This article appeared in the Miami News on October 09, 1956. That seemed a late date for an “introductory” announcement. The article highlighted the low operating cost, the 30,000 mile maintenance guarantee, the four body styles, and the wide range of duties the new jeep could perform.
Photos From the UTA Digital Collections
These photos come from the University of Texas at Arlington Digital Archives. You can see a some additional photos with jeeps here: https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/subject/jeep-automobiles
Let’s start with this photo of a Willys MA dash:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. 56th Cavalry Brigade war maneuvers. (1941). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/img/20048164 … Brigadier General Walter B. Pyron, of Houston, Texas, commander of the 56th Brigade, shown behind the wheel of a jeep. He is wearing a military uniform and a small brimmed hat. He has his hands on the steering wheel and is looking behind him. Willys MA.
A lineup of Ford GPs:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Camp Bowie Army Maneuvers . (1941). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/img/20048968 … The 18th Field Artillery Brigade’s 77th Field Artillery joins in retreating from an attack during a military training exercise at Camp Bowie. The first battalion is lined up for an evacuation, riding on “blitz buggies.” This battalion is from Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The rest of the 77th is stationed at Fort D. A. Russell, Marfa, Texas. The 77th and 142nd infantry are howitzer units of the brigade. Ford GPs.
Good side shot of a Ford GP:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Camp Bowie Army maneuvers: Lietenant General Walter Krueger with Major General Claude V. Birkhead and others. (1941). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/img/20053219 … Camp Bowie Army maneuvers. Four military officers and one military personnel are pictured here. Lieutenant General (LIEUT. GEN.) Walter Krueger, seated in the front passenger seat, Third Army Commander, was in the field almost as much as the participating troops. Here he’s leaving 36th Division command post after a conference with Major General (Maj. Gen.) Claude V. Birkhead, division commander, standing by the baby jeep. In the rear seat are, foreground, Lieutenant Colonel (Lieut Col.) George R. Barker, Third Army G-3, and Captain (Capt.) R. H. Chard, Krueger’s aid. Driver is Private (Pvt.) Harvey Belote. All are dressed in military uniforms. Published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram morning edition, June 15, 1941. Ford GPs.
Here’s an early Slat Grille MB:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Army Day Maneuvers: Rides in Dixie Jeeps. (1942). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/img/20053248 …. Army Day Celebration. Jeep rides were given citizens when the 31st (Dixie) Division held open house here Sunday as part of the observance of Army Day. On this ride at Farrington Field were Alice McDonald (left) and Jaymie Dobbs, both of Fort Worth, Texas. Members of the Service Company, 155th Infantry, in the jeep are, left to right, Corporal (Corp.) J. H. Reeves, Private (Pvt.) Sam Burroughs, Private (Pvt.) Clyde Russell and Private (Pvt.) Hanson Dunegan. The group are riding in a jeep through Farrington Field. Background showing a goal post and stadium bleachers. Published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram evening edition, April 6, 1942. Willys MB Slatgrille.
Post WWII pic:

Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. Circle Park School Parent-Teacher Association carnival . (1946). Retrieved from https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery-beta/img/20058866 … Mr. R. M Baxter is giving a carnival preview ride to 2 pupils of Circle Park Elementary School, Donald Eagle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Eagle and Beverly Jean Burns, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. C. A. Burns. Mr. Baxter will run a jeepney-ride concession at the Circle Park Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association annual carnival. His jeep has a banner of the PTA. Published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram evening edition, October 16, 1946.
October 1952 Willys Service News
Page two of this issue highlights what service departments should do when replacing engines in WWII jeeps.
1947 CJ-2A Lake Placid, FL $11,500
It’s supposed to have the original body, but there’s no original hole for the ignition.
https://cfl.craigslist.org/cto/d/sebring-1947-cj2a/7142467186.html
“Fully restored with all original parts and paint. No rust! Factory new, original 1947 body and starter! Runs great. Must meet in person, cash offers only.”
1946 CJ-2A Newark, DE $7000
UPDATE: Price dropped to $7000.
(04/30/2020) Missing front parking lights and has a cracked windshield pane. It does include a soft top of some kind.
https://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/d/newark-1946-cj2a-willys-jeep-runs/7140320363.html
“Running and road ready Jeep with new fuel tank, sender and master cylinder. Has canvas covering and frame rails with doors. lock out front hubs for 2wd. good tires all around and has clear title. will need passenger side windshield”
1946 CJ-2A St. Clair, MO **SOLD**
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6500.
Includes a PTO. Body does have some floor rust.
“1946 Willys cj2a for sale. Jeep runs and drives good. Has new brake lines and it stops good too. Has the original rear seat and heater that works. Tires are real good as well. It has the flathead 4 cyl/3 spd trans. The lights work on the jeep as well. The jeep isn’t perfect but pretty decent for its age. It has a clear Missouri title.”
1951 CJ-3A Weaverville, NC $4500
Body needs work.
https://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/d/weaverville-1951-willys-jeep-cj-2a/7141730596.html
“1951 Willy’s Jeep CJ-2A 4×4
Hurricane Motor 4 Cylinder
Rebuilt with 1000 Miles
New Carburetor
3 Speed Manual Transmission
Fun Jeep
Clear Title”
Generator Trailer Carlisle, PA **SOLD**
UPDATE: SOLD. Was $950.
This includes four combat rims. It’s a little different from the standard jeep trailer.
“Military army trailer from the late 40’s. Originally used to haul the generator for a mobile radar system. Trailer is made by Trailmobile-Lapeer. Has 4 Willys Jeep WW2 combat rims. (Red wheel/tire does not go with trailer, I have the 4th combat rim, tire is shot) Has jacks on all 4 corners to level on uneven ground. Trailer is designed to connect in series with other trailers like a train. Would also make a good anti- aircraft battery base! Looking to move this quickly… $950 cash”
1957 CJ-3B Manning, SC $3500
It’s a project.
https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/d/manning-1957-jeep-willys/7134443022.html
“1957 Jeep Willys–all original– CLEAR SC TITLE.( MAY CONSIDER TRADE) Does not run. Have removed spark plugs and put oil in cylinders and will attempt to free engine (after sitting for several days). KaiserJeep.com offers all parts, even offers a complete body shell. This jeep (as seen in pictures) will need a complete floor, wheel tubs for the rear, and possibly side panels.”
1953 CJ-3A Project Dewitt, NY $6000
It looks like there’s plenty of work left on this project.
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/d/syracuse-1953-willys-offroad-project/7140821021.html
“I’m selling my 1953 Willys CJ3A Project. More than 50% of work done.
Complete all steel bodying excellent condition. Includes windshield frame and tailgate. All rust repaired with high quality panels. Body is in primer. Front fenders still need repair, but they and sound and straight. Rebuilt Jeep Odd Fire Dauntless V6 installed, rebuilt SM420 manual transmission with granny low and Dana 18 transfer case. Has narrowed Dana 44 axels from and rear with Detroit Lockers front and rear and warn front hubs. Spring on custom wrangler leaf springs with a drop shackle. Front Disk breaks and rear drums.
Remaining work to be completed. Front fender repair, roll cage, bumper fabrication (have tube steel), interior, steering, fuel system, cooling system, electrical system, tires and wheels.”

































