The roots of the Willys Jeep (MB) go back to World War II where they were an integral part of the ground portion of the U.S. military program of the 1940s. After the war when military demand had subsided somewhat, civilian versions were marketed as the CJ, but in smaller numbers. This 1960 edition has been restored (“rebuilt” according to the seller) and is available here as a Barn Finds Auction. From Gulfport, Mississippi, this Jeep looks to be in excellent condition and ready for more off-road adventures. If you have any questions about it, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below.
This one was listed with us as a Classified a while back. We thought it looked like it could be a great find but didn’t have enough photos to really be sure, so we offered to send a professional photographer out to get more photos of it and to upgrade it to an auction. It took some work to find a photographer, but our persistence paid off and we now have a ton of high-quality photos of it! Be sure to take a look at all the detailed photos in the gallery below. Also, photos verifying the title’s clean status are available upon request.
Willys–Overland was one of three bidders when the U.S. Army went looking for an automaker who could quickly begin production of a lightweight reconnaissance car based on a design by American Bantam. Bantam, Willys, and Ford would all begin to build the “Jeep” in 1941 and total war output would reach 360,000 units by the end of the war five years later. For overall military use, more than 653,000 Jeeps would see the light of day.
The origin of the name “Jeep” has been debated for many years. Some say “jeep” is a phonetic pronunciation of the abbreviation GP, from “General Purpose” which was used as part of the official Army playbook. The name stuck and Willys-Overland applied for a trademark in 1943 but it took until 1950 to get it approved. The seller’s Jeep is one of the later CJ models, not one of the copies built for military action. We don’t know much about this utilitarian beauty other than it was rebuilt in eastern Texas and later found itself in Mississippi.
If you’re going to tackle a full restoration, a Jeep is a great choice, as they are incredibly simple and parts are readily available. As you can see, there’s not much to this rig, but it has all the things necessary to be a usable vehicle. And with the four-wheel drive system, it’s plenty capable on and off roads. Like the rest of this Jeep, the interior has been restored and is in nice condition.
We now have a better look at the drivetrain and it appears to have been redone at some point, presumably during the restoration. This appears to be the stock F-134 Hurricane inline-4 and while it only has 70 horsepower it’s a stout little engine that gets the job done. Power is sent through a 3-speed manual transmission and a Model 18 transfer case.
A quick peek underneath reveals a very solid chassis and a few minor oil leaks. This looks like the kind of find you drive, enjoy, and do just the needed maintenance to keep it on the road.
Given the condition of the Jeep, it was clearly a prized possession and has been well cared for since being restored. It looks like a fun little runabout that only needs a new place to roost. If you’d like to be its next owner, be sure to bid below. And if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section.
- Location: Gulf Port, Mississippi
- Engine: F-134 Hurrican Inline-4
- Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
- VIN: 5754899856
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
Roger Irvin bid $8,600.00 2022-12-10 13:41:38
Jeep Fan bid $8,500.00 2022-12-10 13:04:40
Phred bid $7,786.00 2022-12-03 21:27:46
Stan Smith bid $6,500.00 2022-12-03 13:58:48- Phred bid $5,758.00 2022-12-03 13:29:37
- Stan Smith bid $1,000.00 2022-12-03 10:49:05
Redman bid $500.00 2022-12-03 09:53:57
Lucky Wilson bid $400.00 2022-12-03 09:52:28- Redman bid $300.00 2022-12-03 09:49:52
freeman bid $200.00 2022-12-02 16:20:49
Well, it’s a nice one, no question there, most, if not all Jeeps started out like this,,,once. Just be prepared for what you are spending and what you’ll get. It’s no Rubicon. While nice Jeeps are always a treat, most led a rough life. Jeeps, due to their inherent nature, don’t have to look like this, considering where they are intended to go. Since these are horribly inept for any road travel today 50 is tops, and couple that to everyone behind you wanting to do 70, it doesn’t take long for tempers to flare. Driving one beyond Walmart, what most restored Jeeps do, will be a chore. Jeeps like this have become more of a novelty, and limited use, but once you DO make it “back there”, it’s a blast, and I love my Jeep. I, however, would drive one without some kind of ROPS. A hard corner will roll these, easy.
Oh, just one more thing( Columbo), the name Jeep supposedly came from the cartoon character in the vintage Popeye clips. “Eugene the Jeep” was a mystical character, that could become invisible and go anywhere. https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/how-the-wwii-willys-jeep-got-its-nickname-from-the-popeye-cartoons/
Wouldn’t drive one without a roll bar, I meant,, sorry for the corrections, can’t edit EA, another BFs pet peeve,,
You are correct this is not a rubicon it’s an actual Willy’s made by Willy’s not fiat. It’s a collectors item not something you drive on the highway. The new Jeeps are FIAT
FIAT. Fine Integration of Art and Technology.
It’s also not $50,000
Howard A is right. I have a Warn overdrive in my CJ5 but it’s still scary on the highway.
Personally I would have to do a color change but otherwise I would love to have it.
Nice clean example of an older Jeep. somebody will get a lot of use out of this one.
What this shows, is evolution. The GP military vehicle, made by a small manufacturer with no other product. War’s resolution; resold it as a farm implement (failure) and then as a gas-station service truck (somewhat successful). Two changes in ownership (Kaiser and then AMC) and it was re-packaged as a sports-truck for young people.
The most-cracked-up message but the right time…when the Mustang was a Pinto reboot, and the Corvette was laden with bumpers and small-blocks.
The Jeep of those years, was not the Jeep of 1975, or the Wrangler of 1995 or of today. I looked at one, a CJ-6. In 1980, after knowing the owner of a modern CJ-7. The two were completely different. One was a tractor/war truck; the other, an imperfect go-anywhere ATV.
I love old Jeeps. Old Jeep history. I’ll not be bidding.
Does anyone know what a pto looks like this jeep has one but it’s not being used apparently check the photos. And 3 shift levers jeez
Barbie jeep?
I used to run everywhere in a 66 scout, no rollbar. Drove in the ditch at 45 50 miles an hour, shot it off the face of the local dam near me. Drove it down the face of the county gravel pit to where the front bumper touched and started to waver forward a little before I touched the gas to keep it from falling upside down. LIVE a LITTLE!! It had an overdrive, sold it because 65 was top speed, and I like to go 100 at least, not fast enough for me. Tim
Actually, this is the reason…
Jeep derives from the military term GP, which stands for General Purpose vehicles.
We were also called jeeps among other names when we went to our first PCS.
Actually, this is the reason…
Jeep derives from the military term GP, which stands for General Purpose vehicles.
We were called jeep among other names when we got to our first PCS.
I think this was my grandfather’s hunting lease Jeep . Originally in Carthage TX.
I drove it to high school. My dad sold it to a guy that refurbished military vehicles. He converted it to what you see – a resort Jeep .
It used to be white with a black fabric top.
If that all pans out ——- Wow!!
Jim in Longview TX.
May be slow but will out climb anything even a unimog they too heavy!!