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1. My Dad and I on our way to a car show (July 2005).  Just think, the Old Man (age 72) was only 9 years old when this beast left the factory!

2. Dad beside our MB at the Oak Bay Tea Party Parade (June 2006).

3. Some of the folks from our historical military vehicle club, Western Command (Vancouver Island Chapter), June 2006.

4. Driving in our convoy for one of the parades (June 2006).

My father and I acquired a World War II 1942 Willy's MB in 2002.  When we bought it, the body had been mostly restored, and over the last few years, we've been adding the details and fittings in an attempt to restore it to its original condition.

Here's some trivia:  While these vehicles are commonly called 'Jeeps', the moniker 'Jeep' was only a nickname, and was never formally adopted by the manufacturer until after the War.  The name 'Jeep' came from the military designation "General Purpose Vehicle" or "G.P." - the soldiers shorted the name to "Jeep".

Willy's was the company who originally designed and built the MB during the War.  (Since the Willy's factory couldn't meet the desired output required by the US 'Ministry of Peace', Ford started manufacturing them too, under license.)  That's why, although it looks like a 'Jeep', those 'in the know' will always call these marvellous machines "Willy's".

It's a dream to drive.  Over 60 years old, and solid as a rock.  It gives you the sensation that you're operating a real machine - no radio, no heater, no doors, no powered windshield wipers, no power steering, no power brakes, no power anything!  This is BASIC TRANSPORTATION!  It's a physical experience - very difficult to describe.  If you drive it for more than an hour, your muscles and bones (and arse) will let you know that you're not just driving a regular car!

I'm currently making a replica .50 calibre Browning machine gun to mount in the rear of my MB (pictures to be posted soon).  I hope the cops won't stop me while booting around town...

If you're restoring an old MB yourself, and are looking for some info, drop me an e-mail, and I'll be happy to share what I know.  Also, check out my Links for some possible help.

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Copyright © 2005 R. Scott Hall
Last modified: October 27, 2006

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