46-49 WILLYS CJ-2A Kaiser Willys

Introduction

As World War II drew to a close, Willys-Overland developed the CJ-2A as the first mass-produced civilian jeep, with production running from 1945 to 1949 and a total of 214,760 units built. The model's origins trace back to the experimental CJ-1 and CJ-2 (AgriJeep) prototypes, of which only six are known to have survived. Though closely derived from the military MB, the CJ-2A introduced larger flush-mounted headlights, a seven-slot grille, a tailgate, and a side-mounted spare tire, while the T-84 transmission was replaced by the updated T-90 alongside the retained "Go-Devil" engine. Initially marketed toward farming and agricultural applications, the CJ-2A offered an extensive list of factory options before being succeeded by the CJ-3A in 1949.

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Willys CJ-2A History

(1945-1949) WILLYS CJ-2A "UNIVERSAL" 214,760 units produced

Willys CJ-2A

With the close of WWII now eminent, Willys-Overland began to consider the development of a civilian jeep that it could market beyond the scope of the militarized MB, leading to the first mass-production of the CJ-2A in 1945. First drafts of the CJ-2A included the CJ-1 and CJ-2 (AgriJeep), of which only 6 are known to have survived.

The CJ-2A resembled its military ancestor closely, with a tailgate and side mounted spare tire. However, there are certain characteristics of the CJ-2A that make it easier to distinguish from the Willys MB; most notably with regard to the headlights (which on the CJ-2A are larger and flush-mounted) and the grille (now a seven-slot grille as opposed to the nine-slot MB grille). The CJ-2A T-90 Transmission replaced the MB’s T-84, while the "Go-Devil" engine was kept intact - many of the early CJ-2As were equipped with surplus parts leftover from wartime production.

Willys Overland first marketed the CJ-2A with the intention of gaining ground in farming, ranching, and other industrial and agricultural applications. Options were abundant on the CJ-2A, including extra equipment such as a rear seat, center rear view mirror, front passenger seat, canvas top, front PTO, rear PTO, belt pulley drive, capstan winch, governor, rear hydraulic lift, snow plow, welder, generator, mower disc, front bumper weight, heavy duty springs, dual vacuum windshield wipers, dual taillights, hot-climate radiator, driveshaft guards, heater, side steps, and radiator brush guard. In 1949, the Willys-Overland replaced the CJ-2A with the CJ-3A, which was produced until 1953.

Service Guides and Documents:
Gulf Service Sheet (1945-1964) - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Jeep Dipstick Guide - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins

(See Willys CJ-3A for more history on CJ Universal Series Models)