David Eilers

A CJV-35U and a Lost Opportunity

Well, I completely blew it.  I'm ashamed, embarrassed.  Truly, I wasn't thinking clearly.  Too much stuff was clogging my brain tunnels to put the pieces together.  Here's the sad, brief tale ...

Late yesterday afternoon the 'staff' (also known as Brett) at the Utah Bureau of eWillys spotted a great deal:  A 1948 flattie for only $1000.  It appeared almost completely stock, with no obvious rust, though there was plenty of paint oxidation.

It had unusual bezels, a CJ-3Aish windshield, a cutout for a breather on the passenger side of the hood and hooks on the front.  It was an odd combo of a M-38, a CJ-3A and titled with a year of 1948. Also, strangely, it had no willys script on the hood that I could see.

My gut said go get it.  My practical side said no, so I put it out of my head.  I should have listened to my gut, because after thinking about, I now realize it was  CJV-35U that was running, extremely stock (except for the installation of the bench seat), and in great shape.

OHHH THE PAINNN!!!!  How did I not put those clues together?  Unfortunately, only an hour or so after I made my decision not to get it, it disappeared from the KSL classified list.  So, the decision was made for me and I put it out of my mind.  It wasn't until this morning that I realized how big my mistake had been.

Alas, this too shall pass, slowly, painfully, like a kidney stone.

Here's a perfect example of what it looked like (I didn't get the chance to download the pics of it).  Imagine this, unrestored, without the breathers for the intake and exhaust ... and with a hardtop: http://www.cj3a.info/sibling/cjv35u/photos/p158.html (or click on the above link)

7 Comments

  1. Dexter
    Dave, Ouch. Sorry you missed out on a great deal. I know how it feels -- I've been through it on eBay and Craigslist. But I always believe that "things happen for a reason." With all the research that you do for eWillys, I'm sure you'll find more deals down the road. But yeah, I'd probably down a few drinks to flush this one out. :) Good luck! Dexter
  2. Bob
    Bummer, those are cool things to have.
  3. Joshua Roach
    Dave, I missed out on a NOS crated mb engine a couple years back. It was something really low like $800. It was in a beautiful marked crate and still covered in cosmoline. I was second to call on the craigslist ad. I chased it through the seller but didn't have a direct contact. I talked to a friend of the new owner that said the guy was considering installing it in a gpw or cj (I don't recall) either way I thought it a shame. There are plenty of L134 to make to make new again out there and once installed the nos engine is used. Anyways I missed it and still stings a bit but I have had my share of fantastic finds. A few of my nicest finds come from great leads you posted on the Ewillys! P.S. No I didn't snag CJV-35U from under you but maybe that lucky scoundrel who did get it will come forward. -Josh
  4. deilers
    Well Josh, if you did snag it from under me, I couldn't imagine it going to a nicer person. Besides, I know where you live and could visit it from time to time :-) Mostly, I was just mad at myself for misreading what it was ...
  5. Brett
    So what color should I paint this thing? Joking of course. Shoot, I didn't know it was such a jewel in the ruff. They sound rare then. My ignorance has shone thru again. Sorry to not bring it to your attention sooner, I would have loved the finder bragging rights so to speak. I will try to be more diligent with my duties. Maybe they didn't sell it and just pulled the ad. I like the feature that allows the seller to mark it as sold so people know where an item stands. What ever it was, it wasn't there long. I watch all the time, if I see anything, I'll be sure to chime in.
  6. smileyfish
    if i remember right only 1000 or so were made, mostly fo the navy and marines. wish i would have seen it, but i'm up in the north east, would have cost a ton to ship it.

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