Vehicle Description
1953 Willys CJ3A
World War II saw the creation of one of America's most beloved
vehicles, the Jeep. Now primarily produced for consumer use, the
Jeep was once a military workhorse designed to move troops, help
the wounded and more. The story of the Jeep begins in the late
1930s, when the United States military was searching for a vehicle
that was light, rugged and could travel over rough terrain. By the
early 1940s, the Jeep's design was complete, and the rest is
history.
For consignment a John Willys-Overland company produced Jeep, Model
CJ-3A. A complete project ready for your capable and talented hands
to finish off to you own liking. A small Chevrolet V8, knobby
tires, and a fold up front hitch assembly, this Willys is almost
ready to go anywhere your heart desires, and do it with ease. Case
in point, when I visited Elephant Hill, a very famous 4-wheel
enthusiast must climb in the wilds of Utah, what kind of truck came
to the rescue to pull out many a newer, and more advanced 4 wheel
drive that got stuck? Yup, it was a Willys!
Exterior
Featuring a higher off the ground than you'd imagine it to be
chassis, this all steel truck is painted with a simple custom
camouflage motif. Utilitarian and simple are the buzzwords here,
with a rag top in black vinyl there are plenty of zip ups that can
be taken up or down, and doors that can be removed and easily
installed depending on how hot the day gets, or if it rains.
Speaking of which, it is equipped with electric wiper motors on
both sides of the flat paned windshield. Simple strong drilled
aluminum wheels have been equipped with more modern Warn hubs,
which is the standard for manual hubbed 4WD. Knobby 32x11.50R15 BF
Goodrich tires all around will get you through nearly anything the
trail can throw at you. If you really want to get gnarly, take the
top off, flip down the windshield and go for it, but don't forget
your goggles.
Interior
Again, simplicity reigns here, especially with the simple vinyl
which actually cushions your ride, while on a smooth surface is
surprisingly...Still bumpy! These seats are a front two buckets in
black vinyl, both exhibiting some wear and color loss, and with no
rear seat there's plenty of room for your gear. A simple metal dash
houses essential gauges and several knobs and toggles and
thankfully a driver's side ignition switch. A rally style 3 spoke
steering wheel fronts the dash and we note that the horn button has
been relocated to the dash. Naked green steel floors make up the
flooring and a custom brake pedal topper has been added.
Drivetrain
A welcome surprise upon lifting the hood is seen. Long gone is the
L-headed 4 cylinder and in its place is an orange painted 265ci
Chevrolet V8. A 4bbl carburetor is on top under the chrome air
cleaner and ribbed aluminum valve covers are on for the dress up.
This is attached to a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
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
on the 4-wheeling side both with factory 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, some surface rust, some patina,
and a little black paint make up this all steel undercarriage. Leaf
springs and drum brakes are noted all around and a single exhaust
system with a Cherrybomb muffler is seen.
Drive-Ability
With reports of a bad right front brake line/hose from our
consignor and less that palatable fuel in the see-through bowl
under the hood we chose not to start and drive this trail rated
rig, but the engine does turn over by hand. Our consignor states
what even with the 5.38 gears this rig cruises at 70mph with ease
thanks to the overdrive on the transmission.
A very interesting ride, and intermix with old school heavy duty
4WD technology, this does not disappoint. A very basic and
utilitarian interior, a buckboard ride, but high enough off the
ground to make it just plain fun to drive. And imagine the heads
that will turn on the trail when you pull out a head job that got
stuck in his Rover!
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.
