My grandfather bought this Willy’s CJ-5 in 1963 as a utility vehicle for his property in Mattituck, Long Island. Down to the beach, through the corn fields and into town, this little red powerhouse would carry my grandparents, my mother and aunts as they moved on from the big family house. When I was a young kid in the mid 1970s I drove my first few feet (on my dad’s lap) behind her wheel, coming to a stop on top of a fence. No harm done.
Years later when my grandparents moved to Florida, the Jeep went to my older sister and her husband — good thing, too, as he put years of work into bolstering the Jeep and maintaining it. Twenty years of Maine winter driving – no problem. Finally it’s my turn. I took ownership and responsibility last year, and have loved every minute, as have my boys. Looking forward to many more years driving “the red jeep” down through the family line.
~ Willys Jeep Life story submitted by Rick Robinson
My little red Jeep is a 1946 CJ2A. I bought it from my best friend who aquired it in the 60’s. It was a farm jeep and was also used by his 3 boys for hunting. I asked my friend back in the 80′ s if you ever decide to get rid of it i want first chance at it. Well I ended up with her and my friend almost tearfully transfered the little Jeep over to us. She sat outside for years now my friends say i have spoiled her cuz she occupies an old 1 car garage. It has no top, faded paint, rust, no tailites, no gas guage and has numerous other faults but me and my wife and son literally love our old red Jeep as she runs like a new one and has brakes!!!!
I got my first Willys from my uncle when I was 14 .A 46 CJ-2A. I had to work it off painting lobster trap bouys for him. I have owned 12 Jeeps and if my wife ask’s, I do not have more than one at this time. The 63 CJ-5 only claim to fame is having been in the Kennedy inauguration parade. My uncle bought jeeps at auction several times in the sixties and worked them hard on the coast of Maine plowing snow and working the woods. He loved his FC 150 for snow plowing.
I too take my 65 red Kaiser CJ5 Jeep to shows. The number of people who love to come up talk to me and relive stories of the “Jeeps” in their lives are priceless. I also collect toy jeeps and have them set out around the 65 with a sign that says “Yes, you may touch the jeep, climb in and feel free to play with the toys!”
Slowly getting it back in to top shape!
Jon
I loved your story about the Little Jeep that could. Passed down from one family member to another. I have always wanted a little Red Jeep to care for and keep it up and running so it can be used as a Jeep. Thank you again for a great story.
i am current steward of the “red jeep” … and they DO become heirlooms, and with them comes responsibility! 🙂
My first jeep was in the late 60’s when my father and a couple other guys Bought in on the ” jeeps Ina crate ” thing. If I remember right they got 2 ww ii jeeps and 2 Duce and a half’s plus a bunch of smaller items like water pumps generators and the like. It was not in a crate but was a auction lot from army surplus. Everything ran and we drove one of those mb’s on the farm for years. I have been in love with tem ever sense.
The Jeeps do become family heirlooms don’t they? When I take my Jeeps to the car shows, so many fond memories are relived in the Jeeps….Thanks for sharing the story of CJ-5.