Willys Jeeps and Toyota FJs in High Demand: WWVA Won't Disappoint
Worldwide Vintage Autos (WWVA) is known for its unique selection of vintage vehicles. Everything from old-school cop cars to vintage military vehicles has passed through the 10,000 square foot warehouse. So it comes as no surprise that WWVA has seen its fair share of Willys Jeeps, and FJs. However, while collectors of American history are pretty familiar with these heavy-duty military vehicles, a newer car collector may not.
Brief History of the Willy
More commonly known as a Willys Jeep, the Willys MB was a lightweight, heavy-duty, off-road military utility vehicle built for the United States from 1941 to 1945. The Willys Jeep was the world's first mass-produced, light, four-wheel-drive vehicle and was, in all respects, the most successful military car ever manufactured for war.
Willy's durability made it stand apart from all others at the time. Historian Charles K. Hyde wrote, "In many respects, the jeep became the iconic vehicle of World War II, with an almost mythological reputation of toughness, durability, and versatility."
However, there was nothing mythological about it! The Willys Jeep became the new workhorse of the American military, giving hundreds of draft animals, including horses, a much-needed break. The vehicle was used for supply trains to cavalry units and was customizable to perform just about anything needed.
During the war, Chief of Staff of the US Army, General George Marshall, said the Willy was "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare."
Around 1945-1952 the Jeep was updated to an M38 Willys MC and M38A1 Willys MD. However, Ford gave it a complete redesign in the 1960s, and the M151 was introduced to the market. Around this time, manufacturers jumped on the Jeep bandwagon and began making similar versions of the vehicle but for the civilian market. The rest is history.
Today, the car is highly collectible. In 1991, the MB Jeep was dubbed an "International Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark" by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. And WWVA happens to have a few in stock!
A brief history of the FJ
In the early 1950s, the Toyota FJ series hit the scene. While this 4x4 vehicle was a staple in the Korean War, it has undergone several improvements while maintaining its familiar look. The newer version, commonly known as the Toyota FJ Land Cruiser, is iconic and revolutionized the compact 4x4 market. The FJ remains one of the most reliable, long-lasting, and virtually indestructible cars to date.
Essentially, Toyota reverse-engineered the Jeep and made it better. So while the FJ started as a military vehicle, it became a great way to transport people and cargo around places without decent roads. If you look up, you may even see one up at the 6th station of Mt. Fuji! Well, if it were still 1951, anyway.
Toyota FJs are known for never breaking down, so it's not uncommon for them to hit the market in working order today. If you happen to be looking for a classic FJ, WWVA has several in stock right now!
Rumor has it that if you're a part of the WWVA VIP program, we may even have a rare FJ-45 half cab available.
Vintage military vehicles were a staple in American history, and their models contribute significantly to some of our favorite cars today. The saying "they don't make um like they used to" comes honestly. These indestructible legends remind us where the car industry started and where it's going.
WWVA sells classic vehicles worldwide, and getting these little pieces of drivable history into the hands of collectors who appreciate them is not only vital but fun. Thank you for enjoying the classics with us!
