This 1947 Willys Jeep CJ2A is a body-off restored example with a 134 CI 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed transmission, and upgrades for safety and highway cruising. It is fitted with seat belts and a roll bar as well as 11” drum brakes and locking hubs in the front and a Warn Overdrive unit to lower engine RPM at speed. Notable features include an original-style canvas top with the frames and bracketry which enable multiple configurations of the top and side curtains, as well as a cool bed-extension option in the rear.

The restoration was done 20-years ago for a Jeep dealership’s showroom, but there are no records or receipts. The paint is driver quality with a variety of small scratches and scuffs. CJ2As are geared low and, even with the selectable front hubs and the overdrive, the seller says that its top speed is 60 mph; however, it is most comfortable up to 45-50 mph. The 16 x 6.0″ Military NDT tires are 10 years old, but have good tread. It has one brake light and no turn signals, as original; when the top is up, a hole in the canvas door enables the driver to extend an arm.

The CJ2A was the first “Civilian Jeep” model and is similar to a WWII version, but with a stronger transmission, Dana 41 rear-end, lower 5.38 gearing, a draw bar for tractor/towing use, and a tailgate. The bed extension was a dealer option that utilizes the stock tailgate-mounting locations for attaching the 3-piece assembly that turns the Jeep into a small pickup; the stock tailgate is re-mounted in the rear. The seller reports that the floors are original and intact, the body and frame are solid and the original VIN tag is in place on the frame near the original front bumper; the firewall tags are reproductions. The seller sourced a number of NOS and reproduction parts that were missing, including the top, rear seat, spare carrier and the correct tailgate and oil and air filter assemblies.

The seller replaced speedo and gauges with a reproduction set so the true mileage is unknown. A vacuum-operated wiper is on the driver’s side; the other is hand-operated, as original. Located on the floor is the foot-operated switch to spin the starter, as original; it is used after turning the ignition key in the dash. The Warn overdrive, which has its own gearshift, can be operated on the fly in any forward or reverse gear, including 2WD/4WD modes. The stock Dana transfer case has two additional gearshifts for engagement/disengagement, or low/high gearing. The four gearshifts combined enable a wide variety of gearing options and help transform the Jeep into a much more-versatile vehicle.

The canvas seats and top were made by New Life Canvas; the hardware was sourced from Walck’s 4wd.

The tool-box floor is typically rusted, but this one is said to be original and solid. There is some minor rust damage on the underside in a few locations in the “hat channels,” which are flat, 3″ wide gussets below the floor that have a tendency to trap water, as shown in the photos. The seller says that the rust hasn’t grown in his 12 years of ownership and he hasn’t located any noteworthy rust elsewhere.

The flathead 4-cylinder “Go Devil” 134 CID engine was rated at 60 hp and 105 lb·ft of torque when new. The transmission had been jumping out of 2nd gear, so the seller rebuilt it, along with the transfer-case, carburetor and 6-volt generator. The coil, fuel pump and brake master cylinder have been replaced. The seller says that oil leaks are minimal; in a week after a drive, the engine, rear differential and the transmission/overdrive/transfer case might leave a few quarter-sized drips.

The stock 9″ front brakes have been replaced with 11″ drums. Willys built the CJ2-A with 5.38 gearing to enable the vehicle to crawl at lower speeds more suited to farm/utility use. Various farm implements, including a plow could be attached using the standard draw bar, which had multiple attachment holes. The Dana 41 shown is a CJ2A- only rear differential.

The seller has extensive records going back the 12-years he has owned the Jeep; he generally did his own repairs and maintenance. A new brake master cylinder was fitted 100 miles ago; the oil was typically changed at 2,000-mile intervals, the most recent was 200 miles ago. The vehicle is sold with a clean California title.