Back to Basics: The History of the CJ-2A

Sometimes it’s nice to get back to basics and remember the history behind the Willys Jeeps we’re working so hard to restore.

The Willys CJ-2A was one type of civilian Jeep design that was put out by Willys after completion of the war and like the MB and GPWs, there were major changes made during the production of the CJ-2A. Additionally, like the MBs, the first ones produced were more desirable.

There were two distinct early CJ-2As and they’re referred to as Very Early Civilian (VEC) and Early Civilian (EC) CJ-2As.  A CJ-2A up to about serial number 34530 is considered VEC and from mid-1946 to mid-1947 is considered EC.

There were only a few very minor changes made to the vehicle after the mid-1947 models.

Production started July 17, 1945 with the CJ-2A sharing production with the MB. Since the MB and CJ-2A shared many parts as well, they looked similar. The CJ-2A looked like a civilian MB with a column shift, larger headlights, tailgate, and a side mounted spare tire.

Up until serial number 38221, the CJ-2A only came in two different colors which were Harvest Tan and Pasture Green. The Harvest Tan 2A’s used Sunset Red wheels with an Americar Black pin strip while Pasture Green had Autumn Yellow wheels with a Pasture Green pinstripe.

In 1946, after serial number 38221, there were four more colors added – Princeton Black, Michigan Yellow, Harvard Red, and Normandy Blue.

We’re not exactly sure when the color Olive Drab was added but it’s assumed it was added sometime in 1946 or 1947 as it is listed in the CJ-2A, 3A parts manual. Additionally, it’s assumed by many people that this color was just used on models for military export.

We know how important it is to preserve the history of your Willys Jeep during restoration. This is why we pride ourselves on being the world-wide premier replicator and retailer of Willys Jeep Parts and as the most dedicated Jeep restoration experts you’ll find.