The Willys Surrey Gala already occupies a strange and colorful corner of American automotive history, but this 1960 example takes that novelty several steps further. Listed here on eBay, this is a genuine Pepsi-Cola promotional Willys Surrey Gala, described as one of just 100 built for Pepsi distributors, making it a rare survivor from a short-lived and highly specific marketing effort.
This Surrey Gala is a 2WD model powered by Willys’ familiar 134 cubic-inch L-head inline-four, paired with a 3-speed manual transmission mounted on the column, just as these DJ-3A-based Gala models were originally configured. According to the seller, the vehicle shows just over 13,000 miles and retains a remarkable level of originality, including its factory light blue paint.
What makes the Surrey Gala instantly recognizable is its presentation, and this one leans fully into that identity. The seller notes that the roof fabric, seat upholstery, and side curtains have been replaced with new yellow-and-white material, matching the original style used on these models. The side curtains also carry bold black “Pepsi-Cola” lettering, reinforcing the vehicle’s original promotional role. The interior is finished in yellow, staying consistent with the Gala’s playful, resort-oriented design language.
The Willys Surrey was never meant to be a conventional SUV. Instead, it was marketed as a leisure vehicle, often compared to the Chevrolet Nomad or even golf-cart-style transportation for resorts, beach towns, and tourist destinations. The Gala trim took that concept further with striped tops, fringe details, and bright color combinations. This example wears wide whitewall tires with chromed Willys hubcaps painted to match the body color, adding to its period-correct look.
While Willys produced roughly 1,000 Surrey Galas overall, the Pepsi-Cola promotional versions represent a much smaller subset. These were reportedly distributed to Pepsi bottlers and distributors across the country as rolling advertisements, making surviving examples especially uncommon today. The seller describes this vehicle as an authentic relic of mid-century promotional culture rather than a recreation or tribute.
Offered by a dealer, this Willys is positioned as a collector-grade novelty with strong visual appeal and historical curiosity baked in. It’s not a performance machine or a traditional restoration project, but something arguably more unusual: a factory-built marketing vehicle that somehow survived intact for more than six decades.
How often do you see a legitimate Pepsi-Cola promotional Willys Surrey Gala still wearing its original paint and personality?
Wow, that’s so cool! I’ve never seen one. I learn so much about my hobby from this site. Keep up the good work!
The most softly carbonated, and sweet Jeep ever!
This is so cool. Beautiful restoration. A 2WD Jeep with a 3 speed on the column is extremely unique. I like it. ( And I like Pepsi too)
This would be a great little in town summer beach rig. I really like it.
Wow – the only place I’ve ever seen one of these was at Graceland quite a few years ago.
Because many are likely curious and it’s not in the write-up: the vehicle is priced at $49,500, and located in Fredericksburg, TX.
Price is no object for a limited edition “collector car”, right?
Well, I know it was a lot, dear, but I’ve always wanted a retro Jeep with 4 wheel drive,,,what?,,It’s not? Oh oh, you sure? Oh boy, don’t laugh, well you can, I knew someone that bought a DJ before that practice was discontinued, because they always wanted a 4×4 Jeep. I tried to remain calm and said you know, that is not a 4 wheel drive,,GET OUT,,,they said, I said did you look at the front axle? No, they said, they thought ALL Jeeps were 4 wheel drive. The look on their face was priceless.
Reason AMC guy saw one at Graceland, is, Elvis had a pink 1960 he got after the Army to drive around Graceland, it was featured on several films of his.
Pepsi, and all related Pepsi products, gives me wicked heartburn, I’m a Coke guy, mmm, once trucking, I had to be in Upper Mich. to get a load of sticks, I HAD to be there at 7am, it was a loooong way from Chicago, so I did the Mountain Dew thing all night. I got there, but was so sick, never drank that drek again.
My Dad had one of these. He got it in the early 70’s and gave it a little refurbishing. They came in 3 colors, pick blue or green, his being blue. I remember being a little kid and thought it was so cool that the passenger side windshield wiper was manually operated by the passenger! My mother was rough on that clutch but always brought us to our little league games and for ice cream afterwards. Great memories with that Surrey. :)
Very cute, but $49000??
These Jeeps always had my attention. I used to see them at resorts back in the early 60s and sometime in there it seems that Tonka toys came out with a facsimile that was trimmed in a hot pink. I almost spent my allowance on one but ended up with the pickup and horse trailer combo. Used to see them at toy shows but not so much anymore. If I see one at a show in the near future I might pick it up…
Pretty neat. I have a couple of the Tonka versions kicking around my house somewhere. I didn’t realize that they made a Pepsi one. I am with Howard I am a Coke person. Good job.
There is a “Columbian” restaurant in Elizabeth, NJ, that has one parked in front of the establishment as an ornament.