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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