1950 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 1930's, when the United States military was searching for a vehicle that was light, rugged and could travel over rough terrain. By the early 1940's, the Jeep's design was complete and offered to the civilian world, and the rest is history.
For consignment, a John Willys-Overland company produced 1950 Willys Model CJ3A showing 1,506 unverifiable miles as the title reads Mileage Exempt. These were strictly utilitarian vehicles intended for and marketed to agricultural and industrial businesses. But this one has had a makeover and won't be playing in dirt anytime soon. Not to say it isn't capable, but do you really want to scratch that paint?
Exterior
Not one, not two, but three coats of Burnt Orange Metallic paint coat this little CJ and is topped by another three coats of "sealant". We've seen this color on modern GTO's, on resto-mods, and even Volvo S60's, but this is a first! And black is a fine accent choice found on the bumpers, the embossed Willy's on the hood, the hood hardware and the Jerry can mounted on the back. 15-inch Chrome Nugget wheels carry 235/75R15 tires which are wider than what the car was likely born with and gives it the appearance of goat-like surefootedness. The classic face includes polished headlight rings over bullet shaped marker lights. In between the light and mounted on the utilitarian bumper is a SmittyBilt winch under cover, while a tow hitch is mounted out back. The windshield is hinged and can be set down on the padded blocks on the hood for true open air motoring. The paint and accompanying hardware are in great shape and the only imperfections we find is some flaky rust on a bottom edge, and some uneven filler just above the step up.
Interior
Basic in their original configuration, front bucket seat pads are covered in black vinyl and that continues on the back bench, all in great shape. The 3 spoke black plastic steering wheel is in fine condition and leads to a simple black dashboard with embedded gauges towards the center. A grab handle and information plaque resides just in front of the shotgun rider. Black rhino coating creates a grippy floor surface where shifters and range selectors are based, also simple and black knobbed. Finally, a rollbar rises high and triangulates to the back for support. Bikini tops and doors come with the car to shield you from the elements.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean and rebuilt 198ci Buick derived odd fire V6. The newer 2-barrel carburetor now has an automatic choke and the entire fuel system including pump, lines, and sender have been replaced by our consignor. A Borg Warner T90 3-speed manual transmission is on board and at some point, has had a new clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing. Via the Dana 18 transfer case, power can be split between the axles with a Dana 44 in back and a Dana 25 in front with 4.88 gears. Drum brakes are found on all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Plenty of typical surface rust underneath but nothing of major concern and generally clean. Dual exhaust includes a stock style mufflers and plain steel pipes exit out back. Leaf springs suspension is found front and rear.
Drive-Ability
It's a Willys thing. Having this much fun on a little 4x4 should be illegal! It's no wonder these went civilian and are still going strong, in one configuration or another. Anyway, the engine runs great and has some pick-me-up. Our consignor notes that second gear must be held in place with some pressure so we follow orders before heading to third which apparently is capable of 55 mph. There is a bit of a grind going into second gear and the fuel gauge is inoperable and hasn't been ever since the tank was replaced. Meanwhile, all the other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
CJ's are wildly popular, from the earliest models like this one, to the predecessor military versions, to the now vintage CJ7's of the 80's. They are fun, capable, cool, and did we mention, fun? This little CJ3A won't take up too much of your garage but give you volumes of good times. Car shows, parades, Jeep gatherings! This burnt orange beauty has many missions ahead! Will you be enlisting? Call soon!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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