If you’re a military buff or just fancy the feeling of flowing hair in the wind, then a Willy’s Jeep could be right up your alley. Between 1941 and 1945, the US military relied heavily on the manufacturing of this heavily standardised and hilariously cute Jeep, known as the Willys MB.
There’s no denying they played a critical role in World War II. President Eisenhower even referred to them as “one of three decisive weapons we had in the war”. It was the world’s first mass-produced four wheel drive. And with almost 650,000 units made, a lot of them made their way to Australian shores.
It’s not often we see one pop up in mint condition, but when they do, they’re an eye-watering price. This Willys MB is located in Coffs and will burn a nearly $40,000-sized hole in your pocket. For that price, you get.. well… not a lot.
For your $39,000, you’ll get a 1,100kg tin can in matte army green with zero mod-cons. No radio, no aircon, in this particular case, not even a door. With not even 50hp under the bonnet, this Willy certainly won’t set the world on fire, but they do have cuteness on their side.
At 3.3m long and 1.5m wide, they’re a pocket-sized memory of the war that once was. Pocket-sized yes, but lack fun? Absolutely not! There’s no denying that driving around a Willys Jeep in summer could be one of the greatest feelings. The summer breeze in your hair (sorry if you’re bald) and the almost ‘motorcycle-like’ feeling of being exposed on the road and 24/7 attention whenever you take it out for a spin, it’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely for us!
