For Sale: 1943 Willys Jeep in Mansfield, Texas

1943 Willys Overland Jeep

The Jeep name may widely be known in current times but the history and importance of these vehicles can't be overstated. All the way back to WW1 the US Army had been introducing 4 wheel trucks but in June 1940 the Army sent its new required specifications to 135 manufacturers. They were calling for a small 1/4 ton 4x4 military truck for WWII but time was of the essence. These were urgent times so they required delivery of a prototype within 49 days with a scheduled batch of 70 to be ready within 75 days. 2 companies responded with a bid, American Bantam and Willys-Overland. Willys came in with the lowest bid but couldn't make the 75 day deadline. Bantam got the go ahead but their design came in overweight. As they redesigned the weight limit to 2,160 pounds they continued to perform the best but it was clear they would not be able to keep up with production. Willys received the contract as well as Ford who had in the meantime introduced their own bid. The Willys version was called the MA until July 1941 when they wanted to place a larger order. They were renamed the MB and Willys produced them with a larger motor so continued to get the contract. Years later they also fell to construction restraints so they moved to Ford who continued to build them with the same specs down to the Willys motor. Whether it was a scout car, troop transporter, makeshift ambulance, or anti tank platform, the vehicle could handle it all. It could traverse rivers, tow aircraft, pull tanks and if they got in a bind were designed so troops could even carry them as needed. They would later be adapted to a civilian version but the Jeeps roots stem directly from WWII.

This '43 is being sold out of a private collection and is in great shape. It was restored under previous ownership to reflect exactly what you would see back in the day. Based on its original tag it was delivered on March 15, 1943 and the original serial number does match the clear title. It has the correct army olive drab exterior with White stars and the White call sign on the hood. This number has the prefix of 20 which stood for "reconnaissance" followed by its registration number. It has the fold down windshield, rear mounted spare, rear gas tank, axe, shovel and all of the original light markers. It even has the lowlight blackout marker lights which were use during missions to prevent detection at night. It is a very interesting piece of automotive history. The wheels are all painted with off road military tires.

These were powered by the iconic "Go Devil" L-134 straight 4 flathead motors. These were designed for simplicity and durability which would offer easy field maintenance. They were combined with a heavier 3 speed transmission while still reducing weight to be able to travel cross country and still have major low end torque. It does run, drive, and stop as it should.

Being for military use the interiors are fairly simple. They had Green canvas bucket seats and a bench rear. The dash has Black gauges, all the identifying tags/information and is topped off with the dash mounted rifle in case.

This is one unique vehicle that is destined for another collection. It does come with a few military themed extras like helmets, a canteen and small hand shovel.

This piece of history could be yours for $23,600.00!