1948 Willys CJ2A

This custom-built 1948 Willys CJ-2A is a fully-restored 4x4 with 33” mud-terrain tires, a suspension lift with Rancho shock absorbers, auxiliary lighting, and black bikini top over a tubular rollbar. It is powered by a modified 302ci V8 equipped with a Holley carburetor, an MSD ignition system, and an aluminum radiator, and power is delivered using a B&M shift lever controlling a C4 3-speed automatic transmission and an upgraded transfer case. This CJ-2A was professionally overhauled in 2015 both mechanically and cosmetically, and it features a rust-free powder-coated frame along with a color-matched Hi-Lift jack system. Finished in blue over aluminum Kirkey bucket seats, this CJ-2A is now offered with a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

This CJ-2A model got its start as a military-issue workhorse during World War I and was developed by Willys-Overland. This modified example was professionally restored in blue and has a black canvas top stretched over a tubular rooftop rollbar system. Exterior bright work is limited to the headlight trim rings, while the bumpers and rear fender flares are finished in black. A top-mounted light bar has been added, as well as a mounted Hi-Lift jack at the rear near the tailgate. This CJ-2A is said to have originated in California and the body is rust-free per the seller aside from the rear seat mount area that has been contained and is not spreading. The seller states that there are some small chips and imperfections in the paint, a small crack on each windshield panel, and a shallow dent on the front driver side fender as will be shown in the accompanying photo gallery.

Aftermarket black-finished 15” Pro Comp wheels are wrapped in 33x12.50 Pro Comp Mud Terrain tires. A custom lift has been installed using Rancho shock absorbers.

The interior is fitted with Kirkey aluminum bucket seats with Impact 5-point racing harnesses. The shift lever is a B&M Stealth Pro ratchet shifter, and a Wolo 12-volt musical horn is installed that plays “Tequila.”

The vehicle has a 5-digit mechanical odometer, but true mileage is unknown. The seller states that the vehicle has been driven roughly 1,500 miles over 5 years of ownership.

The performance-enhanced 302ci V8 has been equipped with a Holley 650 double-bumper carburetor, an MSD ignition system, a Speedmaster high-torque starter, and a performance aluminum radiator. The engine bay is finished in matte-black. Maintenance has been performed by the seller over the last 5 years of ownership, and the vehicle reportedly starts and runs fine. The exhaust system is a custom setup with electric Quick Time Performance (QTP) cutouts and Magnaflow mufflers, and the fuel tank is custom. Power is transferred to all 4 wheels via a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. The transfer case and axles have been installed from a newer CJ-7 model, and the gear setup consists of a Dana 44 rear and a 30 front with 4:11 gears.

Photos showing the underside are available in the gallery, illustrating that the frame has been powder-coated.  

Photos taken during the build process can be found in the gallery.