Highlights
- Exceptionally rare ‘leftie’ model only built for 6 weeks
- Vampire jet service vehicle for Swiss Airforce
- Very good condition with many original features retained
- Well maintained since arriving in UK in 1980
- Displayed 51,271 miles reported to be genuine
The Appeal
The ‘leftie’ Willys Jeep is one of the rarest variants of a vehicle that transformed the world. Built for six weeks between March 3rd and April 14th 1946, to meet changing US state laws, the ‘leftie’ relocated the spare wheel to the driver’s side. With such a short production run, these are the proverbial ‘hens teeth’ of the Jeep world.
This one began its life working for the Swiss Airforce moving vampire jets around and helping to start them. That explains the grey livery with Swiss decals and the front tow bar. It arrived in the UK in 1980 and has passed through a small number of enthusiasts since. It was apparently restored around 25 years ago but retains its Swiss Airforce specification and decals and is very good order. The vendor confirms that the displayed mileage of just 51,271 miles is correct.
The history file shows sparing use but regular maintenance and we are told that it arrives on the market in great mechanical order with everything working correctly. For military enthusiasts who want to stand out from the regular Willys crowd, look no further than this fascinating example.
The vendor says:
“This vehicle is known as a “leftie” spare wheel on left hand side(from new) fairly rare. Was bought new for Swiss Airforce and used for hauling vampire jets out of hangers and,with the aid of onboard generator,starting them up. I’m told there are only a handful in UK.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 1948
- First UK registered 1st May 1980
- Eight registered keepers since arriving in the UK
- Current keeper since January 2022
- Previous keeper was an engineer who we are told maintained it well
- Previously painted green which was changed in April 2000 to current colours
- The vendor has provided some history above
- History file shows various receipts for mechanical repairs as shown in photos
- Stored in a heated garage by current keeper
- VIN number 182958
- Has covered few miles since ast advisory-free MOT in 2012
The Condition
- Restored in 2000 in livery and specification of Swiss Airforce as shown
- Features many original elements such as front tow bar and decals
- Blue/grey paintwork presents well with matching steel wheels
- Few signs of use to exterior but we are told it is a working Jeep so buyers should be realistic
- Beige canvas roof and green door screens in good condition with some age
- Features include folding screen, tow bar to front and rear and canvas bags behind front seats
- Interior is functional and in fair condition with driver’s seat in different trim to passenger
- Retains original factory features including chassis and identification plates as shown
- Vendor reports that everything works correctly
- Underside appears to be in good order with no reported faults or deterioration by vendor
The Mechanics
- 2,250cc L134 ‘Go Devil’ petrol engine
- 3spd gearbox with transfer case
- Vendor reports that engine has good oil pressure
- We are told that all gears work correctly
- No reported running or driving issues
- History file shows regular maintenance by previous keepers
BEFORE YOU BUY
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