1960 Willys Jeep Gala Runabout
Chassis no. 5633718471
Model DJ-3A. 72 bhp, 134.2 cu. in. L-head inline four-cylinder
engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live
rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel
hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 80 in.
The Jeep Dispatcher, Model DJ-3A, a two-wheel drive version of the
CJ-3A Universal Jeep for industrial and commercial use, was
introduced in 1955. Powered by the L-head version of Willys’
134-cubic inch four, it had a column-shifted three-speed
transmission. Several different versions were offered, with soft
tops, hardtops, and a full van body. The United States Postal
Service even purchased a fleet of right-hand drive Dispatchers for
mail delivery. Henry Kaiser retired to Hawaii in the mid-1950s,
shortly after he purchased Willys-Overland. Among several
businesses there, he owned the Hawaiian Village resort complex on
Waikiki Beach, which he later sold to Conrad Hilton. Thus sprang up
a Gala edition of the DJ-3A, with striped upholstery and a fringed
top. The vehicle was offered to resort guests as a rental vehicle.
In 1959, the Gala was added to the export line and sold in resort
areas like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Three color schemes
were offered: Tropical Mist (a light pink), Cerulean Blue, and Jade
Tint Green. Grille, bumper apron, windshield, and front fender
reveals were done in contrasting Glacier White. Additional
brightwork, not available on Dispatcher models, included chrome
bumpers and wheel discs. Later that year, the Gala was marketed
domestically as the Surrey. About 1,000 were built through 1964.
This Cerulean Blue Jeep Gala is fresh from a comprehensive body-off
restoration. Body panels are straight, and the paint is
exceptional. The seats are upholstered in blue and white striped
vinyl; the rear seat nestles between seat cushions on top of the
rear wheel wells, resulting in seating capacity for plenty of
friends on outdoor adventures. Thick fabric mats are fitted to the
floor. The engine compartment is detailed to a very high standard,
without being overdone. Showing just 45 miles since completion,
this rare Jeep Gala comes with full photo documentation of the
restoration. Perfect for any summer fun, it is ready to be enjoyed
to the fullest.