NOT installed and we do not plan on doing so”

1946-cj2a-bakersfield-ca1 1946-cj2a-bakersfield-ca2 1946-cj2a-bakersfield-ca3 1946-cj2a-bakersfield-ca4

 
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1928 Willys Whippet Model 96 Truck Conversion on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Other 4x4s This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Chris spotted this fun looking, Willys-related project.

View all the information on eBay

willys-whippet-model-96

“Vintage – Willys Whippet Model 96 – Vehicle has been stored in a barn for over 70 yrs as it was being worked on. From history the vehicle started out as a Whippet sedan and was converted to a light truck back in the day. In 1928 no true trucks were manufactured so vehicles were converted for use as light trucks. The vehicle has been started but not currently. This vehicle has just about every part needed for proper restoration but just needs loving hands and patience’s. There are extra parts and manuals. Extra parts include doors, handles, tires, wheels, transmission, generator, brake parts, clutch, radiator chrome, inside wood for doors, wood frame for windshield, spark plugs, wood for bed of truck, vinyl for seat covers and more. It is recently titled.”

 
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1943 MB Kennewick, WA $6500

• CATEGORIES: MB This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/23/2019) This is an MB with some extra parts.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/kennewick-1943-willys-mb-jeep/6982065538.html

1943-mb-cj-kennewick-wa1 1943-mb-cj-kennewick-wa2 1943-mb-cj-kennewick-wa3 1943-mb-cj-kennewick-wa4

“Selling my 1943 Willys MB. The windshield is from a CJ3A. The hood is off a M38. The rest of the body is the MB. It’s sitting on 36×12.5×15 tires. I put in the TPI 350 from an ’89 Iroc, mated that to a TH350 which has the adapter to the Dana 18. I just rebuild (3 weeks ago) the Dana 18 with all new gears and bearings. I believe the axles are from a CJ5. The rear axle has a Powr-lok in it and I welded the front axle. I believe the gears are 3.73 (haven’t actually checked) because it hits highway speed pretty easy. It has the disc brake conversion in the front and 11′ Drums in the rear. I put in Dual manual Wilwood High volume master cylinders for the brakes with their brake pedal.
Continue reading

 
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1948 CJ-2A Oak Harbor, WA $2850

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Still Available.

(09/16/2019) It’s a project without a body.

https://skagit.craigslist.org/pts/d/oak-harbor-1948-cj2a/6978580035.html

1948-cj2a-oakharbor-wa1 1948-cj2a-oakharbor-wa2

“1948 Willys Jeep CJ2A. Complete vehicle less body, fenders, etc. I have all the parts in my shop except the sheet metal. Frame is partially sandblasted and coated. Transmission is fully rebuilt by a professional. Engine ran when I disassembled the vehicle but needs rebuild. I am selling due to health reasons.”

 
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Free Library of Philadelphia Digital Collections Photos

• CATEGORIES: Features, Library Collections, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

These photos are located in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Digital Collections. I’ve posted eight photos below. There are many more “jeep” related photos on the site. See all 124 of them here: https://libwww.freelibrary.org/digital/search/home/page/5/q/jeep

  1. Keystone Automobile Club Road Patral Service CJ-2A:

    free-library-of-philadelphia-keystone-auto-club

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: Keystone Automobile Club – Road Patrol Service

  2. This photo was taken in 1946 in Denmark.

    free-library-of-philadelphia-denmark-cj2a

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: This Danish reporter was so bent in following his nose for news, he mounted the stairs of the Parliament building, Copenhagen, here with his Jeep. He was the first buyer of the Danish post war Jeeps sold in this city. It cost him about $2,000.

  3. 1946 Photo of Surplus Jeeps:

    free-library-of-philadelphia-surplus-jeeps

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: Willys-Overland Motors, Toledo, Ohio. Some of the 2,700 army Jeeps which will be sold to veterans by the War Assets Administration are shown parked in Atlanta. Sale will begin on June 10, 1946. There have been many complaints from veterans that they buy army surplus material only through dealers. These Jeeps will be sold directly by the W.A.A.

  4. 1948 Photo of CJ-2A plowing sidewalks in St. Louis, Missouri:

    free-library-of-philadelphia-snow-jeep-sidewalk

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: STL 46………………………………….NEW YORK BUREAU “OPERATION SNOWPLOW” ST. LOUIS: “SIDEWALK SNOW SCOOTER” IS THE AFFECTIONATE NAME GIVEN BY THE STUDENTS OF ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY TO THEIR SCHOOL-OPERATED JEEP. THE VERSATILE VEHICLE IS BEING USED AS A SNOWPLOW TO CLEAR SIDEWALKS AFTER THE YEAR’S HEAVIEST SNOWFALL, MARCH 11. NY-A-B CREDIT (ACME TELEPHOTO) 3/11/48

  5. Postcard of Pocket Testament League Jeep Truck in China (FRONT & BACK):
    free-library-of-philadelphia-1948-chinese-ptl-truck-frontfree-library-of-philadelphia-1948-chinese-ptl-truck-back
  6. This 99 year-old Civil War Vet wished he was a little younger so he could fight in WWII:

    PHOTO CREDIT: PHOTO CAPTION: Franke E. Ross, age 99 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, fought in the the infantry away back in Civil War days and now he would like to fight against the Nazis. He said, "If I could go back a few years, I'd be figting with you fellows." He proudly steers a Jeep in front of his home during the pause of a unit there while on the maneuvers of the Second Army in middle Tennessee.

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: Franke E. Ross, age 99 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, fought in the the infantry away back in Civil War days and now he would like to fight against the Nazis. He said, “If I could go back a few years, I’d be figting with you fellows.” He proudly steers a Jeep in front of his home during the pause of a unit there while on the maneuvers of the Second Army in middle Tennessee.

  7. Customs Inspector checking jeep:

    free-library-of-philadelphia-customs-inspector

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: Ralph Overall, U.S. Customs inspector, inspecting Jeep.

  8. Jack Hoffman and his CJ-2A (bought with proceeds from the sale of a champion steer):

    free-library-of-philadelphia-1947-01-12-steer-champion-jeep

    PHOTO CREDIT: Free Library of Philadelphia .. PHOTO CAPTION: Jack Hoffman, whose champion steer brought him a fortune of $43,005.77 at Kansas City’s American Royal Livestock Show, checks the water in the radiator of his new Jeep. January 1947, Ida Grove, Indiana

 
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Plastic CJ-2ish Toy on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features, toys This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This plastic toy is priced at $25. This is the closest toy I’ve seen to a CJ-2 (grille, windshield, mid-mounted tire, tailgate, no glovebox.

View all the information on eBay

“In decent condition for the age. They have signs of use. Please refer to pictures and use the zoom to see more details. I’m not antique dealer, collector or expert. The pictures describe the item along with any flaws and markings we can find the best we can.show Sold As Is.  No returns.”

plastic-cj2a-jeep0 plastic-cj2a-jeep1 plastic-cj2a-jeep2 plastic-cj2a-jeep3 plastic-cj2a-jeep4

 
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Kaiser Willys Dealer Accounting Manual on eBay

• CATEGORIES: Features This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Can’t be many of these around, but I suppose there are many folks around who want them.

View all the information on eBay

“Probably uncommon Vintage Kaiser Willys Dealer Accounting Manual In used condition. .A 3 ring binder made especially for them. Comes with some ledger paper. From the Reynolds & Reynolds Co. of Celina Ohio.”

kaiser-willys-accounting-manual1

kaiser-willys-accounting-manual2

 
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1964 CJ-3B Tracy, CA $7950

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price dropped to $7950.

(09/21/2019) This has a fiberglass body along with a bunch of mods.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/tracy-1964-willys-3b-high-hood-jeep/6991779939.html

1964-cj3b-tracy-ca1 1964-cj3b-tracy-ca6 1964-cj3b-tracy-ca7 1964-cj3b-tracy-ca8 1964-cj3b-tracy-ca9

“Custom 64 Willy’s Jeep with a 350 V-8, Dart heads, Edelbrock Victor manifold and a just rebuilt Holly 750. It was originally professional built and a true head turner and performer! Upgraded transfer case, Fiberglass body, Front tilt hood, and RARE ORIGINAL SAFARI WINDSHIELD. Take it to the dirt or sand a true performer. This is a true off road vehicle. True miles unknown, stated mileage is an estimate, odometer was non-op when I bought it. The transmission is a 4 speed with a low 1st gear. Local mechanic believes it is a GM SM420 with a Dana Model 18 Transfer Case. Title in hand and tags are current.”

 
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1947 CJ-2A Madera, CA $4800

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price dropped to $4800.

(08/05/2019) Looks like a solid jeep. I wonder if that’s a fiberglass body.

https://fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/madera-1947-willys-jeep/6990695050.html

“V8 conversion.Headers, flowmasters exhaust. Muncie 4speed manual transmission. Dana 44 front and rear axles. Warn locking hubs. 31″ BF goodrich mudterrains. Rancho suspension. 5.38 gears , tops out around 60mph. Current registration, currently insured no fees. Runs great. Soft top.”

1947-cj2a-madera-ca1 1947-cj2a-madera-ca2 1947-cj2a-madera-ca3 1947-cj2a-madera-ca4

 
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1962 CJ-3B Reno, NV eBay

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bidding starts at $3000. The drain holes have been filled and the rear cargo area looking rebuilt.

View all the information on eBay

“1962 Willys Jeep with a 283 Chevy engine 8 cylinders and 3 speed manual transmission.  Roll Bar and 4 wheel drive.   White exterior paint  is in good condition as well as the interior vinyl.  Car runs and drives well. Please call if you have any questions”

1962-cj3b-reno-nev6 1962-cj3b-reno-nev7 1962-cj3b-reno-nev8 1962-cj3b-reno-nev9

 
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1944 MB? Moses Lake, WA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: MB This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was No Price.

This has 3 Warn hubs and one Selectro hub. There’s some value here.

1944-mb-ms-wa1 1944-mb-ms-wa2

“THIS IS A PROJECT-1944 Willy’s for sale or trade. This is a project. It has a 2.3 carbed ford 4 cylinder but I pulled a 2.3 turbo(185hp) fuel injected version out of a running car and have it on an engine stand, all chassis and engine wires/computers with it. It’s twin sticked with 5.38 gears, T-90 3 speed manual. Have a couple extra turbos and just about all the parts to complete this. Have had it in storage the last 4 years and would love to trade it for something I will get to use. I like dirt bikes( 250 , 2 stroke), trucks, enclosed trailers, welders (prefer portable), boomsticks, and CASH.”

 

 
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1947? CJ-3A? San Dimas, CA $2000

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A, CJ-3A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

No pics provided.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/pts/d/san-dimas-willy-jeep-cj-3-parts-car/6992287701.html

“Willy – Jeep Cj-3 Parts Car
1947 or so
Majority of vehicle present”

 
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CJ-3A Tucson, AZ **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was No Price.

This is located at Willys Works.

year-cj3a-tucson-az

“Parting out a willys cj3a !!
Grille $150
Tub $250
Dana 44 rear axle $350
Dana 25 front axle $250
Frame $300
Transmission/ transfercase $550
Radiator $100
Starter $100
Generator $30
Wheels chrome spoke 15in $100
Roll bar $40
Jeep is located at willys works”

 
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1946? CJ-2A Fullerton, CA **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $3500.

I can’t tell by the description if this is still available or not.

“Used good jeep willys need project finish…i sold ….in fullerton”

year-cj2a-fullerton-ca

 
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1948 CJ-2A Billings, MT $950

• CATEGORIES: CJ-2A This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Has some floor rust, but may have some value if the engine spins.

https://billings.craigslist.org/ctd/d/billings-1948-willys-jeep-cj-2a/6990852836.html

“Dont know if it runs, no time to mess with it.”

1948-cj2a-billings-mt1 1948-cj2a-billings-mt2 1948-cj2a-billings-mt3 1948-cj2a-billings-mt4

 
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1942 GPW Lakewood, CO $1800

• CATEGORIES: GPW (Ford MB) This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Price dropped to $1800.

(09/30/2019) It’s supposed to include an overdrive.

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/littleton-1942-ford-jeep-willys/6992174063.html

“WWII Jeep made by Ford motor company. 235cu.in. V6 apart. 225 V6 odd fire, Thorsen front end, rear end. High/ low range, with over drive.”

1942-gpw-lakewood-co12 1942-gpw-lakewood-co2

 
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Wyoming Digital Collection Photos

• CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I found a few jeep-related photos in Wyoming’s Digital Collection.

  1. This first one is most interesting, as it might be a stretched CJ-2A. this might have a rare Porter & Reed half top:
wyoming-digital-archives-pest-control1

Wyoming State Archives, Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Caption: “PLATTE COUNTY WEED & PEST CONTROL DISTRICT JEEP MOUNTED SPRAY RIG”

2) This CJ-2A might have a Beck hardtop:

wyoming-digital-archives-cj2a-snow

Wyoming State Archives, Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Caption: “JACK WELCH WITH SMALL CALF ON TOP OF TALL SNOW BANK, CAR PARKED BENEATH THEM ON ROAD, WINDMILL BEHIND, BLIZZARD

3) Photo of soldier jumping a horse near a jeep:

wyoming-digital-archives-wy-national-guard

Wyoming State Archives, Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Caption: “WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD, GEORGE GUY ON HORSEBACK JUMPING JEEP

4)  May 1, 1945, photo of infantryman fighting in Austria.

5) Jeeps at Casper Army Air Base:

wyoming-digital-archives-wy-jeeps-casper-airforce-base

yoming State Archives, Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. Caption: “BRAKE COLLECTION–WWII–ARMY AIR BASE–CASPER, WYO-2 OF 4, CASPER AIR BASE, WY“.

 
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1951 M-38 Vestavia, AL $7500

• CATEGORIES: M-38 This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Has some updates. Looks solid.

https://bham.craigslist.org/cto/d/birmingham-jeep-willys-38/6988916625.html

1951-m38-vestavia-al1 1951-m38-vestavia-al2 1951-m38-vestavia-al3 1951-m38-vestavia-al4

“This is a custom built and fully restored 1951 Jeep Willys.
Rebuilt L134 Engine with only 300 miles
T98 4 speed transmission
T18 Transfer case
538 Gears
12 Volt
8000 lb winch
Jeep runs and drives great! It is located in Vestavia.”