1951 Willys CJ3A

World War II saw the creation of one of America's most beloved vehicles, the Jeep. Now primarily produced for consumer use, the Jeep was once a military workhorse designed to move troops, help the wounded and more. The story of the Jeep begins in the late 1930s, when the United States military was searching for a vehicle that was light, rugged and could travel over rough terrain. By the early 1940s, the Jeep's design was complete, and the rest is history.

For consignment, a John Willys-Overland company produced Jeep, Model CJ-3A. With an original body and frame, great running drivetrain, new brake lines, and some extras we now have a comfortable, (sic), truck from 1951. A real treat to drive, it bucks along, and honestly with the 4-wheel drive, it will literally go anywhere. Case in point, when I visited Elephant Hill, a very famous 4-wheel enthusiast must climb in the wilds of Utah, what kind of truck came to the rescue to pull out many a newer, and more advanced 4 wheel drive that got stuck? Yup it was a Willys!

Exterior
Featuring a higher off the ground than you'd imagine it to be chassis, this all steel truck is painted red with black accents, like bumpers and trim surrounds. Utilitarian and simple are the buzzwords here, but do not be put off, as this is a true performer. No roof or roll bar are present so caution must be taken with turning too fast, you need to remember you are not in a Porsche! All open to the air with no roof, although many companies offer them, keeps you as one with your surroundings and the only thing protecting you from the wilds is the windshield. Speaking of which it is equipped with a motorized windshield wiper that works fabulously only on the driver's side. Yes, the passenger has a wiper, but you will have to move it back and forth yourself...manually. Simple strong Willys wheels have been equipped with more modern Warn hubs, which is the standard for a manual hubbed 4WD. Like new deeply treaded tires, including the spare, all around will get you through nearly anything the trail can throw at you. If you really want to get gnarly, flip down the windshield and go for it, but don't forget your goggles.

Interior
Again, simplicity reigns here, even down to the tan vinyl covered bucket seats, which actually cushion your ride, while on a smooth surface is surprisingly? Still bumpy! These seats are a front two bucket, and a rear bench has been added so you can take your dog, or friends, or whatever to the top of the hill. The stiffened suspension and 6.00 x 16 tires add to this but hey! It's a '51 Willys. A simple metal dash houses essential gauges which all work, and several knobs as well as the ignition all centrally located in the dash. Cranking of the engine is done with a strategically placed floor button, with which one can press it and the gas pedal simultaneously, now that's convenient. Bare red metal floors abound, and bare black metal foot pedals are below the dash.

Drivetrain
The standard 4-134ci L head 4-cylinder engine, aptly named the “GO DEVIL”, pumps out 60hp. This is attached to a 3-speed manual transmission, (with reverse). This is a Borg Warner T-90 3-speed manual transmission, which is also equipped with the Dana 18 transfer case, and a 5.38 gearing for the Dana 25 front axle, and a Dana 41 rear axle on the 4-wheeling side…as I said go through anything. Just remember it's not a race, it's about getting there.

Undercarriage
Strong and beautifully designed, some surface rust, some patina but from 1951 we are looking good under here. New metal brake lines have been installed for the 4-wheel drum brakes and a new fuel tank is noted. Leaf spring suspension front and rear provides the ride that will take you anywhere your heart desires.

Drive-Ability
My partner in crime grabbed our groover, and entrenching tool and we were off to the test track. After a quick fire up, it got out there in the wilds and performed beautifully. Smooth high rev acceleration, good handling and drive like a 1951 4-wheel drive truck.

A very interesting ride, and intermix with old school heavy duty 4WD technology, this does not disappoint. A mostly comfortable interior, a buckboard ride, but high enough off the ground to make it just plain fun to drive. And imagine the heads that will turn on the trail when you pull out a head job that got stuck in his Rover!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.