It’s not every day a 1944 Willys Jeep that’s movie and TV famous heads to auction, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Iconic Auctioneers is excitedly offering this iconic military ride with quite the history as part of its upcoming NEC Classic Motor Show Sale 2023 event.
Can’t afford this? You could get a mini jeep!
Some call the original jeeps the vehicle that won WWII. While you can debate just how true that statement is, the fact is the American Bantam-designed off-roader not only had a huge impact on the global conflict, it’s had a lasting effect on the automotive hobby.
This particular rig was first registered in the UK back in 1977, long after it helped liberate continental Europe from the clutches of fascism. Currently owned by TLO Film Services, it’s made appearances in Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers, Pennyworth, plus other film and television productions. That kind of provenance only adds to its desirability.
Overall, this Willys Jeep presents well enough with its original olive drab appearance. The engine was rebuilt in late February 2023 and the auction house says it will be serviced before being auctioned, so this Jeep should be fully functional.
The auction house has issued a guide price of between £18,000 and £22,000 so this will be quite affordable for collectors who don’t have millions stashed away. However, there’s always the chance interest in this movie vehicle is greater than gauged and the final bid exceeds expectations.
If you’re wanting to bid on this 1944 Willys Jeep, you need to hurry and register to bid. The auction takes place tomorrow, November 11 and it’s in England, so you don’t have much time. For the rest of us it will be exciting to see how much this goes for when the hammer falls.
Check out the lot listing for yourself here.
Images via Iconic Auctioneers
