1945-1953 Willys Jeep CJ-2A / CJ-3A

Engine & Performance

Engine: 2.2-liter (134 cu in) 'Go-Devil' inline-4, producing around 60 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque (though often restomodded with modern V6 or small-block V8 engines)

Transmission & Drivetrain: 3-speed manual transmission with dual-range transfer case, Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

Performance: 0-60 mph in roughly 20+ seconds, top speed around 60 mph, low fuel economy, curb weight approximately 2,100 to 2,300 lbs. Exceptional low-end crawling capability due to short wheelbase and low gearing.

Exterior

Bright red gloss paint finish, classic flat-fender Jeep silhouette, custom black multi-spoke aftermarket alloy wheels wrapped in aggressive all-terrain/mud-terrain tires, custom black multi-point roll cage, aftermarket front winch bumper, side-exit exhaust, and Willys stamping visible on the side cowl.

Interior Features

Spartan and utilitarian layout featuring custom racing bucket seats, exposed steel floorboards, multi-point roll cage tied into the frame, floor-mounted shifters for transmission and transfer case, minimalist dashboard with analog gauges, and a vintage-style steering wheel.

Condition Assessment

Very Good - Appears to be a restored or heavily customized restomod vehicle with clean paint, straight body panels, clean aftermarket wheels, and well-maintained off-road hardware.

Condition Issues: Minimal to none visible from exterior view; normal minor wear expected on custom off-road builds driven occasionally.

Estimated Mileage: TMU (True Mileage Unknown) due to age, but estimated under 20,000 miles since a complete restoration/rebuild.

Historical Significance

The Civilian Jeep (CJ) series directly evolved from the military Willys MB used in World War II, effectively creating the civilian off-road recreational vehicle market and serving as the direct ancestor to all modern Jeep vehicles.

Notable Features

Custom aftermarket wheels, aggressive off-road tires, upgraded safety roll cage, aftermarket bucket seats, and winch-equipped front bumper.

Production Numbers

Over 214,000 units of the CJ-2A were produced between 1945 and 1949, followed by roughly 132,000 units of the CJ-3A from 1949 to 1953.

Maintenance Recommendations

Regular checks of the transfer case and differential fluids, grease suspension fittings, inspect brake lines, and monitor carburetor tuning or fuel injection systems if upgraded.

Fun Facts

1. The 'CJ' designation literally stands for Civilian Jeep. 2. Early CJ-2As used leftover military-spec green paint supplies from WWII until civilian colors were introduced. 3. The iconic front grille with slotted openings became one of the most recognized automotive designs in history. 4. Its legendary durability led farmers and construction workers to use them as substitutes for tractors.

Identified on: 8/25/2026