David EilersMay 31, 2020

January 1960 Willys News

In the 'sometimes it's better to be lucky' department, eBay blessed me with a huge win the other day: 10 Willys News issues from 1960 and 1961 for only $20 (and free shipping)! Here's the first one. It includes a lot of DJ-3A Surrey articles, a note about future President Lyndon Johnson checking out a Willys truck for his ranch, and more. The 1/4 ton jeeps (CJ-5s and CJ-3Bs) take a back seat to the FCs, Wagons, and DJs in this issue. There's also articles demonstrating how dealers felt TV shows were helping to drive sales, which is likely why Willys Motors moved forward with other TV show and movie tie-ins.

8 Comments

SE Pennsylvania SteveMay 31, 2020 at 12:21 PM
The airport FC-150 fire jeep on page 5 has an unusual body.
mike FineganMay 31, 2020 at 12:40 PM
Finally a mention of a New Jersey Jeep Dealer in Irvington, NJ. This dealership used to advertise in the Newark Evening News.
David EilersMay 31, 2020 at 2:01 PM
These upcoming issues over the next few weeks are all like this. Good articles and interesting jeeps. It feels like the golden age of Jeep News.
Colin PeabodyMay 31, 2020 at 10:35 PM
Great find Dave! In the photo of the Chicago Auto show, do you get the impression that all the vehicles were Tropical Pink and Coral Mist or just two of the Surreys.? Lots of neat photos of Surreys for sure! Thanks for posting!
David EilersJune 1, 2020 at 12:28 AM
Colin, based on the description, it sounds like all the vehicles were some version of Tropical Pink and/or Coral Mist. Sounds similar to what they did with the gold themed Hong Kong auto exhibit in 1961(?). No shortage of surreys during the 1960 and 1961 issues that I have :-). On Tuesday, watch for the photo of the DJ-3A Surrey-like striped hardtop.
Colin PeabodyJune 1, 2020 at 7:32 PM
Thanks Dave
Dan B.June 2, 2020 at 12:21 AM
Congrats. Any articles on the Traveller?
1. David EilersJune 2, 2020 at 1:36 AM
  Dan, Nothing I can remember at the moment. I guess will find out together, lol. - Dave