Surrey on Down the Road

The Willys Jeep Surrey (Gala) was a marketing project that primarily focused on resorts outside the continental US. They were found in Hawaii, Mexico,  Virgin Islands and other South American locations. Offered as “A new version of an old time carriage -with horsepower under the hood instead of in front,”  it was seen as a fun alternative to a conventional rental car. Of course, this was only feasible in warm climates which hosted tourists.

The solid color bodies were offered in pink, blue and green. A striped surrey top color matched the tub and the seats were upholstered in the same material. Fringe adorned the top and two leather straps running to the front hood from the window frame top were supposed to simulate a horse’s harness. It had several chromed parts and some very fine embossed wheel covers!

The vehicle itself was built on a CJ3A frame which were undoubtably left from its’ production. This was in effect “A Dispatcher” , the two wheel drive delivery vehicle which began production in 1955. It was powered by the standard old “L” head which had actually been supplanted by the “F” head with the advent of the CJ-3B.

According to most records,this surrey was first offered in1959 and continued until 1964. There were around 1100 produced, but an accurate count has not been presented.

Its a very unique vehicle and restored ones have fetched over $20,000 at auction.