Willys MB Jeep

Total Bids Placed:

Condition

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.
Being built during the final days of the war, this jeep was fortunate to avoid any war damage. Instead it has spent its life on the premises of a Northern Californian farm supporting a generation of farmers in the post-war development of their company.
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.

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.

History

In June 1940, with World War II on the horizon, the U.S. Army solicited bids from 135 automakers for a 1/4 ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” tailored to Army specifications. Only three companies responded — Bantam, Willys, and Ford — but, within a year’s time they collectively produced the template for the vehicle known worldwide as the “jeep”.
Willys-Overland delivered the prototype “Quad” (named for the 4×4 system it featured), to the U.S. Army on Armistice Day (Veteran’s Day), November of 1940. The design was completed in a remarkable 75 days.
It’s the stuff of legend; the U.S. Army requested a vehicle—and drove off in a hero. The Willys MB, its spirit forged by the fire of combat and honed in the heat of battle, seared its way into the hearts of warriors fighting for freedom. Fierce emotional bonds often developed between a soldier and his “jeep” 4×4. The faithful MB earned a place in every soldiers’ heart, in every area of combat, in every conceivable role.
The tough, simple, Willys MB 4×4 became the GI’s best friend—second only to his rifle. One MB was even awarded a Purple Heart and sent home. General George C. Marshall, US Army Chief of Staff during World War II, and later U.S. Secretary of State, described the jeep as “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare”. Scripps Howard WWII Reporter Ernie Pyle once said, “It did everything. It went everywhere. Was as faithful as a dog, as strong as a mule, and as agile as a goat. It constantly carried twice what it was designed for and still kept going.”
The MB started a revolution in the use of small military motor vehicles in the U.S. Army. Horses were rendered obsolete almost immediately. The all-purpose MB was amazingly versatile. They could be fitted with .30 or .50 caliber machine guns for combat. They were also widely modified for long-range desert patrol, snow plowing, telephone cable laying, saw milling, as fire-fighting pumpers, field ambulances, tractors and, with suitable wheels, would even run on railway tracks.
Post-war service
The mighty Willys MB emerged out of the cauldron of war ready for peace time service. The legendary workhorse of World War II was soon putting farm workhorses out to pasture.
According to Willys-Overland, there were 5.5 million farmers in the U.S., and of these, more than 4 million had neither a truck nor a tractor. The rugged and versatile Willys MB was marketed as “The All-Around Farm Work-Horse”. It could do the job of two heavy draft horses, operating at a speed of four miles per hour, 10 hours a day, without overheating the engine. The Willys was to serve agriculture and industry all over the world in a thousand different ways.

Technical

Manufacturer Willys Overland Motors
Model Truck ¼ ton 4 x 4
Manufacturing date 19 April 1945 (original data plate still installed)
Serial number 431882
Length 11 ft (3.36 m)
Width 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)
Height (top up) 6 ft (1.77 m)
Height (top down) 4 ft 4 in (1.32 m)
Weight 2.543 lb (1.113 kg)
Max. speed (land) 65 mph (105 k/h)
Max. speed (water) n/a
Operational range 300 mi (480 km)
Main armament n/a
Secondary armamant n/a
Engine Willys L134 134 cu in (2.2 l), 4 cylinder, 60 hp
Crew 4 (1 driver, 3 passengers)
Armor n/a
Production numbers 363.000 Willys MB’s were made during WWII

Note to Buyers

LOCATION

The location of any Lot is indicated with the specific lot number. Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder / Buyer.

INSPECTION(S)/ VIEWING DAYS

Inspections (viewing days) are open on:
– USA: Thursday March 14, Friday April 5, Saturday 6 and Friday April 19 2024

– The Netherlands: Saturday April 13 (Nederweert)

Given the fact that these are often very special items whose condition, no matter how hard we try, cannot always be described 100% completely, we really recommend that you make use of this.

IMPORTANT DATES

– Campaign Start: March 1^st 2024,

– Release Website and brochure (all items listed and categorized): March 20 2024,

– Bidding Open: Friday April 19 2024 00:00 CET (Dutch American Friendship Day),

– Bidding Ends:

Saturday April 20 2024 (Vehicles)

Saturday May 11 2024 (Parts & Accessories)

Times:             Amsterdam NL (CET): 06:00 PM (18:00)

London: 05:00 PM (17:00)

New York USA: 12:00 AM (12:00)

Sydney AUS: 04:00 AM (04:00) next day

BUYER’S PREMIUM

On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.

PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA

The batches of spare parts, various accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.

VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT

Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.

Arms & weapons

The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer 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!

MARGIN/ VAT

However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com

COLLECTION

Due to our participation in the commemorations of D-DAY in Normandy France collection of all lots is scheduled for the period Monday June 24 till Friday July 5 2024. However, for buyers who want to participate with their purchased lot at the 80^th Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy this can of course be deviated from. In such a case please let us know soonest.
import and export

Depending on the destination and content of the Lot 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. The applicable costs will be charged 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.

Delivery

Removal of lots must be completed by June 28 2024 after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements. No storage fees will be applicable until that date.

Shipping and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that!

STORAGE

Lots not picked up by Buyers before June 28 2024 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.

Listed storage fees excluding 21% VAT.

NOTE
If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you.
So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

GENERAL CONDITIONS

All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website or click here.