My name is Nick Costello and I am so close to completing the restoration of my 1957 CJ-3B. I learned how to drive in this exact Jeep when I was 9 years old with my brother and sister who have both passed away. The only reason I have this Jeep is because my dad is battling stage 4 cancer and is in the process of selling his ranch. The history connected with this Jeep, my family, and my mechanic needs much more space and time to explain all details. Below is part of the history written by my mechanic who is helping with the build.
This is truly a passion project that needs to be written and photographed correctly to truly understand. So to begin, my connection with Jeeps started from a young age maybe 4-5 years old watching my grandfather Melvin build his Jeeps in the garage with my dad Gary. He was an engineer at Martin Mary Etta for many years. He taught me from a young age how cool Jeeps where and how to work on them. My passion for cars I believe started at this point. For many years Jeeps have been a family passion starting from the early CJ-2A, to current JK’s. As a family we have built many Jeeps from stock platforms to complete custom rigs. Melvin for years would make his early Jeeps into show quality award winning many times.
His 1970 Commando was featured in 4 Wheel Magazine a few years back. And still to this day we share the passion for theses amazing vehicles building, fixing and customizing these rigs. So to be apart of Nick’s 1957 CJ-3B has been a pleasure and a gift to me and my family. Even Melvin has been a part of restoring the Jeep. He has helped with simple things like having an original manual to reference, helping with repairs, and knowledge he has keep for many years. Passing this info down to Nick and I has passed the family jewels down to us. This will enable us to keep this Jeep alive and a treasure to both Nick and myself.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Nicholas Costello
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Ola Nick!
História muito bonita e comovente. Pelo que que vi nas fotos, você tem um belo jeep e um bonito lugar para morar. Um paraiso.
Parabens
Nick, great story. The best part of your story is that it is about people sharing lives, times, and passions. Your Jeep will continue to bring people together for a long long time. God be with you and your family at this time.
Semper Fi, Captain Scott
I’m out west here in Utah and would like to meet up someday. I’m going coast to coast in a 52 Willys M38 see here gartforvets.org. Feel free to reach out to me through the website.
Nick,
Thanks for the story and photos. I enjoyed the read. Great job. My story is very similar.
Nick, Fabulous story, great history. Look into CyberKnife for your Dad, if you haven’t already. It has done wonders for my friends and family.
Awesome my friend! Sorry to hear about your dad. Mine is gone for 5 years now.
Love your Jeep!