A military-style Jeep with all the trimmings will make anyone take notice, but really, we know why you’re stopping to check out this 1946 Willys Jeep CJ-2A. It’s hard not to get excited about driving the bedrock of freedom, especially when it’s this affordable.
In 1946 WWII barely felt finished, and as peacetime production resumed, Willys adapted its military 4×4 production to create the CJ-2A. These are nearly identical to the military MB Jeeps. In fact, the easiest way to tell the difference is that these CJs have larger headlights and it was the debut of the seven-slot grille that has now become iconic. So really the face of this first civilian Jeep (CJ) established the look we now associate with the Jeep name. It’s this transition into post-war life that looks so correct on this one right now. After all, the Civil Defense livery seems appropriate because the organization was a blend of military and civilians exactly what this CJ-2A is, too! More than just the CD graphics, this one is truly built to look the part of a survival-ready vehicle with its thick rope around the bumper, folding top, bright red wheels, red rear step bumper, and the rear side flanked by a spare tire and a gas. And yes, you do also have a siren.
Inside, the CD-ready theme continues with a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and even flags mounted below the windshield. These were not built to be coddlers, and instead, the real comforts are all about the go-anywhere function of a Jeep. So you get a fold-down windshield, flashlight, and full set of gauges. From behind the wheel, you’ll note three levers on the floor, one for the three-speed manual transmission and the other two for the two-speed transfer case. The middle one selects 2 or 4-wheel drive, while the one on the far right selects high and low ranges. If that seems confusing, the instructions are still mounted on the dash. Cool, right?
These weren’t about all-out power, but the 134 cubic-inch inline-four was actually a big reason why the military choose Willys for a role in manufacturing the wartime Jeep. The Go Devil motor proved to deliver good torque and was as reliable as an American soldier. This one appears quite period-correct under the hood. Heavy-duty features include the oil bath air cleaner and a big oil filter canister on the side of the engine block, both critical for longevity in the field. Plus, you now have a 12-volt alternator for modern dependability. The chassis remains quite clean, and the oversized hubs on the sturdy axles are designed to keep the Jeep alive in the worst of situations.
No matter if you want to use this for parades, ice cream runs, or even genuine 4×4 driving, this true American hero is ready for its next patriot. Is that you? Call now!
Price: Auction
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