What is the rarest Jeep Willys?

The Willys MA, a pre-war prototype that helped shape the later Jeep lineage, is widely regarded as the rarest Jeep Willys. Only two were built, and very few survive in museums or private collections.

To understand why this model stands out, it helps to place it in the broader arc of Jeep history. The MA came before the mass-produced Willys MB and Ford GPW that powered Allied forces in World War II. The MA was a testing ground for a compact, four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, but it did not enter production. When the MB program took off, it produced vast numbers, making the MA’s tiny production run all the more exceptional and coveted by collectors.

Rarest Willys Jeeps

Before listing the most exceptional examples in terms of scarcity, it’s important to set the baseline: rarity in the Willys lineup is driven by production volume and survivorship.

• Willys MA — pre-war prototype; only two built; extremely rare; surviving examples are in select museums and private collections.

The MA’s scarcity defines its status as the rarest Willys Jeep. By contrast, wartime MB/GPW models were produced in the hundreds of thousands and, while historically significant, are far more commonly found today among collectors and institutions.

Historical context and rarity factors

Rarity in the Willys lineup arises from how many units were built, how long they remained in service, and how many have been preserved. The MA’s role as a pre-war prototype means it sits at the extreme end of scarcity, whereas the widely produced MB/GPW family represents the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of volume and availability.

Why prototypes matter

Prototype and pre-production vehicles offer a window into the design decisions and testing that preceded mass production. Fewer than a handful of MA units exist, and those that do are typically safeguarded by museums or private collectors, limiting public access but underscoring their value and rarity.

Summary

In concise terms, the rarest Jeep Willys is the Willys MA, a pre-war prototype with an extremely small production footprint. Its status as one of the earliest test vehicles and the fact that only two were built make it the benchmark for rarity in the Willys Jeep lineage.

What is special about a Willy's Jeep?

A Willys Jeep is special for its iconic history as an essential World War II vehicle, known for being small, durable, and capable. In modern Jeeps, the "Willys" name refers to a trim level that pays tribute to this heritage by adding off-road-focused features like rugged tires and suspension, along with distinct styling elements such as special decals and wheels. This blend of off-road performance and classic design makes it unique.
 
This video highlights the off-road capabilities of the original Willys Jeep: 58sTop GearYouTube · Dec 23, 2021
Historical Willys Jeeps

• Military icon: The original Willys MB became legendary during WWII for its ruggedness and versatility, earning the nickname "Jeep" and becoming a vital part of military operations. 
• Durable and capable: The vehicle was designed to handle rough terrain, with a durable build and four-wheel drive making it an essential "go-anywhere, do-anything" tool. 

This video explains the design elements of the modern Willys '41 4xe Special Edition that pay homage to the original: 59sJeepYouTube · Feb 4, 2025
Modern Willys trims

• Off-road upgrades: Modern Willys versions are equipped for off-roading, often including features like 32-inch mud-terrain tires, a limited-slip rear differential, and rock rails for protection. 
• Classic styling: The trims feature visual cues that harken back to the original, such as black steel wheels, special hood and tailgate decals, and a tough aesthetic. 
• Special editions: Many modern Willys editions are special tributes, with features like a plug-in hybrid powertrain on the "Willys '41 4xe" that includes elements like a folding windshield, or a specific engine and suspension package. 

How much is a 1943 Willy's Jeep worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $26,700 for a 1943 Willys-Overland MB (Jeep) 1/4 Ton in good condition with average spec.

What is the rarest Jeep?

The rarest production Jeep is the 1969 Jeep CJ-5 462, with approximately 300 units produced. Other rare Jeeps include the 1973 CJ-5 Super Jeep, the 1995 YJ Rio Grande, and special editions like the Tomb Raider Wrangler TJ and the Sahara Unlimited Edition Rubicon. 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1969 Jeep CJ-5 462: 59sCity MotorsYouTube · May 20, 2022
Rarest production models

• 1969 CJ-5 462: This special edition is considered the rarest series production model, with around 300 built. It featured a V6 engine and unique paint options. 
• 1973 CJ-5 Super Jeep: Produced to use up excess inventory, the Super Jeep came with a V8 engine and unique side stripes with a large star. 
• 1995 YJ Rio Grande: This model was created to boost the popularity of 4-cylinder Wranglers and featured unique colors like gold and green. 
• 1981-1986 CJ-8 Scrambler: Although more numerous than the 1969 CJ-5 462, the Scrambler is also quite rare, especially for its unique pickup-style design and limited production run. 

Rare special editions

• Tomb Raider TJ: Released to coincide with the 2003 film, this special edition is highly collectible and was produced in limited numbers. 
• Sahara Unlimited Edition Rubicon: Created for the 2005 film Sahara, only 1,000 of these models were made and are now sought after by collectors. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: 59sDoug DeMuroYouTube · Mar 26, 2025
Rare colors and other models

• Extreme Purple 2016 Wrangler: This specific color was made in a very limited quantity, with only 138 units produced for the U.S. market. 
• 1993 YJ Splash Edition: This appearance package makes this version of the YJ a sought-after and rare find today. 
• Jeep Comanche: While not a single-year model, the Comanche pickup truck was produced for a relatively short time and is now rare. 

How much is a 1949 Willy's Jeep worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $14,200 for a 1949 Willys-Jeep CJ-2A (Truck) 1/4 Ton in good condition with average spec.