When it comes to iconic four-wheel-drive vehicles, few vehicles stand out as much as the classic Willys CJ2A. It’s a blissful combination of simplicity and value, as these trucks enjoy a strong following and price point that justifies investing in the further preservation of surviving examples like this 1948 model located in California’s gold rush country. The stout “Go Devil” drivetrain is robust and easy to maintain, and this example here on craigslist comes with its numbers-matching mill that still runs. The asking price is $6,000 and it comes with a clear title, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find.
One of the first vehicles we sold out of my friend’s collection in Georgia was a CJ2A just like this. I was amazed by how quickly he was able to get it to fire up – and run – after sitting for years. This is expected out of a truck conceived to go into the battlefield and survive, and even if it should break down, to be repaired with as few tools as possible. There’s nothing particularly exotic about a CJ2A, unless you interpret the can’t-kill-it quality as exotic, in and of itself. The seller notes he’s left the Willys largely untouched, just doing what he had to in order to have it run and drive safely.
The original color is noted as being “Picket Gray”, some of which is still visible throughout the cabin and exterior. The interior was always bare-bones and utilitarian, the upside of which is that no one will care if you leave the cabin looking exactly as it does now – rough, sharp, and without an ounce of Armor All to be found. The engine and three-speed manual transmission are believed to be original to the Jeep, and the seller claims it runs well. Per the recommendation in the listing, I’d leave it exactly as-is and drive it.
To me, the best look for one of these is average paint, an average interior, the windshield flipped down, and knobby tires. While there’s always a temptation to do one of these up in military guise, that’s been done so many times that I’d stick with the civilian look. The engine bay looks surprisingly clean, especially for a vehicle that hasn’t run for some time and was prone to being used in inhospitable environments. With the rot-free body, smooth-running drivetrain, and rough-but-not-abused appearance, this CJ2A seems like a great option for a truck you can enjoy now, or restore, ever so modestly.
Funny, we have a customer’s ‘48 here at our shop. Runs like a scalded dog and is fun as hell to drive.
A friend of mine bought one from the Wild Animal Park about five years ago. I almost ejected myself from it by making an abrupt right turn. Wear your seatbelts folks.
Seat belts are almost always a good idea, but this Jeep didn’t come with them. I have a 1943 MB Jeep that’s similar to this one, if you don’t have a belt there’s not much keeping you in the thing on a right hand turn.
The only problems with a seat belt in this one are if you flip it, you’re better off being thrown free and (if it’s like mine and) the gas tank is under the driver’s seat, that’s another reason to be thrown free. If you flip it, 8 gallons of gas is going to dump on you.
My cousin built the one I have with a small block Chevy, 36″ tires, 6″ lift kit, roll bar, and a couple of 4 point harnesses. I’m going to find a place for a fuel cell in the near future, and HIGHLY recommend the roll bar and four point harness.
It doesn’t go over 45 MPH, it’s just not stable with “Desert Dog” sand tires, but you can still get in trouble at that speed. One thing that surprised me about the tires is the steering is relatively light because there’s not much rubber on the road. Of course “Not much rubber on the road” is not good for things like
traction, braking, or cornering. I’m very careful with it . . . basically dangerous.
But I still take it to local car shows.
The one I drove had them, but I didn’t see them on the floor under the seat when I got into it in the dark. They may have been mounted while it belonged to the Wild Animal Park.
Yes, basically dangerous, but that is part of the appeal. These were never really built with safety in mind. Just tread lightly.
Super cool CJ!
Great find. That’s a sweet bear-original CJ2A.
I cannot belive we survived cars like this..(says the past and future series Land Rover owner..)
One thing I have against new cars is their “safety systems” Take stability control. Nobody in their right mind would try to go around a 30mph curve at 45 mph in one of these. New cars allow 70mph around that same corner. When physics kicks in at 71 mph, the vehicle exits the road sideways…So, in many ways, this vehicle in the proper hands may well be safer than some 2020 electronic buggy.
Having a few CJ 2a’s and CJ5’s I can tell you seat belts and a safety strap on the drivers and passengers side along with a bolt down for the passengers seat. This is a must because the passengers seat can flip forward on heavy braking.
Jeff I had a photo of my Uncle, a Tank commander at Anzio in WWII in one of these, in what looked to me like a barracks area that was tented. I lost it in
a massive fire here in California in which I lost everything including a few cars. That was years ago, 6 I believe, and that Jeep reminded me of him. Thank you.
Is this for still for sale?
If so pls call me 617-680-4691