A group of military vehicle enthusiasts embarked on a 2,000-kilometer road trip from Mount Molloy to the tip of Cape York in World War II jeeps. The vehicles, which are over 80 years old, lack modern amenities such as windows, air conditioning, and power steering. However, for the enthusiasts, the lack of comfort was part of the fun. The group of seven, led by Townsville’s Military and Historic Vehicle Club president Albie Lee Sye, took on the challenging journey along remote dirt roads.
The trip was not without its obstacles, with the group facing corrugated roads, broken springs, and gearbox issues. Despite these challenges, the group persevered, with some members relying on the kindness of strangers to repair their vehicles. For example, Mr. Lee Sye’s jeep required a roadside fix after breaking a spring, which was welded back together by a local resident in Bamaga.
The original Willys jeep was made in America in the early 1940s, with over 640,000 vehicles produced for the military. Many of these vehicles were later sold to the public, and some have been restored and maintained by collectors. Military vehicle aficionados estimate that there may be thousands of vintage jeeps rusting away in paddocks across Australia.
The jeeps have a cult-like following in Australia, with some collectors willing to pay over $40,000 to own a piece of history. A well-restored Willys jeep can sell for around $50,000, while an example with original markings and parts can be worth even more. Despite their age, many WWII vehicles are still capable of long journeys, with some owners driving them across the country.
The group’s journey was a testament to the enduring appeal of these historic vehicles. For the enthusiasts, the joy of driving these iconic jeeps outweighs any discomfort or challenges. As Mr. Lee Sye said, “I find that the joy of me being able to drive it overcomes anything else.” The group’s adventure has inspired others to dust off their own vintage vehicles and hit the road, proving that these pieces of history still have a lot of life left in them.