David EilersJanuary 7, 2018

1946? Truck Sonoma, CA $5000

Looks promising.

"1946 Willy Jeep - sales price is firm for jeep as is. The Jeep's engine has been rebuilt (2015) - but the vehicle has not been used for roughly 7 months, thus the engine needs some work to get it running again - but is in great shape and won't be a project. The body is patina with some minor rust - but no structural problems. Its been used for business purposes but we have decided to move on to a modern truck. Interior is in excellent shape. I will get VIN and odometer on Craigslist shortly - we do have clean title."

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/1946-willy-jeep/6448970496.html

17 Comments

Dale R HeizerJanuary 7, 2018 at 1:25 PM
I've seen this truck parked in Glen Elen near Sonoma. Not a 5g truck. Especially when it is in need of motor work. Maybe if they throw in a bed full of wine.
RickJanuary 7, 2018 at 1:31 PM
I thought the first pickups were 1947
rdjeepJanuary 7, 2018 at 3:35 PM
Maybe "Nipper" is included, too?
DaveJanuary 7, 2018 at 4:17 PM
Model year 1947, yes. But in some states, the vehicle was titled as the year it was sold. So, if the '47 model year trucks hit the showroom floor in late '46 and it was sold quickly, still in '46, it could have been titled as a '46, as mine was. I'm curious to see the VIN on this truck. I wish I could have this truck as well but, maybe not for 5k. Wish it were closer to me and a little cheaper.
David EilersJanuary 7, 2018 at 6:40 PM
I thought it was 1947, too, but realized I didn't have any documentation to prove it. Doing a simple search on Google yields multiple sites suggesting it was 1946 and others that say it was 1947. The one constant across the internet is that all truck VINs start in 1947. Dave's answer above would explain the issue; we've encountered this same thing happening with other models, like the CJ-3B. I agree with Dave that it would be interesting to see the VIN on this. I'd expect it to be very early.
kevin h floriaJanuary 7, 2018 at 8:20 PM
I'm interested. Our family has a 1947 Willys truck which is 4 wheel drive and like yours 3 on the tree. We have had this truck since 1955. It's a Michigan truck so we had some rust but not to severe. I like your truck because it's 2 w/d and from maybe dry California. Appears to have an aluminum radiator and maybe a 12 volt alternator ? Would that include then, 12v battery and 12v starter etc... Sorry about all the questions. I'm from Grand Ledge Michigan, it will cost me $1200.00 to ship it here, any movement on your price. I wouldn't paint the body, just engine and safety function work to be a Saturday and Sunday driver around Traverse City Michigan. Also, is the motor really junk or just carb, timing stuff. Kevin
DaveJanuary 7, 2018 at 9:19 PM
Kevin, I don't think the actual seller is involved in this comment section. Probably best to contact him through craigslist. I would be interested to talk about our 1947 trucks. Feel free to email me.
DaveJanuary 7, 2018 at 9:23 PM
Also note, the 2WD trucks and wagons WERE available as '46 models, from what I understand. I overlooked the fact that this truck is indeed 2WD. My fault. The 4WD models were supposedly not available until '47. I have a very early serial number 4WD truck and I'm always interested to find one earlier and talk with folks about these 4WD trucks.
kevin h floriaJanuary 7, 2018 at 10:31 PM
Since our 47 Willys was purchased by our father who was a WW2 disabled Vet, we would never sell ours. It's a runner and I'm the vehicle caretaker for the last 25 years plus. I would like to add another truck, from a dry climate would be best. Kevin
DennyJanuary 7, 2018 at 10:52 PM
Seller has posted VIN # as 19029. That would make it a '48 according to Willys America Restoration Guide.
David EilersJanuary 7, 2018 at 11:49 PM
Thanks for the update Denny. Dave, that's an interesting fact about the 2WD vs the 4WD. I need to hunt down some specific evidence, maybe in the form of some newspaper articles. Much of the Toledo Blade is online for '46. Maybe that paper will have something.
Vernon HaggardJanuary 8, 2018 at 8:20 PM
HOLA --- I HAVE A 48 MODEL 2WD --- AND A 48 MODEL 4WD --- AND THE COMPLETE TRUCK REAR PTO ASSEMBLY , WITH BELT DRUM --- AND 2 ORIGINAL STAKEBODY BEDS TO INSTALL ON THEM , IF I DECIDE TO --- OWNED SINCE 1971 --- THESE TRUCKS WILL OUTLIVE ME --- I'VE ALWAYS SAID ..
Dan B.January 8, 2018 at 9:18 PM
Looks nice, but could use a closer look.
Colin PeabodyJanuary 8, 2018 at 11:03 PM
The serial numbers for the Willys pickup trucks show up like this BEGINNING IN 1947: 2wd 2T 10001 through 12642 Production began in late spring, 1947 4wd 4T 10001 through 12346 Introduced to the public on June 27, 1947 The serial number of the truck in question makes it a 1948 model, towards the end of 2WD truck production for 1948.
DaveJanuary 8, 2018 at 11:40 PM
Interesting info, Colin. Where did you find when production actually began. I was pretty sure that I read somewhere that truck production began in late '46 and some were at the dealerships before the end of the year. I own a very low production number and it's titled 1946. Perhaps a typo somewhere along the line but, I was hoping not. I've been trying to nail this down for years now but, there is little information to be found.
Richard BrownJanuary 10, 2018 at 12:06 AM
I would love to buy this truck but the owner has not responded via Craigslist, long distance deals on this sight are very tough. I have sold on Craigslist before and am aware of the cautions of not dealing with someone face to face but transactions on eBay are much simpler. Was anyone in the area able to look at this truck?
kevin h floriaJanuary 10, 2018 at 1:29 AM
Richard, I believe a buyer has made a down payment and purchased. Might be a delay getting info off Craigslist. I wasn't the buyer. Kevin