Given its mint condition, it’s not even that expensive
When we think of Jeep Willys, most of the time we picture them covered in the iconic olive drab coating, accessorized with military equipment. But Willys’ history is not limited to its contribution to WWII.
In 1955, the rear-wheel-drive DJ-3A was introduced to the public, for industrial and commercial use, spawning different body versions.
The mid-1950s Gala edition of the DJ-3A, though, was initially built for the Hawaiian Village complex resort, as a rental vehicle for the guests. Later on, it was available for export, reaching the Caribbean and Mexico as well.
In 1959, Jeep added the name Surrey to its Gala versions. About 1,000 were made until 1964 when it was discontinued.
The civilian Jeep DJ-3A used a 134.2 cu-in (2.2-liter) inline-four engine that was sending 72 hp to the live rear axle through a three-speed manual transmission.
The Gala edition featured striped upholstery, a fringed top, chrome bumpers, and wheel discs in body paint. It came in three different colors: Tropical Mist, Cerulean Blue, and Jade Tint Green. Each one of the color schemes had white accents.
The Cerulean Blue Gala edition DJ-3A that’s going up for auction at RM Sotheby’s just came out of a full-body restoration, so “mint condition” are exactly the words to describe it.
It is expected to fetch between $25,000 and $35,000 at the auction scheduled for 19 January.