The owner of this 1948 Willys Jeep CJ2A served his country faithfully in Korea. When the opportunity presented itself to create a clone of the vehicles he had driven during that time, he didn’t hesitate to build the vehicle you see here. Its overall condition is all you might expect from a vehicle that has seen armed conflict, but lifting its presentation to the next level would not be difficult. Alternatively, the buyer may leave it untouched because it is guaranteed to turn heads in its current form. Located in Heavener, Oklahoma, you will find the Jeep listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $4,350, but this figure remains shy of the reserve. For those who wish to avoid the auction action, he offers a BIN option at $9,500.
This is not the first Jeep CJ2A that we have seen with a military theme recently. We featured a 1950 example in this article approximately a fortnight ago. Its presentation was stunning, and there is no reason why our feature Jeep couldn’t achieve the same level. The paint is tired, but its character is in keeping with a vehicle with a military history. The panels are straight, with no significant dings, dents, or other problems. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller doesn’t indicate any issues in the listing. The rear-mounted spare tire does not hold air, so the buyer will need to install a tube. There is no chrome trim to consider, with the overall presentation being pretty austere. The glass is in good condition, and if the buyer chooses a total restoration, it should be a straightforward process.
While the seller doesn’t indicate that this Jeep is numbers-matching, its drivetrain consists of the 134ci “Go-Devil” flathead four-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission, and dual-range transfer case. With 60hp and 105 ft/lbs of torque, the lightweight Jeep should make easy-going of the most challenging terrain. Recent additions to this classic include a Solex carburetor, an electric fuel pump, and a new battery. The Jeep runs and drives well, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the four-wheel-drive system works as it should. The seller indicates that it requires some brake work, but given the simplicity of the systems on these classics, the next owner could potentially tackle this task in a home workshop.
When you slip behind the wheel of this Jeep, you are hardly likely to mistake it for a Cadillac. Upholstered surfaces are limited to the vinyl on the two front seats and the cantilevered rear seats. The painted floors wear rubber mats, while the remaining surfaces also wear Army Green paint. Once again, its overall presentation is in keeping with an aging military vehicle. The most glaring fault that may require attention is the cracked wheel, although if the buyer chooses to pursue a cosmetic refresh, tackling the interior would be one of the most straightforward undertakings. My personal preference would be to leave things as they are because this Jeep is dripping with character.
This 1948 Jeep CJ2A leaves me torn. The 1950 example that I mentioned earlier set a benchmark, and it would be tempting to lift this classic to the same level. However, there is something indefinable about how this vehicle looks at present that makes it compelling to tackle any mechanical issues but leave it cosmetically untouched. Regardless of which path the buyer selects, it is guaranteed to attract its share of attention. If you were to hand over your cash for this Jeep, which option would you choose?
Perfect the way it is, don’t change a thing.
Um, I’m no expert ( but I play one on BF’s), I looked up the Jeep used in Korea, and it was the M38, which evolved into the CJ3A, not the CJ2A, I think. Some sites are confused as to what Jeep models were used when. To most, however, that’s splitting hairs, and unlike the seller, who went through that worthless POS of a war,( is there a good war?) most peoples idea of Korea was the show MASH, and an army Jeep was an army Jeep. And I always thought, the “Go-Devil” moniker was shortened from “Goes like the Devil”, a popular saying at the time. It’s an unusual find, as most were destroyed, and there was no $75 dollar “Jeep in a crate”, so these didn’t just go to anyone. THAT,,,apparently, translates into big( to me) bucks.
Howard A, the CJ-3A was built 49-53. It is the civilian model built for agricultural use. Big difference in windshields. But according to some stats the spare tire is suppose to be on the side.
Fun fact, military flat fenders have a 9 slot grille instead of 7,watch Rat Patrol,I do like this Jeep.
The CJ3A is the civilian version of the M38. So, just as the M38 was an updated/upgraded vehicle from the WWII MB and GPW models (which spawned the civilian CJ2A), the M38 provided the basis for the CJ3A. M38 and MB/GPW (left over from WWII) jeeps saw service in Korea. The M38A1 (the basis for the civilian CJ5) was launched in 1952, shortly before the end of the Korean War in 1953.
$5,200 now, with the BIN gone.
Military or civilian doesn’t matter to me. I think it’s cool. In the 50’s the water district ne’er where I grew up had a wwii jeep they got from Army surplus sale. As a youngster I thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Good to hear from you again, Johnmloghry.
God Bless America.
Thank you Nevada.
I have a 48 CJ2A. It, like this, does not have the dented tub for the shovel on the side, and it does have a tailgate. This indicates, as Adam states,, that it is a clone. A nice one, though! I have never seen the lettering embossed on the dash ( I L 5 ) so maybe it is bolted on, or ?? Didn’t know about 9 and 7 difference. Thanks for the info.
I’ve had mine for quite a few years, nice to know it’s maybe worth the ask.
Ford Fixer. Can you explain what you mean by a clone? Is it a vehicle made up entirely from imported or after-market parts and not a genuine one manufactured by the correct genuine US manufacturer.
There was time here in Australia where so many turned up that one wondered if there were more vehicles now than existed then.
Well preserved. A few of these and some hardy souls made some crazy trails in the Sierras near Lake Tahoe-my friends dad and his pals started doing an annual ride out of a little town called Georgetown (CA); after a few years they called it the Rubicon Trail after the cattle trail by the same name. They invited friends and friends of friends to come along (with the traditional overnight stay at Rubicon Springs), all with similar Jeeps with the occasional hot rodder shoving a 225 Buick V6 under the hood because he could..more than a few came home held together with “baling wire and chewing gum”! Good times. Toughness on 4 wheels..
I just meant that the vehicle shown here is, in my opinion, is a genuine 1948 Willys, a CJ 2A, civilian model. The article referenced the owners desire to have a military unit like he experienced during the war. I believe he aqiurred a civilian unit, and transformed it with paint and bolt on military hardware, thereby creating a “clone”. No malice intended, he just wanted it that way. As one reply pointed out, military has 9 slot grille, this has the seven slot grille.
Another explanation might be that the marine corp may have been supplied civilian versions due to supply shortages. The Shore Patrol/ MPs used CJ 3 B jeeps in the early 60’s.
I just meant that the vehicle shown here is, in my opinion, is a genuine 1948 Willys, a CJ 2A, civilian model. . As one reply pointed out, military has 9 slot grille, this has the seven slot grille.
Another explanation might be that the marine corp may have been supplied civilian versions due to supply shortages. The Shore Patrol/ MPs used CJ 3 B jeeps in the early 60’s.
My cousin had one, maybe not this model but it doesn’t matter. Lots of fun to be had with it