J.R. shared this ad for a Mitsubishi made jeep that I believe is a CJ3B-J4.

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/d/1959-mitsubishi-willys-cj3b-cj-3b-rare/6767693544.html

“Hello everyone i have a 1959 Mitsubishi willys jeep cj3b for sale.
Made in Japan , military version.
Clean title . 4 wheel drive.
Currently on non-op , no back fees.
Come check it out.
Recent price drop for a quick sale.
Asking 9999$ or best offer.”

This is that rare M38-CJ-CJ2A-CJ3B Model … Mixed parts, mixed model numbers, and an unusual VIN Number make this a bit of a puzzle.  The VIN is unusual because, according to all the records I have seen, the highest CJ-2A VIN is 224764. So, something isn’t right here.

“VIN NUMBER 235064, 1948 WILLYS M38-CJ-CJ2A-CJ3B, ARMY/NAVY JEEP, VERY RARE, Older Restoration but very nice in its present condition, Full Soft Top With Matching Doors, Also Bikini Top,4 Cylinder Hurricane F-4 Engine 134 CU.IN.,3 Speed Manual, 485 Rear End, Dual PTO’S, Front Automatic Locking Hubs,New Gas Tank, New Stainless Steel Exhaust, Newer Military Tires, Rebuilt Starter-Generator, Rebuilt Radiator, New Battery-Gas Filter-Plugs, Military PTO Wench 1/4 Cable-Weight 2170 LBS., Spare Tire and Wheel, Jerry Can, Shovel and Axe, This Willys Runs and Drives Perfect! Please E-mail us at smithlai@chartermi.net OR 1-888-842-1020 OR 616-638-4995. Happy Bidding and Good Luck 🙂 This is the correct hood registration number 20336688.”

View lots of pics on eBay

The seller also has a CJ-5 for sale for $6000 or both for $10,000. Note that the 3B has the cowl side vent, suggesting the body is later than 53.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/439454708536070

“69 CJ5 and 53 CJ3B Both run, both need battery but will start with jump start. Asking $6000 a piece or 10,000 for both. Need both gone do to health reasons. Have titles in hand”

TJ shared this beat up CJ-3B. That driver’s side is really pretty impressive! No description provided.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1157583242360688

It’s curious this CJ-3B has an aftermarket body that includes a battery box in the cowl. Thanks to John for sharing.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/440946215075421/

“1953 willys 3B WITH PAPERWORK. Project car but it’s all there. Engine will need to be overhauled or replaced. Winter roof and full second set of galvanized wheels. Tub has not been drilled for pedals and is in great shape. Frame is decent. Some new parts like clutch and engine gaskets”

Seems worth a look.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/410684898220839

“Jeep wheel run and drive”

This former ice-racing jeep got modified. The former owner’s son-in-law had some opinions about this on Facebook … “This was my father in laws jeep. If you knew Smitty you knew the proud ice racing history this jeep represented. Now it is a total piece of crap?. It is sad to see someone take a piece of local history and shit all over it…” .. 

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/littleton-jeep-cj6-srtetch-cj3b/7733629827.html

From this CJ-3B …

To this, which is for sale:

“After 8 years I am forced to give up my street rod project. 302 specification 4 bolt small block. Scrambler axles street geared, chrome side pipes…’98 Mustang convertible top.

Call to discuss I must accept probably nobody would finish what I started….the engine was supposed to be the best part when I bought Dirty George, a famous Colorado retired Ice Racer. Z28 spec 350 appears new inside, sounded great, but when it warmed up the engine “locked” and does so every time until it cools to restart for 5 minutes.

Duntov 40-40 cam, double hump heads etc. Big Holly leaks and would not be suitable for street use anyway…lots of spare parts one driveshaft is too long the other is too short after center-out transfer case was added with new torque converter on rebuilt transmission. 331 Jeep Scrambler axles replaced the 4;88 gears. Disc brakes. Power steering Chevy tilt steering column. Diagnosis is that rings were possibly not gapped properly on new pistons or too tight of skirts on the rebore. Scope down into spark plug holes indicates fresh parts. Oil pressure is great when running it is not the crank that seizes when it warms up. It had sat in dry storage for many years before I had a dream.”

UPDATE: Price dropped to $8300.

(12/02/2023) Lots of updates on this 3B.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/343081681635598

“Hi I’m selling a 1954 Willys high hood. SBC 283 board .30 over. Completely rebuilt with about 3,000 miles. 4 speed with granny low dana 20 Tcase. Full roll cage, tilt steering, 2 stage heater, full soft top, 35 inch tires, 15 gallon fuel tank in the back warn 9000lb winch. $9,000 cash no trades.has lots of potential, in good shape for the year. Pm with questions. Serious inquiries only.”

UPDATE: Price dropped to $11,500.

(08/30/2023) Simone emailed me about selling a CJ-3B that’s been in the family for three generations. The DMV notes the jeep isn’t in the system, so the family couldn’t apply for a lost title. The DMV told them to go the affidavit of loss route in WA state (unsure about other states). The pics do show it has a serial number data plate. If you have questions, email Simone at staff @ davisinvestors.com (remove the spaces around the @) (or here

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/343447061500404

Unclear how much value is here.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/935395731524204

“Clear title. I have the hood, fenders and tailgate. The hood is the only part not pictured that is rust free. The engine in it is locked. I do have a second F-head engine that will be included that had been removed from a running 1960 model (I believe), extra front axle, and lots of extra odds and ends.”

Andy shared this CJ-3B project. it’s got some rust, but also has some new parts and rebuilt engine/transmission.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2103529723344291/

“1962 Willys CJ3B *Had to select Wrangler for Model Type to complete marketplace ad* Rebuilt engine Rebuilt transmission Comes with aluminum hard top, doors, new electronic distributor, new carb, new fuel pump, 4 wheel disc brakes, new 32″ tires, tow bar, warn PTO winch, 2 Buick 215 aluminum V8s, lots of extra parts.”

This has some updates.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/916674723188953

“383 stroker motor Currie air lockers front and rear Full set of brand new paddle tires”

UPDATE: Still Available.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1468291700701514

“Nice clean Jeep reg ready to go. Come look and drive. New registration ready to go.”

Andy spotted this 3B hiding within this group of vehicles.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/394624362910236

“EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE/SELLING FOR A FRIEND. Mostly Chevy/GMC parts/ some other stuff mixed in. Pick up only in really good condition there are so many parts from all different types of vehicles, to many to name from motors 305s etc, doors, hoods, fenders, etc just let me know what you need or you can come down and take a look/you see anything in the pictures your interested in let me know asap. But yea best offer or trade.”

Looks in good shape.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/364031583119631

“It’s a 1953 Willy’s CJ3B with a Buick oddfire, 4 speed with warn overdrive, other than that the running gear is fairly stock. Just replaced the front cover to an upgraded one with bigger oil passages. Comes with a full Tiger top soft top and doors, bikini top, and a tow bar to flat tow it. It’s also got a new alternator in it and front seats out of a Chevy. It does have a leaky wheel cylinder that I will change if I get some time so it will need to be towed. I will also get some better pictures of it when I get a chance. Shoot me offers”