Adam Woodward sold this nicely-preserved item on eBay in 2011, describing it as, "A remarkable and rare jeep cardboard and metal model made in France by Ajusta, circa 1945-46 (the immediate postwar period.) It is comprised of an original box with label containing the parts necessary to make an olive-green American Army jeep model with 3 occupants.
"The box (110K JPEG) measures approximately 10" x 7" x 3/4" (26cm x 18cm x 2cm). The Jeep itself, named "Diana", measures about 9" long (23cm) when built, which corresponds to approximately 1:14 scale. Note that when the model is assembled, it is more of a relief image than a 3-D model.
"The jeep itself has been assembled. The original two paper runners (90K JPEG) for the jeep's parts are still in the box, however."
Adam adds, "The three occupants are still in their original runners and are not assembled. At the bottom of the box are the clips and metal rivet attachments (100K JPEG) necessary to finish the model.
"Also included is the original instruction sheet: page 1 and page 2 (130K JPEGs).
"This item was purchased in France, and brought back to the United States by a returning soldier after WWII."
The template for this Mitsubishi CJ-3B was published in PDF form by
"4x4 Magazine" in Japan for Christmas 2007. Santa is optional. We have a printable high-resolution GIF version (460K GIF). Printing on the stiffest paper you can put through your printer is recommended for any of these downloadable projects.
The template for building this simple folding paper WWII jeep comes with the Waco Invasion Glider model from Fiddler's Green, who now also have a Rotabuggy flying jeep. This jeep is about 6 inches long. If you have trouble with PDF files, see the template as a JPEG (100K JPEG).
Another paper Willys MB is available from the 3D Paper Model Studio.
A deluxe TJ Wrangler with detailed instructions is available free at
Jeep Papercraft.
And see a paper version of the Transformers Hound Jeep (60K GIF).
This is one of a number of paper Cherokees available in 2009 as PDF files from Masanori Shimozato's website in Japan. Mike Albright helped me create a printable JPEG version (160K JPEG.)
Here's an older version of a red Jeep wagon. Gary Keating has a number of early paper and cardboard Jeep models in his collection, including this amazing template for a Willys Station Wagon, which Gary believes originates from South America. It includes the sidewalls and treads necessary to build four 3-dimensional tires.
This paper jeep kit in Gary's collection was made in the USA and is notable for its detail, including a driver, "revolving wheels" and mounted machine gun. "Peep the Remote Control Jeep" is also perhaps the first remote control jeep toy ever built; it uses a piece of string for the purpose.
The name "Peep" suggests this is a pretty early toy; the term was widely used during WWII but disappeared rapidly once the "jeep" nickname became standard usage.
The jeep in this early "Army Combat" set was, as usual, illustrated on the packaging with all four wheels off the ground. But the models in the kit are much more rudimentary than the "Peep" at the top of this page. Most of the 14 pieces in this set are 2-dimensional figures, including two drivers for the jeep.
The assembled cardboard toy below is very similar to the jeep from the "Army Combat" set.
Below is a selection of other paper and cardboard items from Gary Keating's collection. Dates and manufacturers are not identified on most of these early toys, so any further information from packaging or reference sources is welcome.
Another very simple toy. | 
Stretcher attached to each side. |
Approximately 2 inches long folded. | 
Crew of four in this model. |
Ranger Smith's Jeep from a Yogi Bear Jellystone Park set. | 
Flat jeep appears to be based on the Willys Quad. |
A motorized paper Jeep! Mechanical engineering graduate Anoop Thomas in Kerala, India used his computer drawing skills (40K JPEG) to help him build an accurate 1/32-scale Mahindra CJ500D out of cardboard. But what really makes this model unusual is the electric 4WD drivetrain, with remote control cable. No steering yet though....
Thanks to Gary for the photos. -- Derek Redmond
See also a paper Nellybelle Jeep and plans for a Juice Box Jeep on The CJ3B Page.
Return to the Toy Jeeps Pages on The CJ3B Page.
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