Coal Miner’s Daughter: 1949 Willys CJ-2A Jeep
When I saw this ad, the first thing that came to mind was the 1980 movie Coal Miner’s Daughter. The movie is the life story of country singer Loretta Lynn. In the movie Doolittle “Doo” Lynn who was played by Tommy Lee Jones drove a Jeep that looked very similar to this one, to be clear I am not portraying this as the same Jeep, in fact it’s the wrong model, the Jeep in the film was a CJ-3A. Nonetheless, this 1949 CJ-2A looks to be in decent shape and could make someone a fun project. Find it here on Craigslist in Oklahoma City, OK for $3,800. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Dean for the tip!
The CJ-2A was produced from 1945 until 1949. A big difference visually between the 2A and 3A is the split windshield like this Jeep has, the 3A had a one piece windshield like the Jeep in the movie. The 2A was the first civilian Jeep model that was mass produced, it was designed to be a utility vehicle used on the farm or other industrial applications, options like a snow plow, PTO, mower attachment where available to name a few. Over the years the Jeep evolved to what it is today. The 2A was powered by the L-Head 134 CI 4 cylinder “Go Devil” engine.
This Jeep looks to be complete, including the engine except for the missing air cleaner. The seller does not give us much information, in fact the entire ad reads “it look and run good call tom” so at least we know it runs. The Willys built “Go Devil” engine was a very durable flat head engine that produced around 60HP, this was the same engine found in the military Jeeps. 
The Jeep interior is spartan to say the least, the passenger seat was optional. The seats look like they need some work, lets hope the floors are solid and the rust is not out of control. The hardtop needs some repair work or removed altogether. If someone is in the market for an early civilian Jeep, this may be the one. This would be a great starting point for something cool, the possibilities are endless.
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Comments
The “hardtop” appears to be made of plywood.
Thought 1947 was the last year of the split-window in a Willy’s…
The 2A was made ’til early ’49 and always had the split window. The 3A was introduced in about mid-’49 and had the one piece window. The are a few other differences in them but this is the most visible. But…you’ll see 2A’s with 3A windows and 3A’s with 2A windows. A lot of part-swapping going on with the old flat fender jeeps.
I have located the original jeep from the move and title is in tommy Lee Jones name i know his relative that owns it now and will be getting it from him soon.