The story of our 1947 CJ-2A started in 1959 when my grandparents, Don and Ann Shearer, purchased it for $500 from its sole owner. In the 60s and 70s, it was used on a Montana ranch for everything from hunting, farming and even mining at their claim in the mountains. In the early 1980s they had it repainted, pinstriped and from that day forward it was retired from being a work Jeep.
The entire family enjoyed taking it out on the town, and I have very fond memories of the red Jeep as a small child. Sadly my grandfather passed in 2004, my uncle drove the Jeep for a few years, and then stored it. He had a dream one night of how to pass on the Jeep (I’m sure with some help from my grandfather), and on Christmas Day 2011 all of the grandchildren played cards for ownership of the Jeep. My husband Rob and I, with a great hand, won the honor of inheriting this amazing Willys. After having it transported from Washington to Minnesota, Rob, spent a majority of his free time over late 2012 and 2013 restoring it with love (and keeping it original). It was a frame up restoration, and I thought the sandblasting and painting would never end. The Jeep finally fired up for the first time early this summer (2014) ONE DAY before grandma Ann flew in from Montana to visit. Perfect timing grandpa Don, thank you for the wonderful gift!
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Rob and Beth Theriot
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!
Very cool jeep & story….thanks for sharing!
Very cool jeep & story….thanks for sharing!
What a great family tradition to continue. Great memories.
What a great family tradition to continue. Great memories.
WOW! Great job…I was raised driving one of these since age 12. I still own and occasionally drive our ’47 cj-2a willys but have not done full restoration yet. Congrats!
WOW! Great job…I was raised driving one of these since age 12. I still own and occasionally drive our ’47 cj-2a willys but have not done full restoration yet. Congrats!
Great Story, beautiful restoration. Glad you kept it original.
Great Story, beautiful restoration. Glad you kept it original.
Excellent story and I’m sure Gramps is smiling everyday you take it for a drive!
Excellent story and I’m sure Gramps is smiling everyday you take it for a drive!
Very Nice… although she’s not restored until you complete the pin-striping!
Very Nice… although she’s not restored until you complete the pin-striping!
Great little CJ !!
Great little CJ !!
I have a 46 Willys cj-2a that my grandpa bought after the war, I wish I had a pic of it, but I’m in SC not MI where my house is. I’ll be home soon to start minor restoration. My Jeep looks close to yours.
I have a 46 Willys cj-2a that my grandpa bought after the war, I wish I had a pic of it, but I’m in SC not MI where my house is. I’ll be home soon to start minor restoration. My Jeep looks close to yours.
These stories are great in that they pull families together. What wonderful memories are made around the family Jeep. Don – M38 parade Jeep.
These stories are great in that they pull families together. What wonderful memories are made around the family Jeep. Don – M38 parade Jeep.
My Dad had a ’47 CJ-2A that he bought for hunting, mostly. I was allowed to drive it in high school, but then I wanted something “cooler” and “faster”. Dad retired, I moved out of home, joined the Air Force and Dad sold the little blue Willys. It was all bone stock original. I often wonder where it went and what happened to it. I now have my own ’55 CJ-3B that I’ve had since the late 80’s. But the only thing stock on it is the tub.
My Dad had a ’47 CJ-2A that he bought for hunting, mostly. I was allowed to drive it in high school, but then I wanted something “cooler” and “faster”. Dad retired, I moved out of home, joined the Air Force and Dad sold the little blue Willys. It was all bone stock original. I often wonder where it went and what happened to it. I now have my own ’55 CJ-3B that I’ve had since the late 80’s. But the only thing stock on it is the tub.
Very nice family history on your CJ-2A.
Very nice family history on your CJ-2A.
great resto job, 6 volt,system,correct front bumper,orig.wheels,L-head engine,nice fresh wiring,i’ll bet the wind shield wipers and canvas are still on the list . nice to see a great vehicle being taken care of properly. thanks for the pics.
great resto job, 6 volt,system,correct front bumper,orig.wheels,L-head engine,nice fresh wiring,i’ll bet the wind shield wipers and canvas are still on the list . nice to see a great vehicle being taken care of properly. thanks for the pics.
OUTSTANDING ! THANK YOU FOR HONORING YOUR GRANDPARENTS, FAMILY AND THE JEEP. YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB.
OUTSTANDING ! THANK YOU FOR HONORING YOUR GRANDPARENTS, FAMILY AND THE JEEP. YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB.
Beautiful restoration and wonderful family story! I have an early 3A. I would love to paint the same colors body and wheels,do you know what colors those are? Thanks
Beautiful restoration and wonderful family story! I have an early 3A. I would love to paint the same colors body and wheels,do you know what colors those are? Thanks
Awesome story. Kudos to your uncle for keeping it in the family. The smile on your Grams face is priceless. And the pic of the next generation to learn how to drive a Willys might even top that.
Awesome story. Kudos to your uncle for keeping it in the family. The smile on your Grams face is priceless. And the pic of the next generation to learn how to drive a Willys might even top that.