Behold, the world’s first-ever mass-production civilian four-wheel drive car: the Willys Jeep. Derived from the military vehicle that served extensively in World War II, the Willys CJ “Civilian Jeep” was a modified, road-legal version of the battlefield hero. Aimed at the farming and industrial community, many mechanical modifications over the military version were with the goal of making it more durable and reliable. As the war was winding up, Jeep started working on the CJ, with 2 main prototype models being tested (CJ-1 and CJ-2). The CJ-2A was the first production model, which arrived in mid-1945, initially used up the last of the war-time parts stock. Once this was over, many parts such as the rear axle were changed (in this case to a stronger option). In total, over 214,000 CJ-2As were built between 1945 and 1949.
Only 2 color schemes were available up till mid-1946: green with yellow wheels and tan with red wheels. This lovely 1946 Willys-Overland CJ-2A Jeep is finished in a similar color scheme; green with cream/light yellow wheels. It carries a spare wheel on the (left) side panel, above the rear axle. The other major visual differences over its military predecessor include a tailgate, and a modified front grille with larger, more bulging headlamps. As standard, the CJ-2As were available with only the driver’s seat, 1 wing mirror and 1 taillight (both on the driver’s side). While this vehicle only has one wing mirror and taillight, it does have 2 seats (in black). The most striking aspect of the interior is probably the 3-stick layout for the transmission and transfer case, a concept that catches most of us off-guard even though it would’ve been a Jeep owner’s daily routine a few decades ago. Overall, the spotless condition of the vehicle suggests that it has undergone a thorough restoration recently (possibly at the same time the engine was rebuilt).
The engine, which looks as immaculate as the rest of the car. It has the 2.2L L134 “Go Devil” inline 4-cylinder engine from its predecessor, but Willys swapped out the T-84 transmission for a T-90 Borgwarner 3-speed manual transmission, driving 2 or 4 wheels based on the setting.
The famous Jeep CJ by Willys-Overland is a story of smarts. Since World War II was ending soon, Willys-Overland knew that their biggest customer – the US Military – would soon be ending their massive orders for the famous World War II military Jeep that mobilized Americans and allies across the European Theatre of Operations. So, they turned it into a civilian vehicle, aimed at agricultural and other light industrial uses. This proved to be harder than expected, because a civilian Jeep must survive hard use for years, not months. Nevertheless, they succeeded in a massive way. In fact, today, the Jeep CJ continues in spirit through its direct descendant, the Jeep Wrangler! Now, we have a 1947 Willys Jeep CJ-2A for sale from Maupin, Oregon. This is a great way to pick up an earlier CJ and see just how utilitarian and purposeful it was back then. In fact, over 214,000 were made between 1945 and 1949!
Behold, the world’s first-ever mass-production civilian four-wheel drive car: the Willys Jeep. Derived from the military vehicle that served extensively in World War II, the Willys CJ “Civilian Jeep” was a modified, road-legal version of the battlefield hero. Aimed at the farming and industrial community, many mechanical modifications over the military version were with the goal of making it more durable and reliable. As the war was winding up, Jeep started working on the CJ, with 2 main prototype models being tested (CJ-1 and CJ-2). The CJ-2A was the first production model, which arrived in mid-1945, initially used up the last of the war-time parts stock. Once this was over, many parts such as the rear axle were changed (in this case to a stronger option). In total, over 214,000 CJ-2As were built between 1945 and 1949.
The Willys CJ-2A is part of a series of vehicles that would spark off a legacy and a brand that is known today as Jeep. 1944 saw the Willys-Overland company start producing a series of civilian jeeps that are based on their popular World War II military jeep. The CJ-2A was the first production model with a four-year run spanning 1945-1949. This is a 1948 Willys CJ-2A from California that’s completed a full, frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration with a mere 850 miles done since. The seller reports that it’s completely restored and “people cannot believe it when they crawl underneath”. If you’re looking for a classic Willys which will not let you down, here’s a great example to consider!
We all know the story of the Willys Jeep, conceived by Willys-Overland for civilian use when World War II was ending. The company knew that they needed a product that would replace the soon drying up military order book, and they developed the CJ or Civilian Jeep. The CJ ran until 1986, when it became…surprise, surprise, the Wrangler. There have been many variants made during that time, and some have been turned into restomods. Case in point, this 1958 Willys Jeep Station Sedan from Ormond Beach, Florida. With its 350ci V8, Blue Patina exterior with surface rust accents and hardwood cargo floor, this is one heck of a machine, let us tell you. It’s rear-wheel drive and has got just over 31,000 miles to its name.
The Willys Jeepster was originally designed to bridge the gap between utilitarian Jeeps and comfortable passenger cars, offering open-air driving with rugged charm. This 1949 example, offered from Nevada, Missouri, has been transformed into a restomod that blends vintage Jeepster character with modern muscle. With a 6.2L LS3 V8 under the hood, automatic transmission, and just 265 miles since completion, it delivers classic looks with contemporary power and usability
Introduced in 1944, the Jeep CJ ran through several iterations until 1986, when it became the popular Jeep Wrangler. Now that’s why this vehicle bears several familiar cues, not just to the Wrangler but the Jeep family as a whole. After all, it’s the first of a legacy, the first civilian Jeep, which is why its called a CJ. Born out of Willys-Overland’s need to create something for the civilian market after World War 2 ended, the Jeep CJ would see well in excess of 1.5 million examples produced. The brief for the CJ was, surprisingly, tougher than that of the military Jeep it was based on. After all, military Jeeps tend to have lifespans of months or in tough areas, weeks. Meanwhile, the Jeep CJ would be put to the test by hard-working American farmers, blue-collar workers and small business owners, and expected to last for years with minimal maintenance. That’s why you’ll find many Jeep CJ examples existing to this day, as a testament to how well Willys built them. This 1954 Willys Jeep CJ-3B from from Naches is one such machine, and it’s received a fine restoration to bring it up to the condition we see today. This machine could be yours if you wish.
This classic 1970 Volkswagen Type 2 Riviera Camper is a true icon of vintage camper culture. With low mileage of just 34,431 miles, this well-preserved vehicle showcases the charm and functionality that made the Type 2 a favorite among road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Riviera trim adds unique styling and enhanced features, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure on the open road. Its compact size and efficient design are perfect for both urban driving and countryside camping. This vehicle exemplifies the spirit of freedom and exploration synonymous with Volkswagen campers.
Classic motors are charming creatures; they all have their stories to tell, and every drive out is one to remember. There comes a time when a classic machine makes its way to the interwebs, and you can't help but drive it home. This 1982 Volkswagen Vanagon Camper Westfalia is that machine. With a reported 134,913 miles on its clock, and a whole lot more character, this classic German beauty motivates you to travel more, and better yet, travel in style.
Tune into the modern world of SUVs, and you instantly notice how competitive it all is; each manufacturer rushes to make the next big leap forward. Competition is nice; it brings out the best in one's capabilities, and a closer look reveals names that have been fighting to be on the podium for the better part of a half-century. The modern-day Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, and Jeep Cherokee are homegrown SUVs, and their modern-day iterations have a way of charming the modern-day car buyer, but you could lose interest in being behind the wheel of one and opt for the latest model with all its latest subscriptions. Present today is the old-school SUV; it’s a machine far from online subscriptions and motivates you to subscribe to good drives. This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer hails from Denver, Colorado, and is looking for a new partner to clock in those smiles-per-gallon kinda miles, while reportedly having only 53,699 miles on it.
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