United States · 1945–1949

Willys-Overland Universal Jeep CJ-2A

The wartime Jeep put on a tailgate, moved its spare tire to the side and went to work on farms.

Off-road

Exterior · Photo shows 1945–1949 Willys Jeep CJ-2A. The CJ-2A model and open body match, but Commons identifies only the 1945–1949 production range. Exact 1945 year, original-market delivery and mechanical specification are unverified. The restored example has a front winch and possible non-original accessories.
1945–1949 Willys Jeep CJ-2A photographed in California. · David Berry · CC BY 2.0 Generic

Auction-based estimated value

Research pending

A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.

Joyride shows this gap instead of substituting an asking price, unsold bid or mismatched special vehicle.

A place in vehicle history

More than a set of wheels.

Willys-Overland turned the military MB idea into the CJ-2A for civilian customers in 1945. CJ meant Civilian Jeep. The new Universal model kept the compact four-wheel-drive layout but added practical features for agriculture and industry, including a tailgate, external fuel filler and provisions for power-driven equipment.

Look a little closer.

An optional power take-off could run equipment, so the CJ-2A could act like a tiny mobile power station as well as a vehicle.

Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.

From battlefield to farm field

The CJ-2A was not simply a military Jeep with new paint. Willys revised the gearing, cooling, clutch, frame, seats and suspension for civilian work. Its tailgate and side-mounted spare also made the body easier to use for hauling.

Source: Jeep · 1940s history and the CJ-2A ↗

Three levers, two ranges

One lever selected the transmission gears, while the transfer-case controls selected high or low range and engaged the front axle. That compact mechanical system gave the CJ-2A road travel, four-wheel traction and very slow work speeds without electronics.

Source: Willys-Overland · Universal Jeep CJ-2A Operation and Care Manual ↗

Where these facts come from

Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.

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