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Filipino Custom: 1946 Willys Jeepney

This 1946 Willys is what’s known as a “Jeepney”, which has a history almost as colorful as the paint job it wears. The Jeepney was a custom creation born out of the Philippines, where locals modified the Willys Jeeps left behind by soldiers at the end of World War II. They became immensely popular people movers, and it’s rare to find one stateside. Find this example here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $32,500.

Clearly an acquired taste, the Jeepney would be a hit at any of the numerous Jeep meets taking place around the country on any given weekend. While no longer a Jeep in the traditional sense of being able to climb over hill and dale, the Jeepney is a proud reminder of just how embedded Jeeps became in practically any culture in which they were immersed.

Given the war decimated much of the country’s public transportation infrastructure, the Jeepney represented an affordable way to provide mass transportation services. Owners of the left-behind Jeep bodies stretched the chassis and added roofs and seats to carry multiple passengers, along with elaborate decorations that have seemingly survived intact on this example.

The seller notes there are not many of these Pilipino-made creations in the U.S., so you’re sure to stand out at the next Cars & Coffee event. Whether this paint job has been updated isn’t disclosed, but I would hope it’s the original design the first owner of the Willys came up with following the departure of American armed forces. Would you pay $32,500 for this oddball Jeep?

Comments

  1. Avatar Classic Steel

    Ahh something i rode in when i was young😎

    Back in the day my USAF dad was stationed on Clark in the PI .

    We used to take a ride in a Jeepne from time to time and the kalesa horse drawn carriage .

    WWII jeeps had the full treatment of bling added 😊
    These great folks could build or design anything as shown here.

    Good luck on sale.., its more than i want to pay but someone out there has a piggy bank ready to bust I guess..🤤

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Johnny G

    My only quibble would be the price since these Jeepney’s are getting forced off the road by the Govt. Not without objection by the owner/drivers however there will be a bit of a glut of surplus vehicles as it rolls out. Pity because I have always considered them to be an icon of the Philippines and some of the custom work carried out on them is amazing. My little daughter is really worried about it because I told her she will have to walk everywhere.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Cncbny

    I saw wilem defoe driving one of these in flight of the intruder. Just sayin

    Like 0
  4. Avatar That Guy

    My only visit to the Philippines was a business trip almost twenty years ago. Even then, the Jeepneys I saw in and around Manila were much newer than this, and were purpose-built on more modern truck chassis. I think I only saw a couple of true vintage Jeep conversions like this. So I suspect this is a fairly rare vehicle now even in the Philippines.

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Thomas Mabry

    I rode in many a Jeepne at Subic Bay in 1980. Classic!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Dennis

    Any Sailor that has ever been on a West Pac cruise has many fond memories of riding these to get to any of their destinations.Me, US Navy, 1976 to 1987.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar R. Vaughan

    Stationed at Sangley Point NAS from late ’67 to mid ’68 Took many a ride on these into Cavite City for some San Miguel beer and female “entertainment”

    Like 0

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