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Vincent Koekemoer's Passion for Jeep® Willys: A Journey of Restoration and Dedication Vincent Koekemoer, a building surveyor from Kariega (Uitenhage), South Africa, has transformed his lifelong dream into reality by restoring Jeep® Willys vehicles. After a four-decade search, he finally acquired his first Willys for ZAR 21,000, which he painstakingly restored over three years with original parts. This endeavor has since blossomed into a collection, including four Willys, two of which are road-ready while the other two are undergoing restoration. The Genesis of a Passion Koekemoer's fascination with the Jeep® Willys began in his youth, frequenting auctions across the Eastern Cape where the military sold their old vehicles. Despite his enthusiasm, financial constraints prevented him from making a purchase. However, the desire never faded. “Growing up, I went to auctions where the military sold their old Willys. I couldn’t afford them, and no one would even give me a chance to bid,” he recalls. Despite this, the dream persisted through his schooling at Muir College, his conscription, and his early career in construction. The Search Resumes Years later, a conversation with a friend reignited his passion. Instead of relying on newspapers, Koekemoer turned to the internet, scouring sites like Gumtree and OLX. His persistence paid off with a find in Cape Town, though it was in poor condition. The real treasure, however, came from a farm in Patensie, where he found a Willys in pieces but with all original parts. Restoration Triumph Over three years and at the cost of about ZAR 60,000, Koekemoer meticulously restored his first Willys, ensuring every component was authentic. His hands-on approach, honed from growing up on a farm, proved invaluable as he tackled metal work, woodwork, and more. His restored Willys soon became a star at local fairs, starting with the George Old Car Show. On his third visit, he received an offer of ZAR 900,000 for the vehicle, which he declined. His collection has since expanded thanks to a farmer from Kirkwood offering him two wrecks on the condition he restores one for himself. A Historical Obsession Koekemoer's passion extends beyond restoration; he's a historian of the Willys. “These Willys are the civilian models,” he explains. “My first one is a 1947 model, and my second is a 1953. The original Willys were built in 1941 for the US military by Bantam, Willys Overland, and Ford, with Ford and Willys eventually producing the bulk due to Bantam’s limited capacity.” The post-war era saw Willys continuing to produce civilian versions, adding features like a tailgate and Power Take Off (PTO) for agricultural use. This legacy continues under the Jeep brand, now part of Stellantis. Legacy and Community Koekemoer’s dedication has earned him a place in the hearts of Willys enthusiasts across Southern Africa. “The best part of owning a Willys,” he says, “is the friends you meet.” His story is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Jeep brand, which has evolved from a wartime necessity to a symbol of freedom and adventure. Jeep's head of brand, Janus van Rensburg, acknowledges this passion: “The Jeep brand today is a passport to an aspirational lifestyle of freedom and adventure. We are in awe of what Vincent has achieved, translating his passion into an incredible living testimony to our brand’s heritage.”