Vehicle Description
1953 Willys CJ3B
The Universal Jeep CJ-3B was first produced by Willys-Overland in
1953, following closely in the footsteps of its 1/4 ton
predecessors, the CJ-2A and CJ-3A, civilian models mostly targeted
to agricultural and industrial applications. With the close of
WWII, Willys-Overland began to promote the CJs as civilian models
that stretched beyond the scope of the militarized MB, pitched as
"all-purpose" vehicles in ads of the time, first with the CJ-2A in
1945, followed by an updated but still very similar version (CJ-3A)
from 1949 - 1953, and then with the more significantly modified
CJ-3B from 1953-1964.
For consignment, a 1953 Willys CJ3B which was the first year
venture with this upgraded and more weighty civilian model. This
"social climber" has had many upgrades and presents welland is in
better condition than most models a third of its age. Spending its
entire life in New Mexico, until 2017 coming east and eventually to
the great state of PA. It has many modern conveniences, a donor
engine courtesy an early Mercury Capri, a bikini top, a roll bar
and new wheels and large tires. Oh and did I mention it looks
fab!
Exterior
With styling that is so iconic it still influences how these models
look today, this truck is in beautiful condition and totally rust
free but not without some bubbling and evidence of prior body work
on both front fenders as well as the rockers and rear fenders. It
is bathed in light olive green, has straight steel and silver
badging that is stamped into the bodywork and grille. The truck
comes a bikini top which is in khaki canvas. It sports 15-inch
polished wheels, featuring modern hubs with BFG All Terrain T/A
tires, red painted Jerry cans for extra gas, as there are few pumps
and service stations on top of the Tetons! Stainless steel mirrors,
an extra spare tire and full polished wheel, side steps for easier
access and egress, and a strong roll cage are also included. Simple
black steel bar bumpers with an extra spotlight on the front bumper
are on. It is hard to believe that this Jeep is from way back in
1953. All very nice!
Interior
Smooth black vinyl straight back bomber style buckets are in for
the chairs and these are presenting in very good condition. A wood
rimmed rally steering wheel is on top of a totally rebuilt steering
column and steering mechanism. The dash has all virtually like new
gauges in a light tan steel field with a speaker, aftermarket
tachometer on the column, a few knobs and pulls and a new 2022
Bluetooth player box along with an AM/FM Clarion cassette radio.
Safety features include turn signals, a horn and a heater for your
convenience at those higher altitudes where there are no gas
stations! Solid rust free steel floors are in, and some rubber mats
protect them. In back is a large steel box which is lockable and
this replaces the rear bench. Not 1 , not 2 but 3 shift levers are
available for all the gearing in this 4 wheeler.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a Ford/Mercury Capri 2.0 Liter SOHC 4 cylinder
engine. It has a single 2-barrel Weber carburetor and a Borg Warner
3-speed manual transmission on the back of this 4 popper. A Dana 44
rear 4.27 gear rear axle are in, and for the front a Dana 25 axle.
There is a Spicer 18 transfer case, all have undergone recent
maintenance and are all in working condition. A Thrush muffler and
new exhaust were also added recently. Looking good with slight
patina and some road dirt under this hood, but nothing a little
detailing would make look perfect.
Undercarriage
Underneath all is structurally sound with slight surface rust
peppering the surfaces which are mostly rust free. Drum braking is
on all 4 corners as are leaf spring suspension. Our consignor notes
that the steering mechanism has recently been replaced.
Drive-Ability
These old Willys are so much fun to drive and I Imagine myself out
on a trip in the wilds. This like newer example is a great runner,
smooth shifter in 4x4 or 2x4 drive modes, and has good solid
braking which is bias free. It runs like a new truck and all was
functioning perfectly.
Basically a like new Willys from 1953, visually and mechanically.
Our latest owner spent some serious dough on upgrades and general
maintenance to have it all buttoned up. Grab your groover and tent,
throw in some firewood and you're off to the wilds of the west, or
east depending on where you want to take her.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
