Some cars, trucks, and SUVs are instant classics. The Willys Jeep was created by Willys-Overland Motors, which was an American vehicle company. During World War II, General George C. Marshall, US Army Chief of Staff, once said the Jeep brand was “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare.” You can still find original Willys Jeep sport utility vehicles for sale on the internet, especially on Bring a Trailer. On top of that, there is a 2023 Willys Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4xe, and Gladiator on the market for this year.

You can still find some original Willys Jeep SUVs for sale

According to the story from Jeep, the 1940s brought a need for vehicles that could “Go Anywhere. Do Anything.” The Jeep brand was born when the Army needed an SUV with capability and customization options. With World War II lingering, the Army called for a 1/4-ton “light reconnaissance vehicle” tailored to Army specifications. Only three automakers responded: Bantam, Willys, and Ford. However, after only a year or so, all three worked together to make the first Willys Quad. The Quad name references the 4×4 system used, and it only took 75 days to whip up a prototype vehicle.

These days, Bring a Trailer has a selection of Willys Jeep vehicles available. Sales for the Willys Jeepster show that these SUVs have only increased in value over the last few years. Back in 2015, a 1951 Willys Jeepster sold for $17,250 with about 75,000 miles on the chassis.

More recently, a 1950 Willys-Overland Jeepster sold for $36,000 last month. This one had 200 miles on the chassis, but it received a recent upgrade. Most options sell for between $10,000 and $35,000 these days.

Other classic Willys Jeep models still sell for $10,000 or more

After the Jeepster, the Willys CJ-2A was available after the end of World War 2. Since 2018, around 25 versions have been sold on BaT. From $6,250 for a 1947 Willys CJ-2A to over $20,000 for another version. This one has a MAHL Jeep Loader attachment and a hydraulically controlled front loading bucket.

Then Willys M38 and M38A1 hit the market. While there are not too many for sale right now, there are a few that have changed hands in the last few years. Some project versions that need a lot of work have sold for $5,000 or less, but one of the most expensive versions went for $41,014 back in 2021. This 1952 Willys M38-CDN Jeep was one of 2,135 built and refurbished in the 1980s. The most recent sale of a 1951 Willys M38 was for $18,000 at the end of march 2023.

You can buy a modern Willys Wrangler or Gladiator

Jeep offers a Willys edition of its Wrangler and Gladiator models these days. Inspired by the first Jeep Willys in the 1940s, these new versions offer heavy-duty component upgrades with classic Jeep SUV styling.

While you might not find a cheap Willys Jeep anywhere, that isn’t a bad thing. There are certainly fewer Willys on the road these days, which makes each one more unique.