This Willys CJ-2A was given as a college graduation present from my father in 1975. It was in extremely bad shape and many people, including my mother, were shocked that this would actually be presented as a “gift” to someone. This was then seen as a challenge to prove that my dad knew my abilities better than anyone else and to show my love for Willys. The restoration process has been a fun and timely adventure. Now that the gift giver, my father, has passed away, this jeep has become even more special. It is an accomplishment to be proud of and helps the spirit of the donor live on.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Brittany Turnbaugh
If you would like to share your Willys Jeep Story please send us a line. We ‘d love to meet your Jeep.
Like Us. Facebook
Looking for, Willys Jeep Parts, Willys Jeep replacement parts, Willys Jeep body parts and much more for your 1941-1971 Willys vehicle, you have come to the right place!
Dear Rachel… I apologize for my confusion. I thought the story was written by Brittany……
Totally meant for you….
Hey Brittany…. treasure that vehicle forever because it means so much to you…! I would even suggest to pass it on to your kids and grand kids. It’ll still be running then with a bit of TLC….
Also treasure your CJ-2 because it is a very special vehicle….. in many, many more ways. If you have not done so already, read up on how this GPV became a reality, how it had to be produced by two separate companies because of the sheer numbers needed in a very short time to mobilize the american troops going into war in the early ’40’s. Then, upon winning the war and returning home, the soldiers and young adults were able to afford to buy a Jeep Willy’s so they could start farming the lands….which was booming at the time.!!! The factory PTO’s installed in some of these “farm” version CJ-2 and CJ-3’s made it possible to power bigger and more efficient machinery which modernized farming and made it affordable and a reality to own and work a farm with less effort.
In my many fortunate travels around our great country and abroad, I’ve seen several different versions of this champion. From a simple combat vehicle equipped w trailers, tool boxes, seats, cots… to a special airplane puller at an old air force base museum… to a well drilling truck….to small buses in Colombia and some Caribbean Islands…. and my favorite…. an incredible and fully equipped fire truck which was still in working order at the airport in Skagway, Alaska.! Truly amazing….
Lastly Brittany…. if you want to know where my passion for the Willy’s CJ-2 came from…
check out an old TV show called “Rat Patrol”… it speaks for itself.!! Then you will understand why every guy…. and the occasional girl…. would love to own one of these…… .!! That’s why I do…. Cheers and Enjoy
I’m sorry about your Dad! My Dad has a 1947 Willy’s CJ2A and I still have my first car, a 1962 Willys wagon.
I know your Dad would be proud of the job you did, it looks great!
Love the story! My dad got me a yellow Willys in 1975 also, it was titled as a 1945 but it was a CJ 3a , been a Willys addict ever since.
Wow! Beautiful work! With such a success story it would be absolutely great to see some “in-progress” pictures if you are ever in the position to share them. I also have a CJ-2A and I was with my parents when they bought it so it has been in the family for 70 years. As you indicated, it really does keep the memory of those who are gone and I think of them each time I start the engine. It is still 6 Volts and the original engine as with everything else.
Thanks for sharing, Joe Stokes, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Awesome story and awesome jeep.