1947 Willys CJ-2A

#161 1947 Willys Jeep CJ-2A
VIN: 150194
Odometer: 00774 (5-digit)
Engine: 134cid I-4 (L head)
Trans.: 3-spd Manual (T-90)

A true classic "Jeep," the CJ (Civilian Jeep) was produced from 1945 through 1986 by several incarnations of the Jeep marque. Originally, Willys-Overland was the manufacturer of the WWII military Jeep from which the CJ was derived. Besides adding basic civilian amenities and options, and legally compliant lighting, the CJ required a sturdier drivetrain than the war jeep. This new CJ was targeted at ranchers, farmers, and industrial buyers who would work the vehicles hard and expect years of durability, instead of the mere weeks as experienced by servicemen during WWII.

After building some post-war "pilot" CJs for testing purposes, production of the CJ-2A started in mid 1945. The first variants were sparsely equipped with only a driver's side seat and side-mirror as standard fare. But buyers options were plentiful with interior, exterior, suspension, and a variety of PTO options and equipment. From windshield wipers to wheels, and side-steps to snowplows, the CJ could be ordered in almost any configuration to suit many needs. It was truly a "Universal Jeep."

This 1947 Jeep CJ-2A came out of an Oregon estate. It was used as a farm truck by the family for many years and, as such, was well-cared for. The truck comes with the "optional" passenger seat and includes a factory PTO gearbox mounted on the rear. A rollbar and canvas cover have been added to help shelter the occupants. The old reliable "Go-Devil" engine still runs well and the T-90 transmission shifts through all the gears in normal fashion.

While this ol' '47 Willys may not win any beauty awards as it sits, the new owner will have a solid platform from which to perform an award-winning restoration. Or, like how so many "Boomers" learned, the new owner could teach young drivers how to operate and maintain this venerable "old-timer" that became the standard for fishing trips and off-road adventures.