Vehicle Description
As World War II drew to a close, production rights to the heroic
GPW "Jeep" reverted solely to Willys-Overland on July 31, 1945.
Already under development and announced just 13 days earlier, the
CJ-2A debuted as the first in a long line of Civilian Jeep models
that continues uninterrupted today. While little changed from its
military predecessor, the CJ-2A was subtly updated for civilian use
and a wide array of accessories and amenities were optional,
including a power takeoff and heavy-duty implement hitches for farm
use. The revised CJ-3A appeared in 1949, continuing with 60
horsepower delivered by Willys' rugged L-head "Go-Devil" 4-cylinder
engine, designed by noted engineer Barney Roos. Heavy-duty
driveline components included a T-90 transmission anda Dana18
transfer case, plus aDana 25front axle and Dana 41 or 44 rear
axles. Welcome updates included beefier underpinnings including
10-leaf springs, plus a one-piece windshield with a vent and wipers
at the bottom, shortened rear wheel wells, and more rearward
placement of the driver's seat. As the postwar seller's market
waned and the Korean War erupted, CJ-3A sales were lower than those
of the prior CJ-2A, a still-robust 131,843 examples of the CJ-3A
were produced until the advent of its CJ-3B in 1953, the year
Willys-Overland was acquired by Kaiser Motors. The CJ-3A entered
the international market in late 1952, with about 550 assembled by
Mitsubishi to early 1953 as the J1/J2 for the Japanese police and
forestry services. Most famously, the CJ-3A served as the basis for
the next-generation military Jeep, beginning in 1949. Designated
the Willys MC or in military parlance, the M38, the new military
Jeep was produced by Willys in Ohio and at Ford Motor Company's
Windsor, Ontario factory. The MC/M38 gained enduring fame for its
adaptability and ruggedness on the extremely harsh terrain of the
Korean Peninsula during the 1950-1953 conflict and the long Vietnam
War yet to come. Millions were reacquainted with the CJ-3A-derived
M38 during the 1970s and 1980s by virtue of the vehicle's prominent
use in the star-studded 1970 movie M*A*S*H and the long-running,
critically acclaimed TV series of the same name. A truly delightful
example of an early post-war Civilian Jeep, this 1950 Willys Jeep
CJ-3A is the highly engaging product of a body-off-frame,
nut-and-bolt restoration completed to a high standard of detailing
and authenticity. As with similar hard-run utility vehicles,
attrition rates are high, making such beautifully restored early
Jeeps a rare sight, indeed. Handsomely finished in Pine Green over
Tartan fabric-covered seats and equipped with a striking,
top-quality Natural Tan canvas top, this jaunty Jeep is
authentically detailed with period-correct fittings, equipment, and
identification logos throughout, plus a proper side-mounted rear
spare wheel/tire. Paint quality is excellent, with the same finish
quality extending to the interior and underside of the all-steel
tub. Cream colored wheels provide a pleasing contrast to the body,
and are nicely detailed with green pinstripes and period-style
off-road tires for the perfect rough-n-ready look. The chassis and
running gear are refinished and fully detailed, with the flathead
inline-four nicely presented with the correct oil-batch air
cleaner, Fram oil filter canister, and period-type fittings. As
offered, this delightful and rare early Jeep is equally ready for
the show field or the farm field - the choice is yours! Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7345-1950-willys-model-cj-3a-jeep/
