Ok, I had a Tonka model of this exact Jeep when I was growing up. The top was hard plastic and came off, which made it interesting to a kid but also invited permanent and irreparable separation of that part from the body. Unfortunately, my pink Jeep didn’t stand a chance against my tomboy ways. This real-life example is a Surrey-topped DJ-3A, and though it looks girly, it’s a tough little machine. The two-wheel-drive DJ-3A itself was launched in 1955, with most examples sold to post offices around the country. When the government contract ended, Willys was left with an overrun of inventory. Inspired by resort vehicles like the 1957 Fiat Jolly, Willys transformed its extra vehicles into green, blue, or pink confections, aimed at the recreation crowd. About 1083 Surreys were made; note that this seller indicates that his vehicle is a 1958 DJ-3A “with Surrey kit”, so it may not be a factory original. Find it here on craigslist for $32,500; you can drive it home from Boca Raton, Florida if you dare! Rocco B., thanks for the tip!
The DJ-3A was very similar to the CJ-3A, but for chassis modifications to configure it as a two-wheel-drive and a lighter-duty rear end. Willys’ ubiquitous 134.2 cu. in., four-cylinder, L-head engine – dating back to the late 1930s – powered the DJ. Output was about 60 hp. This example has a new carburetor and fuel pump. The DJ-3A was a downmarket offering, but upgrades like a Donaldson air filter assembly were available. The gearbox was a Borg-Warner T96 three-speed manual, with a column-mount shift lever. By 1958, most DJ-3As were running on 12v systems.
Rather than a floor button starter, the DJ-3A was fitted with a key start. A single gauge did it all – well, it did a few things, anyway: speed, water temperature, and fuel. The base DJ-3A came with a single wiper blade on the driver’s side. A heater was optional. This example does include a set of fabric doors and side curtain-type windows, crafted from the same candy-stripe material used for the seats and top.
Resplendent in Tropical Rose/Coral Mist (the most popular of the three colors), this Jeep has been beautifully restored. Whether it’s a “real” Surrey is an open question. Quality Surrey Jeeps will sell near $50k at the right venue, though you can certainly pay less. What do you think, is this example worth the money?
Hey, I just bought this pink Jeep, let’s go 4 wheelin’,,,dude, that’s not a 4WD,,get out,,don’t laugh, I knew someone that bought a DJ, cheap, and never checked the front. They figured ALL Jeeps were 4WD. Their face was priceless. I know, mere mortals like us gasp at the price, but thing is, with specialty vehicles like this, the sky is the limit. SOMEONE will think it’s cute enough, and BAM. Resorts and businesses spend a fortune on stuff like this, just before they close, in the name of promoting the business. Internet killed that, and I see in my area alone, businesses come go, and the “prop” sits outside. It’s a great find, if someone can still drive it. Drive it home? Good heavens, better plan better than that.
Michelle, I too had the Tonka version. And I too remember the removable plastic top.
Michelle, without digging into various books and websites to verify, memory tells me the “Surrey” Jeep — top, color scheme and all — was created by order of the company’s then-owner, Henry J. Kaiser, who used the first few at his resort in Hawaii.
If I had a resort, I might want one too. For actual use in today’s traffic? Not so much. A very cool find, though. If it’s original, there can’t be too many left.
That is correct, regarding Henry and his resort!
Another unique find by Rocco-what exactly about this caught your eye? LOL
Great write up as always, Michelle. Thought I knew a little something about some Jeeps but this is a first – a column manual shift! That’s different..
“Drive it home” a little tongue in cheek there, Michelle. Can you imagine driving it to, say, Portland? Oregon OR Maine, it’d take the better part of what’s left of the summer!
Get a lot of stares and comments along the way I’ll bet though.
A fun find here maybe a little pricey but then SOMEONE’s gonna want it!
This reminds me of the red Dodge Aspen/ Plymouth Volares that they used on Fantasy Island. I wonder whatever happened to those, I think there were two.