Vehicle Description
Initiated during the late 1930s to meet a new requirement issued by
the Pennsylvania National Guard for a light and fast, all-terrain
reconnaissance car, the military "Jeep" was the product of
intensive development involving several automakers and their top
engineers. Following the ground breaking initial work by American
Bantam, Willys-Overland's design was selected, with mass-production
supplemented by Ford Motor Company and tiny American Bantam shut
out and relegated to manufacturing other wartime materiel. Early
models were allocated to America's Allies and development continued
relentlessly to the definitive GPW (General Purpose Willys) and
Ford MB, with their eventual "Jeep" moniker a contraction of the
"GP" designation of the Willys-built vehicles. Riding a sturdy
frame with a four-wheel drivetrain and simplified sheet-steel
bodywork, the Jeep was powered by Willys' "Go-Devil" four-cylinder
engine, the product of legendary Willys engineer "Barney" Roos and
rated at 61 horsepower. Further refinements by Roos followed
disassembly of hard-used test mules with every nut, bolt, part, and
component ruthlessly analyzed for strength, durability and
lightness, or eliminated. The resulting Jeeps met and exceeded
every possible expectation and saw use in virtually every WW II
theater, serving in such diverse roles as staff transport,
scouting/reconnaissance, communications, courier/messenger, medical
evacuation, and even fast and lethal mobile gun platforms. Soon
after entering military service and becoming a staple of American
forces and most Allied armies under FDR's Lend-Lease program, the
ubiquitous Jeep proved far more capable and adaptable than its
original concept suggested. According to marque authorities, over
644,000 Jeeps were produced during WW II. By 1943, the military
Jeep's brilliant wartime record spurred the consideration of a
postwar civilian version. Sensing that such a vehicle would
revitalize Willys, company chairman and principal stockholder Ward
Canaday hired well-known artist I.B. Hazelton to produce a series
of 24 paintings depicting the Jeep in a wide array of uses, ranging
from the battlefield to peacetime jobs including snow plowing,
firefighting, and agricultural duty. Willys advertisements
featuring Hazelton's paintings soon proved so popular, that Life
magazine published a feature article on them. Willys even enjoyed
widespread free advertising in news releases showing Jeeps overseas
with American GI's helping in the transition to peacetime
reconstruction. On July 31, 1945, the government contract for Jeep
production ended, with Willys-Overland now the sole Jeep
manufacturer. Having replaced Joe Frazer as head of Willys-Overland
in 1943, famed auto-industry executive "Cast Iron Charlie" Sorensen
oversaw the conception, development and production of the new
civilian Jeep. Willys now staked its future entirely on the
Civilian Jeep or CJ-2A, the company's first new postwar model. The
CJ-2A received numerous detail updates aimed at maintaining the
Jeep's "go anywhere" capability while delivering greater ease of
use and road safety. A wide array of optional accessories included
a power takeoff and heavy-duty implement hitches for farm use.
Sporting a gorgeous restoration completed circa 2003, this highly
authentic and detailed 1947 Willys CJ-2A Jeep is a prime example of
these rugged workhorses. Known prior ownership incudes stints in
Pennsylvania and with a noted Floridian collector, and the
restoration has been exceptionally well-maintained. Smartly
finished in Maroon paint with businesslike Gray upholstery, the
CJ-2A is nicely accented by Cream-colored "Willys" stenciling and
the company's "4 Wheel Drive" tagline, matching the Cream steel
wheels mounting period type all-terrain tires. Power is of course
delivered by the renowned, Barney Roos-engineered "Go-Devil" L-head
134 CID 4-cylinder engine paired with a 3-speed manual
transmission, and 4-wheel drivetrain. Other highlights include the
factory gear-speed range guide and ID plates. An early-production
example, this CJ-2A includes such desirable additional features as
a fold-down split windshield and optional rear bench seat. The
Civilian Jeep stands as one of the longest-running and most-popular
vehicles ever produced, and with its wonderful presence and
presentation, this 1947 Willys CJ-2A Jeep stands as a cornerstone
vehicle, worthy of collecting or to enjoy as a runabout on the
farm, estate, or beach. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7495-1947-willys-cj-2a-jeep/
