- Car Location: California
- Completed a full frame off restoration, nut and bolt
- Only modification reported is professionally installed seatbelts
- Original motor, transmission, transfer case, warn hubs, etc are reported to be original but rebuilt
- New tires including spare tire
- Repainted during restoration Desert Sand Exterior
- Reupholstered during the restoration w/ new black seats
- Bikini top included in sale
- Full top included in sale
- Electric windshield wiper on driver side, passenger side is manual
- Heater w/ new core
- Kept factory exhaust
- "This hurricane engine is amazing. On the high way I can cruise at 55!" - seller
- Original steering w/ upgraded kit for stabilized steering - seller reports this is an important mod for an old jeep. "It does not wander"
- All new brakes - factory spec
- Rebuilt master cylinders and new brake pads
- New emergency brake pad
- "Completely restored" - seller
- "people cannot believe it when they crawl under my car" - seller
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!
Exterior and Interior
This 1948 Willys CJ-2A bears many of the hallmark characteristics that we see on modern Jeep vehicles, including the iconic seven-bar grille. It was repainted during the restoration in Desert Sand paintwork and its clean black steel wheels wear new tires, including the spare wheel. The bikini top and full top are included in the sale. The interior is also stock and was reupholstered during the restoration with new black seats. The seller reports that one modification has been done on the interior by a professional, and that is the installation of seat belts. It’s got an electric wiper on the driver’s side whilst the passenger side wiper is manual, and the heater has been treated to a new core to help keep occupants nice and warm. The gauges look fantastic, as do the thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel.
Engine
The CJ-2A was powered by the 2.2L (134ci) L134 ‘Go-Devil’ engine, coupled to a three-speed Borg Warner T90 manual transmission and transfer case. This 1948 Willys CJ-2A reportedly bears its original motor, transmission, transfer case and warn hubs which have been rebuilt. The factory exhaust has been retained but the steering has been upgraded with a kit for stabilized steering which the seller notes is an important mod for an old Jeep, as it does not wander about. The brakes are all-new to factory spec, with rebuilt master cylinders, new brake pads and a new pad for the emergency brake as well. The seller reports that “this hurricane engine is amazing. On the highway I can cruise at 55[mph]”.
The 1947 Willys-Overland CJ-2A stands as one of the earliest civilian Jeeps ever produced, directly derived from the battle-proven military MB of World War II. Built to serve farmers, ranchers, and laborers, the CJ-2A introduced practical features that made it a true multi-purpose vehicle for post-war America. This example embraces its heritage with a rugged patina finish while benefiting from tasteful updates that enhance comfort and usability. Showing just 38,487 miles, it presents as a well-preserved and thoughtfully refreshed classic that blends authenticity with drivability—ideal for collectors or enthusiasts seeking a vintage 4x4 with real character.
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 1947 Willys-Overland CJ-2A stands as one of the earliest civilian Jeeps ever produced, directly derived from the battle-proven military MB of World War II. Built to serve farmers, ranchers, and laborers, the CJ-2A introduced practical features that made it a true multi-purpose vehicle for post-war America. This example embraces its heritage with a rugged patina finish while benefiting from tasteful updates that enhance comfort and usability. Showing just 38,487 miles, it presents as a well-preserved and thoughtfully refreshed classic that blends authenticity with drivability—ideal for collectors or enthusiasts seeking a vintage 4x4 with real character.
This 1961 Willys Overland Pickup represents a rugged and highly customized take on one of America’s most utilitarian post-war trucks. Originally designed for durability and off-road capability, Willys pickups have become increasingly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their simplicity and vintage charm. This example stands out with its upgraded V8 powerplant and tasteful cosmetic enhancements, blending classic workhorse roots with hot rod character. Showing approximately 67,060 miles, it offers a compelling mix of usability, uniqueness, and visual appeal—ideal for someone who wants a vintage truck that doesn’t feel underpowered or outdated.
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!
Terms of Service
Be Kind and Courteous
We're here to create a platform to better the automotive industry through communication and transparency. Please treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
No Hate Speech
Make sure everyone feels safe. Hate speech of any kind is strictly prohibited. Degrading comments about things like race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, etc. will not be tolerated.
No Promotions or Spam
Give more than you take. Self-promotion, spam, or links of any kind are not allowed.
