1953  Willys CJ3B 

The Universal Jeep CJ-3B was first produced by Willys-Overland in 1953, following closely in the footsteps of its 1/4 ton predecessors, the CJ-2A and CJ-3A, civilian models mostly targeted to agricultural and industrial applications.  With the close of WWII, Willys-Overland began to promote the CJs as civilian models that stretched beyond the scope of the militarized MB, pitched as "all-purpose" vehicles in ads of the time, first with the CJ-2A in 1945, followed by an updated but still very similar version (CJ-3A) from 1949 - 1953, and then with the more significantly modified CJ-3B from 1953-1964.

For consignment, a 1953 Willys CJ3B which was the first year venture with this upgraded and more weighty civilian model.  This  “social climber” has had many upgrades and presents well and is in better condition than most models a third of its age.  Spending its entire life in New Mexico, until 2017 coming east and eventually to the great state of PA.   It has many modern conveniences, a donor engine courtesy an early Mercury Capri, a bikini top, a roll bar and new wheels and large tires.  Oh and did I mention it looks fab!

Exterior
With styling that is so iconic it still influences how these models look today, this truck is in beautiful condition and totally rust free but not without some bubbling and evidence of prior body work on both front fenders as well as the rockers and rear fenders.  It is bathed in light olive green, has straight steel and silver badging that is stamped into the bodywork and grille.  The truck comes a bikini top which is in khaki canvas. It sports 15-inch polished wheels, featuring modern hubs with BFG All Terrain T/A tires, red painted Jerry cans for extra gas, as there are few pumps and service stations on top of the Tetons!  Stainless steel mirrors, an extra spare tire and full polished wheel, side steps for easier access and egress, and a strong roll cage are also included.  Simple black steel bar bumpers with an extra spotlight on the front bumper are on.  It is hard to believe that this Jeep is from way back in 1953.  All very nice!

Interior
Smooth black vinyl straight back bomber style buckets are in for the chairs and these are presenting in very good condition.  A wood rimmed rally steering wheel is on top of a totally rebuilt steering column and steering mechanism.  The dash has all virtually like new gauges in a light tan steel field with a speaker, aftermarket tachometer on the column, a few knobs and pulls and a new 2022 Bluetooth player box along with an AM/FM Clarion cassette radio.  Safety features include turn signals, a horn and a heater for your convenience at those higher altitudes where there are no gas stations!  Solid rust free steel floors are in, and some rubber mats protect them.  In back is a large steel box which is lockable and this replaces the rear bench.  Not 1 , not 2 but 3 shift levers are available for all the gearing in this 4 wheeler.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a Ford/Mercury Capri 2.0 Liter SOHC 4 cylinder engine.  It has a single 2-barrel Weber carburetor and a Borg Warner 3-speed manual transmission on the back of this 4 popper.  A Dana 44 rear 4.27 gear rear axle are in, and for the front a Dana 25 axle.  There is a Spicer 18 transfer case, all have undergone recent maintenance and are all in working condition.  A Thrush muffler and new exhaust were also added recently.  Looking good with slight patina and some road dirt under this hood, but nothing a little detailing would make look perfect.

Undercarriage
Underneath all is structurally sound with slight surface rust peppering the surfaces which are mostly rust free.  Drum braking is on all 4 corners as are leaf spring suspension.  Our consignor notes that the steering mechanism has recently been replaced.

Drive-Ability
These old Willys are so much fun to drive and I Imagine myself out on a trip in the wilds.  This like newer example is a great runner, smooth shifter in 4x4 or 2x4 drive modes, and has good solid braking which is bias free.  It runs like a new truck and all was functioning perfectly.

Basically a like new Willys from 1953, visually and mechanically.  Our latest owner spent some serious dough on upgrades and general maintenance to have it all buttoned up.  Grab your groover and tent, throw in some firewood and you're off to the wilds of the west, or east depending on where you want to take her.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.