Description

1960 Willys CJ-5 Jeep

Ex-Coastguard; Koenig Ironworks hardtop; well sorted; new tyres; new springs; UK registered; straight and sound

The design for the General Purpose (GP) vehicle or Jeep as it became so widely known was put out to tender in 1940-41 - the winning brief coming from the Willys company. Under Federal Government direction, the design was put into production for the War effort by both Willys and Ford, the two vehicles looking pretty much the same bar a few small details.

Willys continued manufacture after the War, the GP Willys MB continuing to support military campaigns around the world. It became apparent that a handy, go-anywhere 4x4 had a multitude of uses, around the farm, for buiness applications and even in the leisure market.

To this end, Willys launched the CJ (Civilian Jeep) range, marketing the car successfully to all and sundry. They were an instant hit with the emergency services too, this example having served with the US coastguard we are told.

They were sold under the Willys banner until 1963 after which they were rebranded simply as Jeeps. Dating from 1960, this example is a genuine Willys CJ5 and is fitted with an ohv 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine.

Imported into the UK last year, it has been given a thorough going through and is now on the button and ready to go. New springs and new tyres were added, alongside many small and detailed parts. We are not sure where it did its Coastguarding duty, but it looks to have been hot and dry as the body and chassis are in extremely solid order. The paintwork is quite distressed, in a rather good way, but the panels are so straight so it would take little work to repaint it in the colour-scheme of your choice.

Some internet searching on Koenig Ironworks who supplied the hard top soon brings up details of their range of hard tops and body options for the Jeep range. This hard top comes with doors and opening windows - rudimentary but a correct period accessory which suits the car well.

Ready to go as is, or to smarten up with a look of your own, this Jeep looks great value when compared to a Series Land Rover, which itself was inspired by the original Willys MB back in the day.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com