The great thing about Jeeps is their legendary ability to venture into-and out of-just about any off-road situation imaginable. But for this unfortunate gathering of forgotten Jeeps, the last ride was one-way. During a recent scavenger hunt at Mielke's Used Auto Parts-a time-capsule boneyard in Sheffield, Massachusetts-we stumbled onto this wild assortment of Toledo's finest. The unusual thing is how most of these Jeeps look like they were parked decades ago-when they might have still been relatively solid and workable. But alas, exposure to untold harsh winters and humid summers has reduced them to forest art status. Then again, if you see something you can use, Mielke's is open for business-just give 'em a call. And stay tuned for next issue when we'll finish up our tour.
It's an old flatfender CJ...
It's an old flatfender CJ for sure, but what model? The surface-mounted headlamps and seven-slot grille (instead of nine) identify this relic as a highly collectible '45-'49 CJ-2A and set it apart from its '44-'45 CJ-2 ancestor-of which fewer than 50 were built. The CJ-3A replaced this model midway through 1949. They can be quickly identified by a new windshield frame with a vent opening flap where this CJ-2A's windshield frame is non-vented with an embossed Willys logo. We didn't look inside to see if it's got the early-design column shift lever. You need to go check it out!
This Willys 4x4 Utility Wagon...
This Willys 4x4 Utility Wagon sure has come a long way since leaving designer Brooks Stevens sketch pad. Produced between 1949 and 1965 with subtle upgrades, the delta-shaped stainless cowl-side trim and one-piece windshield identify this one as a '60-or-newer model. Check out the often missing chrome hood ornament: This three-winged design was adopted in 1954 and was used until the end of production in 1965.
Jeep offered a full-metal...
Jeep offered a full-metal top option that was very popular in cold climates. We're not sure if this non-removable top is a factory item, an aftermarket accessory, or a home-brewed affair. Constructed from riveted aluminum panels, it's nearly corrosion-free compared to the steel body tub and chassis. Note the torn remnants of the spare tire mount behind the rear wheel opening and tailgate chains, a sure sign this isn't an MB-series '41-'45 military Jeep. MBs positioned the spare tire on the back of the body and don't have tailgates. We dig the burly 11-leaf springs on this retired workhorse.
The domed roof stamping on...
The domed roof stamping on this 4x2 Station Wagon identifies it as pre-'59 vintage, while the V-shaped five-bar grille marks it as a '50-'53 model. Early in the '55 model run, the so-called Planadyne front suspension-seen here-was replaced by a beam axle on 4x2 applications. The Planadyne offered wishbone-mounted spindles connected at the bottom by a transverse leaf spring. This Wagon's popular chrome bumper guard is in surprisingly good shape compared to the rest of the body. Jeep changed the Station Wagon moniker to Utility Wagon for the '55 model year.
Inside, the original Julep...
Inside, the original Julep Green paint still shines on many surfaces despite evidence of floor rust (check out the aluminum patch at the base of the column). Though the original-issue plastic steering wheel is free from the usual cracked gaps associated with sun damage, there's a nasty separation around the inner seam-a different type of plastic damage that's typical of constant exposure to extreme humidity.
The gutted interior of the...
The gutted interior of the Station Wagon (below) still wears the original speedometer and shards of the herringbone headliner. Note the small chrome ignition switch bezel below and to the left of the speedo. Debuting in 1952 as the Start-A-Key theft deterrent system, key starting replaced the floor-mounted starter button used previously.
When we saw the faded remnants...
When we saw the faded remnants of the basket weave pattern on the upper doors of this 4x2, we thought we'd stumbled onto an ultra rare '48-'50 Station Sedan, a luxury package marketed to women and families and featuring deluxe interior appointments, unique grille chrome, and larger hub caps than standard Jeep Station Wagons. But then we saw the new-for-'52 horizontal stainless trim on the hood (missing) and cowl. Turns out, though the Station Sedan name died after 1950, elements of the package were included in subsequent luxury editions.
Here's a rear view of this...
Here's a rear view of this unique Station Wagon. Note the Station Sedan-esque basket weave pattern on the upper body recess. The wraparound rear bumper was new for '51 while the vertical taillamps were added in '52. Absence of a horizontal stainless trim strip on the rear body tells us this is a pre-'56 model. Shed a tear for the original burgundy paint on this rusty relic.
What a shock to find a decrepit...
What a shock to find a decrepit Willys Jeepster amid the ruins! Offered from 1948 to 1951, early Willys Jeepsters were based on the 104-inch wheelbase 4-63 Station Wagon chassis but featured this neat open body. The idea was to appeal to the booming post-war demand for sports cars but the 63hp L-head Go-Devil four-banger made for a slow ride. Things got better in 1950 with the arrival of the 75hp F-head Hurricane four and (optional) 161ci L-head Lightning six.
The aggressive V-shaped grille...
The aggressive V-shaped grille distinguishes '50 and '51 Jeepsters from earlier models, which are devoid of horizontal bars and have a less pronounced V-shape. Though it is possible somebody in Toledo toyed with the idea, no 4x4 Jeepsters were produced for public consumption. A decade later, Kaiser-Jeep revisited the original Jeepster concept with the C-101 Jeepster Commando ('67-'71) and '72-'73 C-104 Jeepster (under AMC). One of the first examples of "retro revival" styling, these newer Jeepsters could be had with four-wheel drive, V-6 and later V-8 power, and roll-up side windows-a detail the original Jeepster lacked.
Thanks in part to the folding...
Thanks in part to the folding top and primitive side curtains' habit of leaking water into the cabin, few first-generation Jeepsters survive without major floor rust issues. The odometer on this crusty critter reads just over 72,000 miles.