When Your Expensive Scratch-Built Jeep Is Technically Cheaper Than Its Spiritual Successor: COTD

David Tracy pulled off what seemed like the impossible. He took hundreds of parts scattered across his house and yard, then somehow turned them into a working World War II Jeep. I’ve said it before, but David was one of my inspirations when I was a teenager, as was Jason. Crazy projects like the Jeep build are why. Anyway, as it turns out, it was crazy expensive, but somehow cheaper than a 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition.

David wrote about how much his hand-built WWII Jeep cost him to build. James McHenry:

Your 2026 Willys MB still snuck under the MSRP of a 2-door 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys Edition. In fact, the only cheaper Wranglers are the Sport and Sport S. So in 2026 terms, still a pretty Cheap Jeep.

Hoser68:

Thank you, David.

I’ve done and seen enough projects to know that this is a realistic price for something like this. It sounds shocking because it seems like it shouldn’t be that expensive, but everything adds up QUICKLY. I’m actually shocked you didn’t exceed $50k when the dust settles.

There will be many outside of here that think “For $42,500 plus all that labor, David could have bought a brand new Wrangler that was much more capable, faster and had a better warranty.” Which is completely true, but completely missing the point.

We live in a world that all our hobbies seem to have to be monetarized. “If you can’t sell it on Etsy for a profit, you shouldn’t do it.” I call BS

David made his own jeep with tons of sleepless nights and busted knuckles and, if he is like me, about 5 pirate ships worth of cuss words. Oh and for a LOT more money than it would have cost to go to a dealership and just picked out the red one.

AND he’s thrilled with it. Which is the ultimate point.

Jeep says that a 1945 CJ-2A was $1,090 new. That means that David didn’t even beat inflation, as that 1945 Jeep’s price would be $20,521 today. Apparently, the government paid even less for the military versions. But, David also built it with his own two hands, which he couldn’t say about a new Wrangler.

Antti wrote about James Bond’s Saab. Dogisbadob had me giggling with:

James Bønd. :-p

Matt wrote a Morning Dump about Porsche 911 sales, and finished by asking you about your favorite 911. Taargus Taargus:

Probably Reno 911.

Finally, Jason wrote about a weird Brazilian car again. Y2Keith:

Munga only pawn in game of life.

Have a great evening, everyone!