The Willys-Overland CJ2A was introduced in 1945 as the first full-production CJ for civilian purchase. The CJ2A appeared visually similar to its military counterpart with a tailgate and side-mounted spare tire. However, the new model featured a few differences including a new grille bookended by larger, bulbous headlights on either side. The example shown here is described by the seller as a one-owner vehicle, completely original down to its Luzon Red paint. It was last driven in the 1990s, but was recently taken out of long-term storage and returned to running condition. Find it here on eBay, listed out of York, Nebraska.
Motivated by the war-proven Go-Devil 4-cylinder engine rated at 60 hp and 105 ft-lb and backed by a new T-90 three-speed, the new CJ2A provided reliable go-anywhere transportation for adventure-seeking Americans. Our feature vehicle has had a new battery, spark plugs, and fuel pump installed in order to get it in running condition. The seller states that most of the gauges work, it has oil pressure, and did not overheat in the 20 minutes that it was test ran. The vehicle will need a new exhaust manifold gasket to cure an exhaust leak, as well as a new muffler. The transmission provided output in all gears and the transfer case is also functioning. However, the brake system still needs attention in order to be fully operable.
Although interiors of original CJ2A’s were spartan, to begin with, our feature vehicle’s dash and seats are definitely showing their age. The seats will need to be reupholstered, but the dash and surrounding areas could clean up fairly easily. The floorboards appear to be solid and relatively rust-free. Since the CJ2A was initially intended to be a farming implement, early models came only with a driver’s side seat, the passenger seat being optional. Our example includes this option and the rest of the interior also looks to be mostly complete, limiting the new owner’s search for rare parts. Another option back in the day was a canvas top, something the new owner may want to add for some protection from the elements.
From 1945-1949, the total production of CJ2A’s was 214,760, averaging out to just under 43,000 units per year. While not super rare, this Jeep would be uncommon enough to attract some attention at the local Cars & Coffee. With a little more mechanical work, a bit of upholstery work, and maybe some cleaning (not too much, it’s still a Jeep), the buyer could have a unique vehicle capable of taking them anywhere they want to go.
My old boss had one very similar to this, but it was pretty rough looking. It ran great, virtually indestructible!
I had the privilege of driving it once. Slower than molasses, rode rougher than corn cob toilet paper. Still fun as all heck!
I hated seeing it go when he sold it. Shortly after, he went. Great guy, will be missed forever!
A small clarification: the tailgate and side-mounted spare tire were changes made from the WWII Willys MB and Ford GPW which had a fixed rear panel and rear-mounted spare.
The drilled holes atop the panels covering the rear wheel wells likely indicate a roll bar was installed at one time. This appears to be a nicely original CJ-2A. Short of a full restoration, I hope the next owner refurbishes it but doesn’t spoil its originality with unnecessary modifications.
Had a ’42 Ford. Lots of fun.
Peterson Restorations will take this swiss cheese and make it a real car, you should see the total garbage this guy starts with. Fastback Mustangs aren’t growing on trees anymore. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=peterson+restorations
Great pitch but wrong listing!
Welcome aboard, Tyson. You’ll find all of the commentors are as cordial and knowledgeable as me( cough). 1st and foremost, remove the bug screen, it hides the 7 slots that is a trademark of Jeeps. If you must have a bug screen,( and how many bugs you gonna get at 27 mph?) put it on the inside of the grill. Great find, but not unusual. A guy I know in N.Wis. has a CJ2a under a lean-to, it has a plow with a hydraulic jack in the cab to lift the plow. I never saw’r it move, but he claims it runs. With as many that were made,( 1 per minute, 3 shifts, 7 days a week for years) there’s bound to be some stashed.
I’ve said it many times, but can’t be understated, we, as a country, owe a lot to this little vehicle, and when I bought my YJ, I put an American flag decal on the back window,( btw, I’m aware that my flag decal won’t get me into heaven anymore,,,the late John Prine) because the Jeep says USA more than any vehicle I know, and I’m proud of that fact.
Howard-what’s the hole in the floorboard below/between the pedals all about? It looks as though it could’ve been a filler spout of some sorts..or could it be associated with the plastic switch/ yellow wire hanging below the center dash?
Like we’ve all said before, it’s too bad these have gotten so crazily priced!
Until Howard gets back, I believe it is to get to the master cylinder, add fluid.
Master cylinder access.
Thank you both!
Nevadahalfrack
Hi Nev, as mentioned, brake master access. On most 40’s and 50’s cars and trucks, the master cylinder was located under the drivers feet and in many trucks, the battery under the passenger feet. Not sure why it was done like that, and was moved to the firewall for simplicity.
Thanks for the John Prine reference Howard; glad to know I’m not the only one who was influenced by his songs.
“When I woke up this mornin’, things were lookin’ bad. Seems like total silence, was the only friend I had. Bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down, and won, and it was 12 o” clock before I realized I was havin’ no fun”,,, yeah, he was one of the great songwriter/ storytellers.
This is in remarkable condition for its age and intended use. It also has a couple “deluxe” items on it: electric windshield wipers, the family model center seat, the trailer hitch, and yes the fairly rare but original chaff screen on the grill that was common on these when they were sold as farm tractors. It would take little to get this mechanically sound. Cosmetically, Id clean it and leave it. The back floor isnt even dented. I have the twin to this (same colors, etc) except with a rear PTO and front PTO winch. Its useful as hell and except for needing a kidney belt, is a blast to drive. Our windshield is down most of the time but on the road (45 mph or less), we have it up and open the front glass to regulate airflow. That windshield is one of the best things about the CJ2A vs the later models. Someone is going to get a great Jeep here.
I failed to mention the steps too. Those are damn handy getting into this with arthritic knees. BTW, the hole in the driver’s side floor is to fill the brake reservoir.
The Go Devil four was a great little engine. 2.2 litres of pure wonderfulness. These were great to drive when your superiors were not around.
like an older Harley (or a rare penny) U do not ‘polish” them up. It rubs off the “drove around”, degrades the value and horrifies some in-the-know.
I saw a guy at the trail do way more than nother fella w/a big’n fancy bent8 new-model (chebby). He smacked that thing around (U could hear it “wham”, kaa-rack!, “crunch”) but it showed no damage’n kept goin (like a timex). Those same tires (16 X 7.50?) not sure about lockers tho…
With all the knowledgeable men on here, could someone tell me what that silver door handle is in the middle if the dash?
Looks like an emergency brake.
E brake. My dad had the same year jeep. Grab, pull,locks. Turn to release.
I am a retired USN CPO. I always thought it would be cool to take one of these and paint it in Navy “haze gray and underway” color and replicate it as much as possible to WW2 markings with the added bit of something like “Pearl harbor CPO mess” across the front.
USN Jeeps are interesting in that all were painted olive green from the factory, so how much and well the USN versions were painted varied by whoever did them at the local motor pools. There is quite a bit online on the subject if you dig.
Yes, I know that this is a post WW2 Jeep and there are differences, but that wouldn’t matter for having fun at the cruise ins, military parades, and my local CPO mess activities. They do make replica bodies so could make it anything you want, but it starts getting pricey especially with what this one and others are going for these days.
Hmmmm, this would be a great candidate, but don’t think it’s coming my way.
Chief, I had one that I bought from a relative that he had repainted in haze gray (third generation retired navy) … got more than a few salutes from the sidewalks as I drove past especially as my work uniform at the time was all khaki.
Hey Big Mike. That sounds like a great time and what I’d want to do with it. Yes, either wear my khakis or do the WW2 work uniform of dungarees with a khaki combo hat.