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!
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
The original Jeep CJ series is what became the civilian variant of the tough and rugged Willys Jeep that saw time in the battlefield. In fact, the story is quite similar to the Hummer; a military vehicle adapted into civilian use. But what if you want the military variant instead of the civilian one? Well, unlike Humvees, that’s a bit harder to come by when we talk about Willys Jeeps. You see, these vehicles were considered to be pretty much disposable, leading a few years of hard life before being put to pasture. Some examples lasted mere weeks in battlefields, such as vehicles involved in World War II and the Korean War. However, sometimes you do get lucky and find a classic survivor. This 1952 Willys M38 from Flower Mound, Texas, is one such lucky find. It’s reportedly got just 1,789 miles on it, too. So if you’re a fan of wartime vehicles and want something that’s truly special, call or DM us right now.
The first new Chevy truck to come out since World War II ended, the Advance Design era ran between 1947 and 1955. It replaced the older AK series and was bigger, stronger and sleeker in design. The range started with the 3100 half-tonner, and went on through the one-ton 3800, and into chassis cabs and medium-duty trucks. Now, the Advance Design has found some fame as a restomod platform. That’s what we have here, a 1952 Chevrolet 3100 Restomod from Smithville, Texas. This truck has undergone a full makeover, including a new 396ci V8, a 4-speed automatic gearbox, air conditioning and much more. If you want to rock and roll around in something different to your typical classic car, this is a fine option to consider.
Are you the sort of person who prefers a classic off-roader rather than a car? Do you want your classic off-roader to have real off-roading chops, a fine legacy of dependability and come from a well-known American brand? If so, this 1958 Jeep CJ-5 is perfect. Hailing from the illustrious Jeep CJ – that’s Civilian Jeep – legacy, the CJ was created shortly after World War II ended. Willys-Overland, the ones behind the popular Military Jeep knew that without war, their main customer wouldn’t be buying nearly as many vehicles from them. So, they switched gears and made the Jeep CJ, a tough, no-nonsense off-roader aimed at farmers and tradespersons who needed a simple vehicle with guts and four-wheel drive. This vehicle comes from the CJ-5 era which ran between 1954 and 1983. With its naturally aspirated V6, manual gearbox and aftermarket exhaust system, this 1958 Jeep CJ-5 has only done 167 miles since its thorough makeover.
Jeep’s CJ series of off-roaders is what gave rise to the Wrangler today. You can see the design similarities between the old and the new, despite the Wrangler’s notably larger size, plusher cabin, more powerful engine, etc. That iconic face remains largely intact, with the famous seven-bar grille signifying that the vehicle wearing it is capable of great off-road feats. The CJ series came about in 1944, when Willys-Overland knew that they had to switch to the civilian market to survive. World War II was ending, and the military wouldn’t be needing Jeeps like cigarettes anymore. So, the CJ was born, standing for Civilian Jeep. It was made to live a tough life in the fields of agriculture, construction, mining, manufacturing and other rough-and-tumble industries. Jeep knew that the civilian variant would have a lifespan in years or even decades, not months or weeks like its battleship brethren. Hence, the CJ is exceptionally well-built, and many survive to this day. This 1978 Jeep CJ-5 from Melbourne, Florida is proof of that quality.
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