I’ve seen a lot of motorhome conversions over the years, but this one seems to have been done to a higher standard than most. Offered for sale here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $6,000 but lower offers welcome, it’s currently located in Wakeeney, Kansas. I couldn’t find another one like this one, although there were quite a few with the drop-in type of camper in the pickup beds, and even a Tonka toy version like that. Based on the regular Jeep behind this one in the pictures, I’m guessing this is by a Jeep lover. I’m surprised to see it for sale so soon after having a temporary tag in place (July 2015) but I think this could make someone a great vintage camper! It would fit right in with our race team as a home away from home/tow vehicle. Let us know what you’d do with it in the comments below.
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- July 2015
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- Unusual but original OHC 6-cylinder
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- Guessing these came from something else
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- Nice integration of camper/dash
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- Interesting layout
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- 1963 Tonka version
Anyone know anything about the reliability of the OHC engine? I was really surprised to learn it even existed, and apparently it continued production in South America long after US use.
They’re generally not held in very high regard. Many didn’t last long and were swapped out. I’m always surprised to see one when I do.
The flat fender behind this truck in one of the pics looks like a beauty.
I have a 230 OHC Tornado in my 1964 “Willys” Kaiser-Jeep Wagon. It’s a great engine that suffered from a few oil leaks when it came out in mid-1962 (Willys America has a great manual with all of the technical service bulletins). These issues were largely resolved by the mid-1960s at least on the civilian versions.
Some say that due to the oil leaks (and people not checking the oil) as well as its advanced design (one of the first OHC engines), people didn’t like it at the time. As mentioned, it did go on to be used for decades in South America.
The 230 OHC Tornado is light-years ahead of its predecessor in terms of power and torque, the trusty 226 Super Hurricane that Willys got from Continental.
~ That appears to be a fold-down berth at the top/rear of the interior shot. Like to see a larger gallery of pictures. The driver’s and passenger chairs look like GM A body [’78-’82] nearly identical to those in my ’78 ElCamino.
Later in that decade, pontiac would also come out with an ohc six that suffered similar reliability problems. They just didn’t have the technology back then.
First time I’ve ever seen a Willys conversion instead of something like a Chevy or Ford conversion.