The first experience I had with a Willys was in 1967 as a sophomore in high school. My employer at that time had a 1947 red Willys on his farm, and I would get to drive it to town when we needed something from the hardware/feed store.
In 1985 when I totaled out my Ford truck the insurance company said I could purchase the truck for $600, so I did with the intention of parting the truck out. A man stopped by to look at what I had for sale. He wanted the truck though funds were limited, but had a 1947 Willys he was willing to trade. So here were are 25 years later.
This Willys is how my two sons learned to drive on my parents property in Nashville, Georgia at the ages of seven and eight. The Willys was parked in 1998 with the transmission out because it had locked up in second gear. After the Christmas dinner of 2008, my sons said “Dad let’s crank the old Willys up.” That’s what led to the restoration of this family heirloom.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Jim Rentz
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What ever happened to the parking brake & handle in the middle of the dashboard? Dave
Hello from Australia and I would like to congratulate you and your boys for the beautiful restoration of your Jeep I love your color scheme ! As it is different to most. It is a true survivor and I hope it brings you much pleasure as I use my Jeep so often and get so much fun driving it about and it is still a great old work horse. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
Good show old boy, as they say in the UK. When I was three I was with my parents when they bought a 1946 CJ-2A and I still drive it! My Mom taught me to drive in it but not as early as you did with your sons!! Great work there! Your Jeep looks so “period” as they say and that is what I like about restorations. Thanks for posting.
BEAUTIFUL JOB! I love the upholstery matching the paint. At least it appears to match in the photos. Just enough black to accent the paint scheme. It is really a fine looking Jeep. The best part is you did it as a family.
Great story. My first Jeep was a 19947 CJ2A. I now have a CJ3A.