My grandfather served in WWII and always told me what a great vehicle the Jeep was. He also told me that I would never own one, as they cost huge amounts of money. When he passed away, I was heart broken. He wasn’t just my grandfather – he was my best friend. So to remember him, I decided I would try and find a Jeep like the one that he talked about so much. Now to be honest I knew nothing about them so I just got the first one I found. It turned out to be a 1944 GPW. I have fallen in love with it ever since. It took me just over two years to complete a full nut and bolt rebuild and I have learned so much about them along the way. I have now been showing it at local events for the past three years and I love every minute of it. I have fallen in love with the Jeep so much that I am now two months into a full rebuild on a 1942. My grandfather was right, they are the best vehicles ever built!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Peter Newill
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Beautiful Jeep. I would love a WWII model, but only have so much space. My brother-in-law saved my grandfather’s 53 CJ3B, which he gave me last year. It is original with some necessary restorations. I remember riding in it back in the 50s and being terrified of falling out because it had no doors! They are rustic, but amazing machines.
Great job and yes you feel that great generation of men when working on the jeeps.
Your grandfather would be very proud! An excellent rebuild that I’m sure brings back a lot of memories!
Great job with the restoration! My own M38A1 is at our house in Canada and I can’t get there thanks to the virus. Mine was used as a fire department remote fire fighting vehicle so it is bright red and my wife loves it!
I need to have the engine rebuilt but have not found a rebuilder locally. Anyone have a suggestion in northern Michigan?
It is heartening to see the perfect restoration work that was done. I have a similar one in India which my uncle bought from a military auction. I have tied to maintain it as much as I can but getting spare parts locally in India is a huge problem. I am waiting for the day I can import in Canada.
Be careful! WWII jeeps can really get under your skin. I am currently into my third year restoring a 1941 MB
that my father purchased in 1950. WOW! what a load of family memories are tied to that vehicle. She was nicknamed “Penelope” in the fifties. Four generations have learned to drive the ‘standard’ transmission in Penelope. My daughter got to high school in her. When given the choice to drive ‘Penelope’ or walk, she very reluctantly took the jeep. Within two weeks it was the most popular car in the school. Now, she would ‘kill’ me if I ever sold it.
Great job I also was shown the Jeep dream by my grandpa.
very nice piece of work
from your hard work can see the passion reflected by such results
great tribute to you grand dad .
my dad too was a combat officer in the indian armed forces and recollect many drives
with him in service willys as a kid .
great work
What a tribute to your grandfather and a great looking
Restoration. The men of that era were of great character
And salts of the earth. There is a reason why they are called the greatest
Generation
I owned and hunted in a cj2a for over 30 years. The is back with my
Uncle the original owner and he recently restored it
I missed my Jeep so much. I purchased one and currently restoring
Great winter project
Thanks for your story
Thank you David
What a nice tribute to your Grandpa! And such a nice restoration! I’ve been restoring Various military jeeps for 30 years and can tell that your restoration was a labor of love. My dad,mom and father in law were all WWII vets. That’s why we must keep these running and shown so that future generations will not forget! Congratulations on a job well done~! I’m sure he’s smiling down on you right now~! God bless!