1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep

134ci L-Head I4 “Go-Devil” | 3-Speed Manual Transmission | Olive Drab Green Vinyl Interior

Extended Warranty
LOT #

250942354

Classic Truck

This vehicle is currently off the market.
Sign up to be notified when this vehicle or one similar is available.
More Cars for Sale >
OFF MARKET VEHICLE
All the information and photos on this listing are from when this vehicle was originally listed on ExoticCarTrader.com
Make:
Model:
VIN:
3J136537
Lot Number:
250942354
Odometer:
23,711
(Exempt / TMU)
Engine:
134ci I4
Drive Type:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Transmission:
Manual/Standard
Exterior Color:
Olive Drab Green
Interior Color:
Olive Drab Green
Vinyl Wrap:
Vehicle Location:
Texas
  • 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep
  • 134ci L-Head I4 “Go-Devil”
  • Carter WO 1-Barrel Carburetor
  • Borg-Warner T-90 3-Speed Manual
  • 4x4
  • Olive Drab Green Exterior
  • Olive Drab Green Vinyl Interior
  • Dana 18 Twin-Stick Transfer Cage
  • Ross Cam-and-Lever Manual Steering Box
  • 16” Steel Rims
  • Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Overview of 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep For Sale by Owner

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.

Exterior and Interior

The exterior of this 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep is finished in the period-correct, utilitarian Olive Drab Green. Carrying its sturdy, flat-fender body is an 80-inch wheelbase inspired by the wartime model. The vehicle rides on 16-inch steel rims, which are paired with hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. The CJ-3A's notable design features include a single, one-piece windshield that can fold forward onto the hood, round headlights, and a traditional upright grille. A detachable rear tailgate and a spare tire installed on the passenger side of the rear body are standard features for the CJ-3A. In our subject Jeep, you can find the spare tire in the rear bed. The interior of this 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep continues its no-nonsense attitude. The seating surfaces are upholstered in Olive Drab Green Vinyl and only feature essential gauges on the dashboard. The driver gets a manually operated steering system utilizing a Ross Cam-and-Lever Manual Steering Box.

Engine

This 1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep is propelled by the legendary 134 cubic-inch L-Head I4 engine, famously known as the “Go-Devil.” This durable, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder engine is fed by a single-barrel Carter WO carburetor. You don’t get race-winning power with this engine. Just 60 horsepower reported at 4,000 rpm and 105 pound-feet of torque at 2,000 rpm is enough for a Jeep's purpose. It sends power to its 4x4 system via a Borg-Warner T-90 3-speed manual transmission.

Walk-around Video of this Willys CJ-3A

Passenger side photo of 1953 Willys CJ-3A

1953 Willys CJ-3A Jeep

Current Ask
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1947 Willys CJ2A

1947 Willys CJ2A

Current Ask
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1961 Willys Overland

1961 Willys Overland Pickup

Current Ask
SOLD

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.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1947 Willys CJ2A

1947 Willys CJ2A

Current Ask
SOLD

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!

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1954 Chevrolet 3100

1954 Chevrolet 3100 Restomod

Current Ask
$140,000

The 1954 Chevrolet 3100 is one of the most recognizable American pickup trucks ever built, celebrated for its Advance-Design styling and timeless proportions. While its classic lines remain unmistakable, this example has been comprehensively transformed into a modern restomod that blends vintage character with contemporary performance and drivability. Showing just 1,480 miles since completion, it features a professionally engineered chassis, upgraded suspension, fuel-injected V8 power, and numerous comfort amenities, making it equally suited for weekend cruising, cross-country road trips, or the show field.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser

1989 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62

Current Ask
$35,000

By the late 1980s, the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62 had earned a worldwide reputation that few four-wheel drives could match. Built with Toyota's legendary emphasis on durability, reliability, and mechanical simplicity, the FJ62 represented the final evolution of the iconic 60-Series Land Cruiser sold in North America. Combining modern conveniences like electronic fuel injection and an automatic transmission with traditional body-on-frame construction and solid axles, the FJ62 became equally at home navigating mountain trails, crossing continents, or serving as a dependable daily driver. Showing 178,062 miles, this Land Cruiser embodies the rugged capability and enduring legacy that have made 60-Series examples some of the most sought-after classic SUVs on the market today.

view listing
Passenger side photo of 1988 GMC Sierra 1500

1988 GMC Sierra 1500 K1500

Current Ask
$44,999

Square-body GMC pickups have become some of the most sought-after American trucks of the modern collector era, appreciated for their clean styling, durable mechanicals, and everyday usability. This 1988 GMC Sierra K1500 represents the final years of the iconic square-body design and offers the rugged simplicity that enthusiasts continue to seek. Showing approximately 141,863 miles, this truck is finished in Dark Carmine over a Red interior, a period-correct color combination that gives it an unmistakable late-1980s presence. Equipped with a dependable 5.7L V8, four-wheel drive, and several tasteful upgrades, this Sierra is equally at home as a weekend cruiser, local show truck, or dependable classic pickup.

view listing
TOP