South African Man Restores Iconic Jeep® Willys After 40-Year Search, Rejects R900,000 Offer
MIDRAND, Thursday, July 12, 2024 – The Jeep® Willys, a vehicle that achieved iconic status during World War II, continues to captivate enthusiasts with its historical significance and rugged charm. Vincent Koekemoer, a devoted South African fan, has dedicated decades to his quest for these legendary vehicles, culminating in a remarkable restoration journey.
Koekemoer’s passion for the Jeep® Willys began in his youth, but it took 40 years to realize his dream of owning one. He purchased his first Willys for ZAR21,000, finding it in disassembled pieces on a farm in Patensie, Eastern Cape. This acquisition marked the beginning of an extraordinary restoration project, driven by a deep love for the vehicle’s heritage.
“When I was growing up, I attended military auctions all over the Eastern Cape,” Koekemoer recalls. “The military was selling their old Willys, but I couldn’t afford them, and I never had the chance to bid.”
Despite setbacks, Koekemoer never abandoned his dream. He pursued a career in construction after matriculating from Muir College and studying at PE Tech. The passion for Willys reignited years later, leading him to scavenge classifieds and eventually turn to online platforms like Gumtree and OLX.
A breakthrough came when he located a Willys in Cape Town. Though it was in poor condition with a non-original engine, it reignited his determination. His fortunes changed when he discovered another Willys in Patensie. Although in pieces, it boasted original parts.
Koekemoer devoted three years and ZAR60,000 to meticulously restore the vehicle to its original glory. Every nut and bolt was carefully cleaned, greased, and tightened. For parts that couldn’t be sourced, he relied on his hands-on skills honed from farm life to fabricate them himself.
“I grew up on a farm and am very hands-on. I do metalwork, woodwork, you name it,” Koekemoer says.
His dedication paid off. Koekemoer’s restored Willys drew attention at local fairs, starting with the George Old Car Show. In February, during his third visit to George, he received an astonishing offer of ZAR900,000 for his Willys. Despite the temptation, he declined, driven by his passion and commitment to the legacy of the vehicle.
Koekemoer’s collection has since grown. He now owns four Willys, two fully restored and two undergoing restoration. His fame has spread, connecting him with Willys enthusiasts from across Southern Africa.
“The best part of owning a Willys is the friends you meet,” Koekemoer reflects.
His expertise extends beyond restoration to the history of the vehicle. “These Willys are civilian models,” he explains. “My first one is a 1947 model, and my second is from 1953. The original Willys were built in 1941 by three companies: Bantam, Willys Overland, and Ford. Although Bantam won the tender, the production was too large for them alone, so Ford and Willys built them for the US Military.”
By the end of World War II, Willys and Ford had produced half a million vehicles. Post-war, Willys continued making vehicles for the civilian market, retaining the original chassis and body while adding features like tailgates and Power Take Offs (PTO) for agricultural use.
The legacy of the Willys lives on through the Jeep brand, now part of Stellantis. “The Jeep brand is a very important part of the Stellantis offering,” says Jeep head of brand, Janus van Rensburg. “We are incredibly proud of the marque’s DNA. The Jeep brand has evolved from an essential mode of transportation in a time of war to a complete line-up of SUVs delivering legendary off-road capability with luxury interiors and advanced technology.”
Van Rensburg lauds Koekemoer’s dedication, stating, “We are in awe of what he has achieved, translating his passion into an incredible living testimony to our brand’s heritage. It’s a great example of how our customers create their Jeep experiences; we just make the cars.”
