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.
I almost did the same thing, looking for a work vehicle for one of my sons. I spotted a 2dr Cherokee with a 5spd sitting at a gas station with a for sale sign on it. The guy told me it was a 4cyl., o.k. might be a little anemic but was for point a-to-b. Then he said, “and its only 2WD”. HUH. Yep it had a straight axle up front? It was once owned by a local Jeep dealer as a shop vehicle. It was the most stripped down Cherokee available at the time (1998?). My son had to drive 5 miles up a mountain every night on his way home. It was a no sale.
Michelle, I too had the Tonka version. And I too remember the removable plastic top.
I had the Tonka version, too. Wish I had kept it.
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.
I remember when I was about 10 years old and Tonka brought the toy versions out. I had some money burning a hole in my pocket and almost bought one but ended up with a pickup instead. There was always something in the back of my mind that said, “queer.” Then I found out that a couple of my closest friends each had one, and they were far from queer. So my fears were unfounded.
I like this unit. There’s no way I’d shell out that much money for something like that, even if I was loaded. Just the same, I have no doubt that heads would turn if I drove one down the street. They did serve a purpose.
Wasn’t there one of these in Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii?
So sad that so many of us grew up in an environment where boys were taught to be afraid of pink for fear we wouldn’t be society’s idea of “boys”.
Growing up in the 50s and 60s was a major challenge for both sexes. Society put you in distinct categories and if you crossed the line you were were branded. When I was a kid my mother signed me up for piano lessons. I actually enjoyed the piano but I could NEVER let my friends see me play.
There’s still a bit of that going on today. I’ve two grandsons that will NOT hug Grandpa because that’s queer…
Yes, it’s really sad that such mentalities survive today. Things are better, but we still have people like Andrew Tate to perpetuate the ignorance.
Makes a great “Davey and Goliath” car..or “Gumby and Pokey!”
Reminds me of the Jeeps the Las Brisas Hotel in Acapulco used in the 50s-60s.
There was an Elvis movie that had one of these in it. Something about a Dude Ranck, I think. Anyway cute as as a roosters crown.
God Bless America
Very cool. Jeep did some clever things to move inventory- this is the cutest. I had the Tonka version too. Evidently, in my young mind, being a Jeep offset the pink.
They rented these at the Las Brises Hotel in Acapulco, back in the ‘60’s. The famous QB Y.A. Tittle didn’t show up in time and we got his. Acapulco, was safe in those days.
They used to rent these out in Oahu, HI for $25,00 per day in 1961
Out of Hawaiian Village Hotel.
Right on Jack. We were there at the same time.
I too had this in the Tonka pink jeep version. Still have it sitting on a shelf in the basement. Got it for my First Holy Communion. Odd gift aye? My dad always looked at it with a ‘What the heck?’ kind of wary eye. Occasionaly when I glance at it on my basement shelf I look at it and say ‘What the heck?’🤣
I can almost see Connie Stevens driving it now,,,,,,,those were the daze
I can almost see Connie Stevens, Cricket Blake, driving it now,,,,,,,those were the daze
I just watched Fantasy Island last Sunday so you know my 1st thought.
Hawaiian Eye
One of these sold recently on BAT for $38K, so I think the asking price is probably not out of line.
I have a 1962 Willys Station Wagon with 4 wheel drive, as all Jeeps should have. It has the same gauge cluster and turn signal switch as this DJ. If this were a dark green CJ3A, I’d be all over it, but as a pink DJ3A….no thanks. To me, a 2 wheel drive Jeep (or Land Rover, for that matter) is like a front engine 911, it’s just sacrilege!
And here I thought that chick-ified Jeeps were a current phenomenon.
I wonder how many rubber duckies would fit on that dash…
Since it doesn’t HAVE a dash, I’m going to say zero. 🙄