This 1962 Willys Jeep Surrey Gala DJ-3A (the full size one, not the toy) was offered in a 2000 online auction. Aside from its good condition and low mileage (12,000 miles on the odometer), a big selling point is the claim that the Jeep belonged to the Tonka Toys company and was the prototype for the Tonka Jeep Surrey.
There has been a certain amount of speculation (on this web site at least) about what model actually served as Tonka's prototype for their famous series of Jeep toys, with one contender certainly being the DJ-3A (see Dispatcher Details: How to Date Your Tonka Flatfender). The Minnesota plates on this Surrey lend some credence to the claim, although there is no documentation mentioned.
The description given by the seller reads as follows:
The description continues: "Vehicle is in good overall condition. Originally owned by Tonka Toy Co. and the inspiration for the famous Tonka Toy Jeep Surrey, 'the world's most famous Jeep.' This fancy Jeep is a real crowd pleaser. A great addition to any collection or museum! Car is individually owned and titled in Minnesota."
This view certainly makes you want to jump in and take a spin. Note the color-coordinated steering wheel.
See also a rear view photo (50K JPEG) and a nice three-quarter front photo of the driver's side (50K JPEG).
Also on The CJ3B Page, see more DJ-3A Surrey Toys and other Tonka Jeeps.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages.
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