1964 Jeep DJ-3 Rare Jeep DJ-3 Similar to the Jeep Seen on Fantasy Island ("DePlane, Deplane!!”) Restored California Jeep in Virtually Stock Configuration Perfect for the Cabin, Beach House, or Just a Local Weekend Jeep! ___________________________________________________________ ABOUT THIS 1965 JEEP DJ-3 - OVERALL CONDITION Simply stated, this is a, extremely nice example of the increasingly rare Jeep convertible. We often see Jeeps listed for sale but typically they are, to put it mildly, in less than good condition. Rarely do we see an example of a nice California restored and unmodified Jeep DJ-3. This is one such example. This particular Jeep retains the proper L-134 4 cylinder engine and the floor shift 3-speed transmission. While the engine and transmission have not been replaced with large, inappropriate units, a benefit to true enthusiasts and collectors, it is the car's overall condition that make it especially appealing. When the Jeep was restored, it was brought back to its former glory with few modifications or changes from stock. No large, over-sized mud tires, added gauges, sound system or other modifications were added to the car and it remains basically in the same configuration as it would have been seen in 1964. The Jeep has been very well cared for in the months since its restoration, and it shows. The car has been adult owned and has no signs of ever having been abused or mistreated. When restored, the Jeep received a complete re-paint in a striking metallic blue and a quality canvas blue and white striped top was fitted along with rear, matching cushions. New seats were added along with new seat belts, the dash was painted to match and, while the Jeep was disassembled, the entire inside was treated with bed liner to protect it from rust and give it a like new appearance. Overall, this is one of the strongest running and driving examples that we have seen in many years. The photos accurately depict the high quality of the body and paint, interior and engine / trunk areas. The car is free from the typical Jeep rust and even California buyers will be amazed at the lack of rust on the underside, rocker panels, trunk, engine bay, doors and other typically rust affected areas on the Jeep. Chrome bumpers were added and they fit well and are perfectly straight and free from damage or rust. They do not show the light pitting or discoloration often seen on cars from other parts of the country where exposure to moisture and the elements have discolored all of the exterior chrome and other trim. The car's body is truly in great shape and we continue to get remarks that the car has the appearance of being freshly refurbished / restored. The Jeep received a new, high quality complete re-paint and is really striking. The metallic paint is high gloss and free from accident damage. The paint is free from cracking, peeling or any damage that detracts from the appearance and charm of the Jeep. The sides, rear cargo area and inner portions of the Jeep are straight and free from signs of rust, or damage. Perhaps most important, the Jeep's body is 100% free from any modifications. The top has been recently replace in high quality fabric similar to that found on the original Jeeps used as resort or beach vehicles and the top structure was restored and painted to match the body color. Rear cushions on either side add a nice touch and are upholstered in the same, color coordinated material. The front windshield is free from any cracks, and in very good condition. The front windshield folds down when the top is removed for complete "open air” motoring. The chrome latches hold the hood down. The interior is very simple and is fitted with two new matching seats and new seat belts. The dash is uncut, contains original gauges, switches and other items including an opening on the left side of the dash for a radio (one is not fitted at this time but could easily be added). The interior is finished with bed liner for durability and front rubber mats accent the front driver's and passenger's sides of the DJ-3. The windshield wipers are hydraulic, turn signals and brake lights work and the speedometer is functional as well. Jeep fans will tell you that rust is a major culprit with older examples but, as a result of this car's long life in California, there are no signs of rust / rust through. The wheels are chrome with body color center hubcaps that provide a nice touch. The wheels / tires are 14” fitted with new matching steel belted radial in 205/75R14.” Cosmetically, the car rates high and is one of the more attractive Jeeps that we have had in years. MECHANICAL CONDIITON The DJ-3 came to us from an elderly gentleman who spent several years completing a restoration on his "baby.” The restoration was done for his use, not with the idea of re-selling the Jeep but to retain it and enjoy it with his wife. Unfortunately, as a result of illness, he was forced to sell the Jeep. The Jeep DJ-3 runs great and is an absolute blast to drive. In fact, we are going to have difficulty taking the keys away from the owner of Classic Cars Ltd. He, like so many avid Jeep fans has owned several examples and has always enjoyed these cars, especially the manual transmission "top down” convertibles! The Jeep's engine is free from unusual noises, does not leak excessive oil (as a 52 year old Jeep, some "seeping” is expected) and has a strong transmission. The syncromesh gears in 2nd and 3rd work perfectly, the clutch engages properly and the brakes stop the vehicle well and straight. The emergency brake and cable are in place but appear to be frozen so we simple leave the car in gear when we park. While we do not have the history of the mechanical work as a result of the circumstances of the sale, an inspection indicates many new components including, but not limited to: brakes, tires, tune-up, new solenoid, battery, carburetor air cleaner and chrome housing. The car was also treated to a complete minor service, oil & filter and carburetor adjustment. The dash is stock and the speedometer and odometer are functional. The gas gauge is pinned to full and the temperature gauge does not work. A below dash mounted set of monitoring gauges would address this deficiency. The Jeep has been 100% reliable and offers good performance even with the 4 cylinder engine due to its relatively light weight. The Jeep starts immediately, even after sitting for prolonged periods of time. The car has a very strong engine that does not exhibit any drivability problems. It pulls strongly through all of the gears, shifts firmly and precisely. The Jeep retains the stock carburetor that was recently changed and the engine bay is very clean showing a high level of attention to detail when the DJ-3 was restored. twin carburetors, stock air cleaner arrangement and virtually of the original style components. The transmission, brakes and other major mechanical components are excellent. The car steers well, stops straight and sure. As a result of the recent, comprehensive brake work, the brakes are excellent and do not pull. Mechanically and cosmetically, the car rates high and is one of the more attractive Jeeps that we have seen in some time. We suspect that the car will be of particular interest to prospective buyers in areas outside of California where these cars are very difficult to find in this rust free condition, along with buyers in other parts of the world. One thing worth mentioning. If you are in a hurry, this may not be a good choice. Everywhere we go we find that we need to spend time answering questions with interested onlookers and a drive in the Jeep results in horn honking waves from admiring "fans.” HISTORY / GENERAL INFORMATION The Willys Jeep DJ series, or Dispatcher Jeep, was produced from 1955-1970 by Kaiser then from 1970-1984 by American Motors. The DJ-3A was produced from the CJ-3A body type with the L-134 engine. The DJ series utilized jeep body styles and existing technology, making these jeeps durable, flexible use vehicles. The Jeeps were fitted with either a column shift or floor shift three-speed Borg Warner T-96 manual transmission, which was the first since the CJ-2A to have a column shift. The DJ models were offered with many different body options including a hard top, full van body, or the desirable open example with a structure that could be used for a "surrey” top. From 1959 - 1964 the Jeep Gala, or DJ-3A, was produced and marketed as a "fun car”, used in resorts in the Caribbean, Hawaii, and then later as the Jeep Surrey in the United States. The Surreys came in pink, light green and light blue and the tops were striped using the same color as the body, with a matching fabric cover for the spare tire mount. DJ-A thru DJ-M became the reliable work-horse Postal / Dispatch Jeep for most of America. Rural areas still used the Jeeps through 1984. Although rare, there are reportedly still Postal Jeeps in service today in a few areas. The early DJ-3 was produced as a DJ-3A from 1955-1965, 4-134 L head engine, three speed manual. MISCELLANEOUS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 1. Has it received a safety / light inspection? Yes, the car has been checked for turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights and tires and brakes. 2. What is the total mileage on the Jeep? While the Jeep currently shows 55,568 miles, as a result of the age of the vehicle, we must list it as TMU (Total Mileage Unknown). However, it is important to note that within the past 1,000 or less miles the car received considerable mechanical and cosmetic attention. 3. What were the results of the independent inspection? The Jeep passed with no the exception of the brake issue (now addressed and repaired) and no other safety issues were reported. 4. What are the car's needs (if any) at this time? The vehicle is in very nice cosmetic condition and, as we have indicated, runs and drives well. The car has been very well cared for and recently restored. However, we do not have a history of the mechanical restoration so can only comment on the way the car runs / drives and the results of the mechanical inspection. All of which indicate that considerable mechanical work was performed on the Jeep recently (as a function of mileage). 5. Does the car have seat belts? Yes, front lap belts that were installed when the car was recently completed. 6. Does the car have a top, side curtains / windows? The canvas "Surrey” top (with fringe) is like new and can be removed to make the Jeep into a convertible. The top stays in place at speeds up to 60 mph and matching cushions in blue canvas striped material are fitted on the rear sides of the Jeep. The front windshield is in excellent condition and folds forward for a total open air feel. 7. Can we have the vehicle inspected? Absolutely, we encourage inspections of this Jeep by serious, qualified individuals, or professional inspection companies. All we ask is that you call us at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time since we are in and out of our office quite a bit. We are unable to allow inspections 24 hours prior to the end of the auction as we are closed on Sunday. 8. Can you provide some "ballpark" costs of shipping costs around the United States? Yes, please give us a call and we can quote shipping for both open and enclosed through contacts that we have established over the course of 20~ years in business. PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always, we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background of any collector car being sold over the Internet. We believe that it is important to ask yourself a number of questions including, but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have completed (positive EBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details of the interior, exterior, top, chrome, etc. or are they simply "Glamour Shots" taken from a distance? - Does the seller have a surety bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance, licensing by the state, and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action, grievances? - Do they enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources, transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. * Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same, small, California town for close to 24 years. We operate a small, indoor showroom, and specialize in the sale, consignment, and purchase of sports, high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. * The majority of our vehicles come from local, private owners and collectors, and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars, with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally, and around the country. As a result, we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales, such as wholesale auctions, salvage sales, or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles, or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. * We are fully insured, bonded, and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. * We have operated a "brick & mortar" business in the same small town for over 18 years. * We are fully insured and licensed for collector car sales * Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50,000 Surety bond to cover financial transactions * We enjoy excellent relationships with a number of transport companies and, as a result, can often times obtain preferred pricing for vehicle shipping. Please give us a call and we will be glad to refer you to suitable transport companies. Needless to say, we would recommend a quality, enclosed transporter that is experience with moving high quality, collectible cars. * We frequently sell vehicles to out of state buyers / out of country buyers, and are proud of our 100% positive eBay feedback ratings on 925+ transactions. Please review our EBay feedback for specific comments on our service to our customers. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION * In addition to the purchase price, California buyers will be subject to sales tax, documentation fee, and DMV transfer fees. Out of state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle with any taxes/fess paid in their respective state. * IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE...If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California, sales tax and other license, registration & transfer fees for California buyers. * We encourage telephone calls to discuss in greater details the condition/specifics of this absolutely lovely Jeep convertible. It is difficult to fully describe how nice an example this is, but we welcome "walk around" telephone discussions in order to answer any questions that you may have. * We will be glad to discuss a sale of the car prior to the end of the listing on EBay, and ask that interested parties call us at 925-846-1451 for additional information/specifics. * Please review our feedback on eBay (user name never22many) for our history of successful sales to out of state/country buyers. Our feedback consists of a total of over 925+ positive, lifetime transactions on eBay. * As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However, we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles, and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback, standing in the community, length of time in business, and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. *Finally, please keep in mind that, as with any used vehicle, cosmetic issues / flaws may be present that add to the "patina" of the car and are a part of even the best restoration of a vintage/collectible vehicle. And, while we are unaware of any mechanical issues that we have not addressed in this write-up it is always possible on older, used cars that latent, unexpected defects may exist that we are unaware of or have not been pointed out by previous owners / sellers. * We always receive questions about the "Buy it Now" price on our vehicles. We will sell the Jeep prior to the auction but ask that interested individuals contact us by telephone to discuss the details of the car. In this way, we can answer any questions that you may have about the car itself, provide shipping information, etc. Thank You! Classic Cars Ltd. (925) 846-1451
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Thank You & Happy Bidding Classic Cars Ltd. |
Apologies for a typo...of course, the windshield wipers are vacuum operated, not hydraulic! Please let us know if you have any questions or an interest in purchasing the Jeep prior to the end of the auction in a week+. Thank you, Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451