To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$30,000 - $40,000
- Authentic military-issue Willys Jeep
- Includes period utility trailer
- Recently serviced
Before World War I, Willys-Overland ranked second only to Ford in
total production. Even in the early 1920s, the company founded by
John North Willys occupied 6th place in industry sales, moving as
high as 3rd in 1928 with help from its low-priced Whippet model.
Move ahead to 1942 when the company turned to the production of
military "general purpose" or "GP" vehicles, as they became known.
Essentially designed by competitor American Bantam and also built
by Ford Motor Company, both lacked the production capacity to meet
the demands of war. Ultimately, Willys produced far more of the
"Jeeps" which would later become synonymous with the firm.
Ultimately, they produced 361,339 from 1941-1945.
In March 1951, the one-millionth Jeep was produced. The company
reported a backlog of orders by the end of the year with government
contracts for the Korean War that would keep Jeep production
running all-out through mid-1954. Today, these are popular among
collectors of not only automobiles, but also of World War II and
military memorabilia.
This military-issue Willys Jeep with factory utility trailer is an
older restoration that was purchased from an estate by the
consignor in 2017. It is currently kept in climate-controlled
storage as it had been under previous ownership. Having been used
sparingly following its restoration, the consignor had the vehicle
comprehensively serviced. All systems were thoroughly gone over,
including brakes, fuel supply, and carburetor, to ensure
drivability and proper operation.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
