Vehicle Description
While the original purpose of the Jeep was one of pure function and
utility, this legendary American off-roader has taken on a
personality of its own. In its 75-plus years, soldiers,
tradespeople, and off-road enthusiasts the world over have relied
on the Jeep's ability and versatility. Few vehicles are as
ingrained in American popular culture quite as profoundly as the
Jeep. While the carefree Mustang and Corvette certainly enjoy
status as archetypal American cars, the Jeep's ascent from
quarter-ton utility truck to a cultural icon is more profound, as
it earned its reputation in the grim reality of war. For such a
simple machine, the Jeep's development was complex and
multifaceted. In the late 1930s, the American military desperately
needed a light, multi-purpose utility vehicle. They contacted more
than 130 companies in a call for bids, yet only American Bantam and
Willys-Overland responded. American Bantam was a tiny company, yet
they impressed military officials with their brilliantly simple,
enormously capable four-wheel drive vehicle. However, the small
Pennsylvania-based company lacked the manufacturing capacity to
meet requirements, particularly as the war in Europe loomed. The
Bantam design was handed to both Willys-Overland and Ford, who were
asked to suggest improvements. The government ultimately selected
the Willys design as the final blueprint for the new vehicle, and
production began in earnest. As with Bantam, Willys could not meet
the massive demand required, so the might of Ford Motor Company was
again called upon to construct the new "GPW." Ford and Willys built
nearly 650,000 military Jeeps, and this humble little utility truck
became recognized around the world as a symbol of American
ingenuity. In 1946, Willys wisely cashed in on the Jeep's wartime
notoriety and adapted it for the civilian market. They trademarked
the name "Agri-Jeep," but at the last minute, it was officially
changed to "Universal Jeep" to appeal to a broader audience and
better reflect the truly diverse capabilities. The first examples
of the Civilian Jeep (CJ), hit showrooms in 1945. In a testament to
its legacy, the Jeep has outlived its parent companies several
times over, and it remains one of the most popular and uniquely
American vehicles of all time. This delightful Willys-Overland
CJ-2A is a prized early production model, fresh from a
comprehensive two-year restoration. Produced after mid-1946, this
truck is among the first batch of purely civilian production
models, as earlier examples relied heavily on military surplus
parts. Before receiving its excellent restoration, this was a
complete and running truck. As is typical with hard-working utility
vehicles, the original body was fatigued beyond reasonable repair,
so the restorer fitted a correct, high-quality steel replacement.
It now presents in better-than-new condition with exceptional
paintwork inside and out, finished in an attractive combination of
medium green with pale yellow wheels, black vinyl interior trim and
a brand-new black vinyl top by Bestop. The pop-out, folding
windscreen and side-mount spare wheel are period-correct features
unique to the early CJs. It sits properly on the road, with the
unadorned steel wheels fitted with era-appropriate Firestone
off-road tires. The restoration appears new and presents in
fabulous condition showing only shakedown mileage on the odometer.
True to the Jeep ethos, the interior is basic and purposeful - with
just a pair of seats, a heater, and basic controls laid out on a
flat dash panel. Paint finishes display the same quality as the
rest of the body, with high levels of fit and finish found
throughout the interior. The individual front seats are trimmed in
hard-wearing black vinyl upholstery, with simple black carpet mats
added to protect the freshly painted floors. Beneath the passenger
seat is a handy built-in toolbox, and the cargo area features a
correct drop-down tailgate. Seatbelts are a thoughtful addition,
while the remainder of the interior is otherwise stock and factory
correct. The utilitarian appeal continues under the hood with the
correct "Go Devil" flathead four-cylinder finished in basic black
as original. Detailing is impressive, with period correct
oil-filter, correct type wiring, and good quality finishes. During
the restoration, the rear axle, and gearbox were rebuilt, and the
undercarriage remains virtually spotless, finished in a uniform
coat of semi-gloss black. With only a handful of miles since the
comprehensive restoration, this charming and exquisitely finished
Jeep CJ-2A is an outstanding example of the breed. Like any proper
Jeep, this handsome little CJ-2A is eager for duty in the field,
out exploring trails, or for merely cruising into town on a Sunday
morning. However it sees duty, this Jeep is sure to delight its
next owner.
