Vehicle Description
1951 Willys CJ3A
Willys-Overland introduced the CJ-3A model in 1949 to replace the
CJ-2A, possibly due to a "slump" in CJ-2A sales, bringing with it a
few reasonable minor interior updates with regard to comfort and
drivability. The CJ-3A was part of the Universal CJ series, a model
intended for agricultural and industrial applications in the
civilian market, an area in which Willys-Overland felt it would be
a good fit, as the CJ employed the same "utilitarian" features that
gave the MB model great success in WWII. Even so, Willys-Overland
realized the value of driver comfort, even in a "work" vehicles
such as the CJ. Updates in the new CJ-3A, while relatively minor,
included increased leg room, leak proof connection features for the
canvas top and front side of each door, thicker cushions and more
headroom, and the addition of 2-3/8" to the overall height, (with
windshield up). The rear wheel well was shortened and the driver's
seat was moved toward the rear of the vehicle, shortening the deck.
-Thx To Kaiserwillys.com
For consignment, a John Willys-Overland company produced Jeep,
Model CJ-3A right out of 1951. What do you do when you can't get
your hands on a true military spec Willys? Easy, make your own as
our consignor did with this CJ3A. Stripped of its comfort, (were
early Willys Jeeps ever comfortable?), and transformed into a
Willys MB truck thats ready to hunt down Nazis all over Europe. As
an additional bonus, a Bantam trailer is included to haul whatever
you may need on your mission. So get your gear on Private and
follow my lead as we march over, under, around and through this one
of a kind Willys of yore and with any luck we won't get you
baptized by fire on this mission.
Exterior
Pay attention here soldier, what I'm about to tell you may just
save your life one day. Featuring a higher off the ground than
you'd imagine it to be chassis, this all steel truck is painted OD
green from stem to stern. Utilitarian and simple are the buzzwords
here, but do not be put off, as this is a true performer. The
iconic Willy/Jeep grille leads the way with a simple but effective
rope wrapped bumper below. The headlights have been blanked out in
canvas and a coolant overflow tank has been affixed to the grille,
however it is not hooked up. A short steel hood emblazoned with the
Army star leads back to the foldable windshield, complete with OD
green canvas covering. Speaking of which it is equipped with a
passenger side actuated windshield wiper set that works by a hand
lever. Simple strong Willys wheels have been equipped with their
original style hubs and are wrapped in deeply treaded 6.00-16 tires
all around will get you through nearly anything the trail can throw
at you. We note the mount for the Browning M1919 machine gun on the
rear of the passenger's front fender along with an Army banjo and
fire ax on the driver's side in case we need to dig in for the
night. A small cargo carrier has been added to the rear and
provides room for your rifles, ammo, mess kit, and survival
gear.
Trailer
Simple and to the point. All steel construction makes up this
Bantam style trailer. OD Green bathes the steel sides front and
rear of this small but versatile utility trailer. Jeep matching
wheels and tires are on to ensure your cargo doesn't slide into a
fox hole along your journey. The bed shows as used but not abused
and is rust free, like the rest of the exterior of the trailer and
Jeep. Simple leaf spring suspension is on as are industrial style
taillights. Drum brakes are attached to the axle and a pintle hitch
is the hook up to your tow vehicle. Around the back we note 2
holders for either fuel cans or extra cargo and another pintle
hitch receiver is down low for those days you need to make a cargo
train.
Interior
Throw your gear in the trailer and let's get moving, Jerry isn't
going to sit on his laurels, we've got a war to win!!! Again,
simplicity reigns here, excepting for the newly covered OD green
canvas seats, which actually cushion your ride, while on a smooth
surface is surprisingly? Still bumpy! These seats are a front two
bucket, and a rear bench has been added so you can take your
platoon mates, the injured or even a random POW back to base camp.
A simple metal dash houses essential gauges and several knobs as
well as data plates showing the transmission and transfer case
operation. Cranking of the engine has been changed over from the
floor pedal to key start, and the aforementioned manual wiper
control is in front of the passenger. Rubber covered floors abound,
and bare metal foot pedals are below the dash.
Drivetrain
The standard 134ci L head 4-cylinder engine aptly named the "GO
DEVIL", pumps out 60hp. This is attached to a 3-speed manual
transmission (with reverse). This is a T-90 transmission, which is
also equipped with the Dana 18 transfer case, and a Dana 25 front
axle, and a Dana 41 rear axle both with 5.38 gearing...as I said go
through anything. Just remember it's not a race, it's about getting
there.
Undercarriage
Strong and beautifully designed, not even any surface rust, some
patina but from 1951 so we are looking good under here. Leaf spring
suspension is on both the front and rear as are drum brakes. A
single exhaust system removes spent fossils efficiently and
effectively.
Drive-Ability
I searched the mess hall, the infirmary, and even his bunk, but I
couldn't find hide nor hair of my partner in crime and crack
decoder. My best assumption leads me to think he's AWOL with the
ladies of the village working on a case of cupid's itch...but I
digress...I had to run this mission alone, and thankfully I avoided
the strafing runs from a patrolling Messerschmidt BF100. This was
not due to luck being on my side, it was mainly due to the good
acceleration, bias free braking, and agile handling that kept me on
our well-hidden test track. This Willys performed wonderfully and
the only non-working item was the fuel gauge, however a new sending
unit is included with the purchase.
A very interesting ride and intermix with old school heavy duty
military 4WD technology, this does not disappoint. A mostly
comfortable interior, a buckboard ride, but high enough off the
ground to make it just plain fun to drive. Grab your gear, say a
quick prayer with GI Jesus, and ride off to conquer the world on
your own.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.