US Jeep Willys MB 1945- lot 213
Please
Auction Expired
- No Reserve
- Margin
- Buyer’s premium 16.5 % of the hammer price and VAT according General Conditions
- Location: Overloon, The Netherlands
- Estimated Price: €20,000 – €25,000
- Brochure: Lot 0213-02 T&T US Willys Jeep 1945 Rev 2.0
- Power sheet: Willy MB 1945
- Movie: Jeep Willys MB 1945; Jeep Willy MB short movie
Former President and General Dwight Eisenhower once said that “The Jeep, the Dakota, and the Landing Craft were the three tools that won the war”.
DESCRIPTION
The Jeep legend began in November 1940, in the early days of WWII, just a year before the United States entered the war. A small, four-wheel drive prototype, the Willys “Quad”, was delivered to the U.S. Army. It was equipped with the Willys “Go-Devil” engine developed by Delmar “Barney” Roos. With 60 horsepower and 105 foot-pounds of torque, it not only exceeded the Army’s requirement, but dwarfed the Bantam with 83 and Ford with 85 foot-pounds of torque, its only competitors for the military contract. The Quad was the father of the MB, CJ series, and Wrangler. Willys refined the Quad and built 1,500 units of the Willys MA model, many of which were used in WWII.
From 1941 to 1945 Willys produced the MB model, the original go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle, which came to be known by its nickname, “Jeep”. Made famous during WWII, Willys produced over 300,000 MB vehicles. Jeeps were heavily used by every division of the American military, with 144 Jeeps provided to every infantry regiment in the U.S. Army. Large numbers of Jeeps were shipped to the Allied Forces of Britain and Russia: nearly 30% of total Jeep production.
This Willys MB was built in 1945 and is still in good use and drivable condition. If only this car could talk!
The exact history of this veteran is unknown, but after the war it was purchased by a farmer in California. The jeep was used by the family for farming until 2003. In July 2002 it got its last renewed license plate.
This jeep is an absolute time capsule. It was never restored but always used, never abused, and maintained well till its retirement.
Its patina and untouched look make it highly desirable. Original paint and markings are still there sometimes under an extra layer of paint.
After its arrival in the Netherlands a few years ago it was recently made running again, and was well maintained. All major systems work again including brakes, cooling system and the engine driveline. Even the engine is running well. Starting motor is recently repaired.
Its basic interior is also in good condition, and functions as it should be.
Canvas is replaced and the original speedo indicates only 2062 miles.
There are only a very few places on our globe where a Jeep has never been before. Therefore, it is not for nothing that the Jeep is still popular after almost 80 years!
In short, what you buy is a time capsule in fully running order. Last year (2022) this jeep was one of the main attractions of the ‘Jeep Sensation’ exhibition at the War Museum Overloon in the Netherlands. This exhibition was dedicated to the fact that for many people, jeeps symbolize the liberation of Europe. This makes the Jeep a very accessible and, above all, a well-known vehicle.
However, its history is not related to actual war this jeep got a completely different, but just as valuable, purpose in its life being to support and help a generation of farmers in Northern California. For this family, this jeep has undoubtedly been the basis of the post-war development of their company.
© Tracks & Trade BV, the Netherlands, February 2023
HISTORY
The Willys MB (commonly known as a Jeep or jeep, formally as the U.S. Army Truck, 1/4-ton, 4×4), and its Ford GPW counterpart, are four-wheel drive utility vehicles that were manufactured during WWII. Produced from 1941 to 1945, the jeep evolved post-war into the civilian Jeep CJ, and inspired an entire category of recreational four-wheel drive vehicles. The name “jeep” is generally believed to be derived from the Ford’s vehicle initials – GP.
Wanting to add mobility to its forces, in 1937 the U.S. Army solicited proposals from domestic automobile manufacturers for a replacement for its existing, aging light motor vehicles. The Army formalized its requirements on July 11, 1940 and submitted them to 135 U.S. automotive manufacturers. Initially, only American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland Motors entered the competition; Ford Motor Company joined later. After extended development and testing, a production contract was awarded to Willys.
By October 1941, it became apparent Willys could not keep up with the production demand and Ford was contracted to produce them as well. The Ford car was then designated GPW, with the “W” referring to the “Willys” licensed design. During WWII, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000.
Both the Willys MB and Ford GPW models were very effective on the ground, with many standardized features such as 6.00×16 tires, 60 horsepower at 4,000 rpm, a gasoline can bracket on the left rear, provision for trailer lights, spark interference suppression, a blackout light system, twin top bows and sealed spring shackles.
Jeeps were used by every service of the U.S. military and many other allied forces. Jeeps were also used for many purposes, including reconnaissance, gun towing, cable laying, saw milling, firefighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and with suitable wheels would even run on railway tracks.
Many experts attribute the beginning of recreational off-roading in the world to when the humble jeep – the first small, affordable and maneuverable 4×4 – became available to the general public shortly after WWII. As the story goes, American GIs, familiar with the jeep from its wartime exploits, lapped up the inexpensive surplus models when they returned home. While some jeeps and the first civilian Willys Jeeps (starting in 1945) were tagged for work duty, many were also used for play. In short, these off-road pioneers went ‘Jeepin’.
Thanks in part to the large number of jeeps that were scattered across the globe at the war’s end, the newfound fascination with four-wheeling eventually spread far and wide.
Location: & Collection
Current location of this object is Overloon, The Netherlands.
Local collection is available for this lot.
Depending on the destination the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this for you, with the applicable costs being passed on to the successful bidder
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.
Margin / VAT
This object is offered by Tracks & Trade pursuant to consignment sale on behalf of a private individual. Therefore, the margin scheme will be applicable, so no sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be applicable. For more info see General Conditions of Sale Article 9.
Buyer’s Premium
On all Lots a Commission or buyer’s premium (amounting 16,5%) is charged. Over this buyer’s premium 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.
Inspection(s)
Inspections dates are listed in Colophon page and are conducted under following conditions:
- Inspections will be strictly maximum 1 hour long escorted inspections,
- Maximum of 3 customers per escorted tour,
- Customers must book in prior to inspection,
- Inspection times are 9am 10am 11am 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm,
- Please note that these inspections might be performed at several locations,
- Inspections for a longer period or outside these hours can be organized for a refundable fee. (Refundable off purchase price of Auction lot).
To make a booking please reply to [email protected] at least 48 hours before the inspection with the following details:
Full Name(s) and contact details and phone number of the people that are coming to inspect. The LOT number(s) and Auction Name that you wish to inspect (items are stored on several locations, and we will need to retrieve them prior to your arrival).
Parts, accessories, and militaria
The batches of spare parts, various accessories and militaria are stored in the best conditions but are sold as-is and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.
Vehicles and vehicle related equipment such as
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration (see description).
Collection
Parts, accessories, and militaria
The collection of the lots, subject to payment, starting by appointment only, date is listed in the Colophon page.
Vehicles
Vehicles can be picked up, subject to payment, starting by appointment only, date is listed in the Colophon page.
Handling costs for the removal of the vehicles will, when applicable, be applied at cost.
Arms & weapons
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – have supplied in full.
If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only!
Delivery and Storage
Removal of lots must be completed by the date listed on the Colophon page, after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements.
No storage fees will be applicable until that date.
Lots not picked up by Buyers will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applied as follows :
- Parts & accessories: € 25,- / lot / week
- Cars and motorcycles: € 50,- / lot / week
- Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons etc. € 75,- / lot / week
Above mentioned storage fees are excluding VAT.
General Conditions of Sale
General Conditions of Sale Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022 are applicable.
Bids on internet
The live auction will be broadcast on: auction.tracksandtrade.com
- Register for the auction (log in or create an account)
- Bid live.
Please use a computer to follow the live auction!
Others
If any item listed causes offence, or is not correctly or incompletely described, please advise us immediately and we will address your concerns.
Please note this auction date may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
| Model: | Truck ¼ ton 4 x 4 |
| Manufacturer: | Willys Overland Motors, Toledo Ohio USA |
| Weight: | 2,453 lb. (1,113 kg) curb weight (with engine fluids and full fuel) 2,337 lb. (1,060 kg) dry weight |
| Crew: | 3 to 4 |
| Engine: | Willys L134 “Go Devil” 134 cu in (2.2 l), 4 cylinder inline, side valves, water cooled 60 hp (45 kW; 61 PS) gross / 54 hp (40 kW; 55 PS) net Engine installed is still the factory installed original engine |
| Transmission: | 3-speed manual x 2 range transfer case, 1 reverse |
| Suspension: | Live axles on leaf springs front and rear |
| Performance: | Max. speed: 65 mph (105 km/h) |
| Dimensions: | Length: 132 ¼ in (3.36 m) Height: overall, top up: 69 ¾ in (1.77 m) reducible to 52 in (1.32 m) |
| Electrical installation: | 6 Volt |
| Permit(s): | Basically, no specific permits are required. However, in / export regulations might be applicable. |
| Date of Delivery: | April 3 1945 (original data plate still installed) |
| Chassis Nr.: | 431882 |
| Engine number: | MB 554648 |
| Hood number: | USA 20702598-S (Not verified): See 4UWPMBUSA (xs4all.nl) |
| Registration: | Will be delivered with Dutch papers from the Netherlands |
| Remarks: | In good running condition |
Pricing guidelines Jeep Willys MB and Ford GPW (March 2022)
There are almost infinite variations of vehicles, even of the same model. The pricing shown in this update represents current market trends for typical examples of the vehicle.
Like any collectible vehicle, the price of any historic military vehicle (HMV) is based on a combination of three factors: Condition, Rarity, and Popularity.
A vehicle can be rare but if it isn’t interesting, it won’t be as valuable as an equally uncommon, popular vehicle.
Rarity is determined by two factors: Production quantity and survivability.
The rarity of vehicles in this guide are rated on a scale of 1 through 5 (“1” being the most common and “5” the scarcest).
“Rare,” however, doesn’t always mean “valuable.” It has to be desirable, as well.
The single factor that drives price is — and will always be — condition. Another factor affecting price will be the quality of the restoration.
The term “restoration” is often ill-defined or improperly used in the historic military vehicle hobby. What some call a restoration is actually a “representation,” and sadly, sometimes is only a characterization. For a true military vehicle restoration, one must know the history of that particular vehicle. Once known, it is then important to define to what time frame the vehicle is to be restored. This could be as it appeared as it left the factory, or at any subsequent time (June 6, 1944; March 3, 1952, etc.).
The difference between “restoration” and a “representation” is often misunderstood. An example of this could be rebuilding, painting, and marking a Jeep to look like one driven on the beach at Normandy, even though the Jeep you own never left North America. While not a true restoration, this style of “representation” is the most popular with collectors.
The standard above is set years ago by Old Cars Weekly uses a 1 to 6 condition grading scale:
- Excellent: Restored to maximum professional standards, or a near-perfect original.
- Fine: Well-restored, or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original parts.
- Very Good: Complete and operable original or older restoration, or a very good amateur restoration with all presentable and serviceable parts inside and out.
- Good: Functional or needing only minor work to be functional. Also, a deteriorated restoration or poor amateur restoration.
- Restorable: Needs complete restoration of body, chassis, and interior. May or may not be running, but is not wrecked, weathered or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts.
- Parts Vehicle: Deteriorated beyond the point of restoration.
Based on the above we come to following conclusion:
Estimated value: between Euro 20.000 and 25.000,- (December 2022)