UPDATE: Was $2800. **SOLD**

“1946 Willys Jeep, vin#cj2a5390, One of the first Civilian jeeps produced in 1945, built in willy’s Overland Jeep Plant on Willys Parkway in Toledo Ohio. The production of the CJ-2A for 1946 was71,554. This Jeep has been one owner since 1950. It runs very good, transmission shifts great, 4 wheel drive works great. pictures show body wear, Serious inquires, Willys collectors will be very interested.”

UPDATE:  During the math portion of my analysis below, I forgot the serial numbers started at 10,000, so there was more like 28,000 column shift CJ-2As.  Thanks for spotting this Lee!

Here’s a VEC with a serial number of 15777.  According to the CJ-2A page, the number of column shifting CJ-2As was more like 28,000 jeeps  38,000 rather than 15,000 mentioned by the seller.

“Serial number 15777, CJ2A with 3-on the tree. Very rare as only about 15,000 produced with the gear shifter on the column. Great for rock crawling as you can keep both hands on the steering wheel while shifting gears. Runs good, has good tires. I use it in the mountains near Lake Tahoe during the summer months and store it at my house in San Jose during the winter months. I also used it to pull floats in parades, but no longer retain current DNV registration. I put new Ford/Chevy large brakes on the front axle, replaced brake shoes on the rear. I also replaced the oil bath air filter and old filter systems. I have all original older parts plus some spare stuff.  Email me for more info and pictures.  Mike”

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/1224860067.html

Here’s a VEC with a VIN #11325.

“This is an early 46 # 11325 ( some might call it a 45). It was a column shift and somebody put it on the floor. It has military differentals,windshield hardware, steering wheel and oil filter that says (military standard) on it.. This is a running jeep that could be put on the road. All I can see it needs to be original is a driver seat and be put back to column shift. The gas tank has had a few holes plugged, and is not leaking. The body is in good shape and has very little rot for its age as you can see in the pictures.”

View all the pics on eBay

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1500

There’s been some body work that has obscured one of the two driver-side indents.  It still has the column shifter. It’s sort of running.

“This is a 1945 Willys CJ2A with all the matching tags. It is serial number 11752 which means it was the 1752 CJ2A made in 1945 out of a total of 1824 for that year and it is the 1752 CJ ever built. This is a project but certainly can be put back into shape. There aren’t too many of these 1945 CJ’s left around. It has the 3 speed on the column which seems to work as it should. The head and valves were pulled by the previous owner because of a broken valve guide. He said that it ran fine before. It does turn over freely and seems to have good compression and no strange noises. I believe I have all the engine parts but you know how that goes, so please plan on something missing…..”

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.

Here’s what appears to be a very restorable VEC CJ-2A.  And it runs!

“Here is a 1945 Jeep Willy’s for sale. Its been off the road for about 12 years. Stock flat head engine. The oil’s been changed and a tune up has been performed. Carb rebuild, plugs, wires, points, condensor, interstate battery. It runs but “pops” back through the intake. It drives but needs brake work. Someone left the lid off of the master cylinder for quite some time. The rust is around as you can see in the pictures, some parts are very rusty but the chassis is sound. I was planning on fixing this for the ranch I live on but I just do not have the time. Clear tiitle. I will deliver it if I get the right price for it. Can be seen 9 to5 monday through friday and weekends by appointment”

UPDATE:  **SOLD** Was $4000

Here’s a fine looking early ’46 CJ-2A with the driver side cutouts.

“Straight CJ2A willys jeep mostly all original. L-head (flat head) four cylinder, Custom Cool air intake with K&N air filter , Remote spin on oil filter, GM alternator, Converted to 12 volt, Engine has been recently gone through, replaced rings, main and rod bearings, cam chain and sprocket. Auto machine shop polished crank and miked it, (still within stock tolerance)
Warn 8000lb wench….