BF Auction: 1948 Willys CJ-2A
- Seller: Peter S
- Location: Groton, New Hampshire
- Mileage: 85,049 Shown
- Chassis #: CJ2A185125
- Title Status: Missing
- Engine: 4 Cyl Flathead
- Transmission: 3 Spd Dual Range 4×4
UPDATE – The seller has relisted this Willys, but now with a lower reserve!
A previous owner wished to pay a fitting tribute to his uncle, converting this 1948 Willys CJ-2A into a military-style vehicle for parades and displays. It served nobly in that role and has done so intermittently since the current owner purchased it in 2016. However, all good things must end. The owner no longer has the time to devote to this classic, which has seen little recent use. Therefore, he has listed the Willys exclusively with us as a Barn Finds Auction.
Willys released the CJ-2A in 1945 and had an immediate hit on its hands. By the time production ended in 1949, an impressive 214,760 of these classics were plying our roads. Buyers were drawn to its rugged construction and the ability to tackle harsh terrain while barely raising a sweat. The previous owner converted this CJ to a military-style vehicle, applying the appropriate Green paint and suitable signage. The current owner has maintained that look, and this gem makes a positive first impression. It isn’t perfect, but armed forces vehicles seldom are. There are minor chips and blemishes across the exterior, but the vehicle is presentable if the winning bidder wishes to return it to parade or display duty. This classic is a solid old beast, with the underside displaying little beyond surface corrosion and minor rust. The welder won’t work overtime if the buyer decides to refresh the Willys, and any cosmetic shortcomings could be tackled in a home workshop. The canvas top is excellent, the glass is clear, and the CJ rolls on a set of military tires with plenty of life. A welcome inclusion is the custom tow bar with its bumper mounts. This will help the buyer to move the Willys behind an appropriate vehicle if they don’t feel like slipping behind the wheel.
Lifting the CJ’s hood reveals the virtually bulletproof 134ci “Go-Devil” flathead four, producing 60hp and 105 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures are modest, but the fours exceptional low-end torque delivery made it ideal for off-road duties. The power is sent to the wheels via a three-speed T-90 manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The vehicle runs and drives, but as it has only accumulated around ninety-five miles since the current owner took delivery in 2016, it is unsurprising that it needs TLC to return to a genuinely roadworthy state. No potentially expensive tasks are on the “to-do” list, just the type that typically takes time and patience. The engine is cold-blooded but runs well when it reaches operating temperature. The owner believes there might be an air leak, which would account for that issue. The muffler is bad, and the E-brake doesn’t work. The rest of the braking system operates, but he advises an inspection to ensure everything is okay. The transmission pops out of second gear if the lever isn’t held, but the four-wheel drive system works as it should. With those shortcomings addressed, the Willys will be ready to return to its rightful place on our roads.
Life inside the Willys represents motoring at its most basic, with the vintage heater being the only creature comforts. However, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for a vehicle of this type. The floor paint is worn, but the remaining surfaces look quite good. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and all the correct plaques providing operating instructions are present and legible. The owner questions the accuracy of the gauges, but testing them should be straightforward. The seats wear excellent covers that are free from wear and other issues. The driver’s side features a vacuum wiper that operates as it should. Overall, this interior appears to need nothing.
Returning this 1948 Willys CJ-2A to active service shouldn’t take much time or money, and the vehicle could once again draw attention in the appropriate settings. The winning bidder could perform a basic cosmetic refresh to improve its presentation or throw caution to the wind by undertaking a complete restoration to recapture its original appearance. The attraction of these classics is that they are pretty basic, meaning that there are no complicated electronics or mechanical components that would make tackling the project in a home workshop impossible. This Willys offers a world of possibilities, with the buyer’s imagination the only limiting factor. If you’re beginning to develop a clear vision for this gem, submitting a bid could transform the dream into reality. Please note: this Willys is located in a State that does not require titles for older vehicles, so a bill of sale will be provided, and the next owner can apply for a title.
Bid On This Auction
JohnP455 bid $2,800.00 2024-08-22 09:21:05
18C2 bid $2,500.00 2024-08-19 13:56:58
Anders bid $1,750.00 2024-08-19 12:11:00- 18C2 bid $1,500.00 2024-08-16 08:41:05
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Comments
Here’s a fun one. It serves no purpose except to show good old American pride, and none does it better than a Jeep. It, in part, is why I’m so insistent about the history and why I have one. I heartily endorse the military scheme, and should garner a thumbs up whenever it’s seen. I wouldn’t go as far as a machine gun mount, but everybody knows the importance of this vehicle, or should.
Again, all about application. It’s horribly out of touch for todays travel, and never intended for such. I can tell you this, it has limited appeal, becoming more limited with every funeral. A young person couldn’t possibly know how important, just no connection. A shame the world has passed these by. At one time, just after the war, the Jeep was considered a hero, of sorts, and a marketing blitz like no other happened. These became the all around useful vehicle, with dozens of attachments, from backhoes, to trenchers, to pto powered 3 point hitch farm implements, rivaled only today by Bobcat skid steers. But the biggest claim to fame, aside from war efforts, it was the last thing a kid wanted to see, hoping school was closed when the Jeep snowplow came by.
Oh boy now we can play army!
Been there, done that, and loved it. These things made a successful transition from war to pure fun. Nice example here.
Those rear fender cutouts ruin it for me.
Probably it was the cheapest way to get rid of the rust.
Not sure why they are cut like that but that’s the first thing I’d fix. Easy to do.
I remember when I was a boy on a small town in Virginia, our neighbor would drive up our shared dirt road in his old Willys with his 2 big dogs in the back. I was fascinated with that ugly piece of iron back then. It always looked so cool, and just looking at it, you could imagine “baha-ing” around in the wild. I hope it gets plenty of TLC and maybe a bit of restoration, not perfect, like it just left the factory, but back to a rugged, but complete, work truck.
I must admit when I was young I helped fit a 215cu v8 in one of these.
Nothing wrong at all with that! One of the greatest Four Wheeler magazine writers of all time, Jimmy Nylund, had a 215 V8 in his flatfender.
Oh, oh, lowered the reserve, not a good sign, Homer. I may be a bit presumptuous, but if there ever was an indicator for the lack of patriotism or interest in this country, here you go. I’m appalled, and I suppose the seller is too, the lack of interest in something so important as a vehicle like this WITH it’s markings. This Jeep indicated freedom, and what it took to get that freedom. Maybe we need another world war to remind folks of that. Pixx poor, if you ask me.
I would LOVE to own this !! wish it were closer to Pa. !!!
Had a ’47 during college in the 60’s. Driving around the side of a hill in a muddy farm field at maybe 3mph, too steep, rolled over….luckily the windshield was down. It landed on its feet, put the battery back in its spot, reattached one cable, and drove off. Indestructible. Learned much of what mechanic skills I have from this jeep. Great times, fond memories. I’d love to have this ’48.
DROOLING over this!! wish it were closer !!
It’s not really that far from PA. I’m in Upstate NY and recently bought a vehicle from VA. Rented a car one way and just drove it back. Luckily made it home with no issues. This one you could probably snag with a car tow dolly with almost anything sporting a trailer hitch. It can’t weigh too much. Grab a buddy who’s down for a road trip and get-r-done
I wish there was some clues on the reserve. Buyers premium and shipping are going to push the limit here. I love those old jeeps but wants and haves are different animals.
I can’t seem to find a reply to the owner. I would like to make another offer to try to meet the reserve.
I have been told that the T-85 and T-90 transmissions have a habit of popping out of second gear when it’s been under load and then you back off the throttle. I have a 1943 GPW Ford Jeep that does it, my cousin had the transmission gone through when he built it. I’ve been told that it’s common to those transmissions regardless of what you do.
I will admit that mine has a 283 Chevy motor, so there’s a lot more load on the transmission than the original designer expected. I don’t run it hard, with 36″ Desert Dog tires and a 6″ lift kit, it’s more than a little bit dangerous. I learned to push in the clutch when I have to back off it in second gear.