Early jet aircraft didn't have on-board power units to start the engine, so they needed compact APUs (auxiliary-power units) on both land and on aircraft carriers. Two of the models of APUs used by the Navy were built on the Jeep CJ3A chassis. Each of these jeeps had a PTO that powered a generator capable of producing DC and in some cases AC. In addition, two extra gauges were added to the dashes of these vehicles: a running time gauge and a tachometer.
This one is 3-wheeled, with rear wheel steering, smaller than normal diameter wheels, and no windshield so to be able to fit under the wings. It was also quite nimble on carriers. Built by O.E. Szekely Associates, Philadelphia.
Thanks Steve!
http://warjeeps.com/articles/APUnavyJeeps/apu-jeeps.html
http://48cj2a.com/apu.htm
E-Willys added in the comments, just now, " the jeep community was under the impression that only O. E. Szekely manufactured APUs. Since that time, Nick Oxender discovered an APU that proved there was a second producer of APU jeeps: Valentine Welder and Co. It manufactured a four-wheeled version with the f-head motor and classic APU triangular hood bump. There is no evidence Valentine ever manufactured a 3-wheeled version. Earlier this week Nick listed his Valentine APU, the only one known to exist out of 75 made, on eBay, but it didn't break his reserve price."
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/page318
https://www.flickr.com/photos/my_public_domain_photos/16052753577/in/pool-435090@N22/
1950, July 4th, on the Valley Forge
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/18033881214/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/18059526594/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/23741388@N00/20090697458/in/pool-435090@N22/
This one is 3-wheeled, with rear wheel steering, smaller than normal diameter wheels, and no windshield so to be able to fit under the wings. It was also quite nimble on carriers. Built by O.E. Szekely Associates, Philadelphia.
Thanks Steve!
http://warjeeps.com/articles/APUnavyJeeps/apu-jeeps.html
http://48cj2a.com/apu.htm
E-Willys added in the comments, just now, " the jeep community was under the impression that only O. E. Szekely manufactured APUs. Since that time, Nick Oxender discovered an APU that proved there was a second producer of APU jeeps: Valentine Welder and Co. It manufactured a four-wheeled version with the f-head motor and classic APU triangular hood bump. There is no evidence Valentine ever manufactured a 3-wheeled version. Earlier this week Nick listed his Valentine APU, the only one known to exist out of 75 made, on eBay, but it didn't break his reserve price."
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/page318
https://www.flickr.com/photos/my_public_domain_photos/16052753577/in/pool-435090@N22/
1950, July 4th, on the Valley Forge
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/18033881214/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133697406@N05/18059526594/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/23741388@N00/20090697458/in/pool-435090@N22/
We are still working to unearth information on the CJ-3A APU jeeps, how many were produced, and how many are left. When I wrote the article referenced above for warjeeps.com, the jeep community was under the impression that only O. E. Szekely manufactured APUs. Since that time, Nick Oxender discovered an APU that proved there was a second producer of APU jeeps: Valentine Welder & Co. It manufactured a four-wheeled version with the f-head motor and classic APU triangular hood bump. There's no evidence Valentine ever manufactured a 3-wheeled version. Earlier this week Nick listed his Valentine APU, the only one known to exist out of 75 made, on eBay, but it didn't break his reserve price.
ReplyDeletethanks for the extra info! I'll add it to the post! I saw the ebay listing, and it's difficult to figure out if it was just overpriced, or that the right collector wasn't looking at the right time. Either way, take it to the big auctions for the most hype and exposure.
DeleteThere is a Jeep Fest in Toledo on Saturday for the 75th anniversary of Jeep production. They are having a car show and parade with examples of every model year. The Valentine APU was listed in Shipshewana, IN, which is 2 or 3 hours from Toledo. I wouldn't be surprised if he brings it to the show.
ReplyDeleteThis is Nick, owner of the Valentine APU. I believe it didn't sell on eBay as it's a very niche collector vehicle with a large responsibility of ownership. I did attend the Toledo Jeep Fest but with another Jeep. Thanks for posting the APU pictures on your blog- I found this website while scavenging for new information.
ReplyDeleteor your reserve was too high for a vehicle with limited interest, and limited usefulness. I'd guess it's basically a museum piece, and will never see the far side of a dirt road. That's not a put down, it's just my notion that you don't have something for sale that people can ride trails with, nor off road. The number of interested potential buyers is limited by many factors more than most old jeeps have... use, cost, and 4x4 off roading ability. Take away most of those and the only well to sell it is to let the buyers at a big auction determine what it's worth.
DeleteF9F Panther engine run photo needs to be flipped horizontally...
ReplyDeletethanks! I hadn't looked at the details closely enough to see that!
ReplyDelete