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.
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.
Bridging the gap between the military vehicles and the civilian utility vehicles, the Jeep CJ came to life in 1945. In simple terms, it was the world's first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive car. The acronym CJ itself stands for “Civilian Jeep”. Manufactured by Willys-Overland, it showcases a no-nonsense design with maximum off-road capability, making it perfectly suited for farming and ranching. Buyers in that era didn't need much else, making the CJ a highly desired vehicle. It also explains why you can still find well-preserved examples today. What we have on offer here is a 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep with its odometer indicating a mileage of 23,711. Currently located in Corpus Christi, Texas, this CJ is ready to give you a taste of American history.
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
Now here’s a veritable legend up for grabs in Camarillo, California! This 1948 Ford F-5 Flatbed Restomod is one of the very first Ford F-Series trucks to hit the roads, as 1948 was the launch year for the F-Series, now in its fourteenth generation as of 2026. Can you think of any other nameplate that has endured for over seven decades like this (OK fine, we know, the Corvette, but this precedes that by five years). This lovely vintage truck has a host of upgrades and boasts just 3,120 miles since then. It’s got a plucky 454ci V8 under the hood, a 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission, a custom wood bed, and more to enjoy.
The Jeep CJ or Civilian Jeep was born out of a corporate need to survive. Willys-Overland used to supply the US Military with Jeeps for World War II. In 1944, they realized that with the War due to end, their lucrative orders would also dry up. So, they turned their attention to an America that was soon due to experience an agricultural and industrial boom, and decided to adapt the military Jeep into the CJ. This proved tougher said than done, because military Jeeps had lifespans of months or even weeks. They were throw-away items. A civilian Jeep, on the other hand, would also experience harsh use but be expected to last for years and even decades. Nevertheless, they did it, and the Jeep CJ was made from 1945 until 1986 across several iterations. Then, the successor gained a name that we know to this day; Wrangler. So, why not celebrate that glorious legacy and buy this 1978 Jeep CJ-5 that’s up for sale in Florida? With a 258ci straight six, a custom paint job, Bilstein performance shocks and more goodies, this is an off-road buddy that will never let you down.
The most popular Coupe Utility, the Chevy El Camino came in 1959 and was made until 1987. It wasn’t the first Coupe Utility, rather Chevy brought it out to fight Ford’s Ranchero. So what is this Coupe Utility business, then? Well, you take a regular passenger vehicle, typically a two-door station wagon, and chop off everything behind the front seats. Then, you make it into a pickup truck bed back there. That’s the difference between a pickup truck and a coupe utility; unlike the former’s body-on-frame construction, a coupe utility is basically a monocoque construction vehicle with an integrated cargo bed behind the passenger cabin. You can see it best in our photos, where this second-generation 1967 Chevrolet El Camino seamlessly blends in a Chevy Chevelle-styled front end with a distinctive, exposed cargo bed out back. This particular vehicle is now available in Tucson, Arizona having undergone a comprehensive makeover.
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