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Welcome to eWillys.com, a website for vintage jeep enthusiasts. I update this website nearly every day with jeep deals, jeep history, interesting reader projects, jeep related info, and more.
These quick searches can help you find things on eBay. People list in the wrong categories all the time, so don't be surprised to see brochures in the parts area for example.
The links to posts below show jeeps grouped by models, condition, and other ways. Some of these jeeps are for sale and others have been sold. If you are unsure whether a vehicle is still for sale or not, email me at d [at] ewillys.com for more info.
There are plenty of interesting, unusual, historic and surprising stories related to Jeeps and their owners. In addition, some of these features have nothing to do with jeeps. This link will display all featured stories starting from the latest.
Looking for parts and not sure where to go? There are a variety of large and small new and used parts sellers both online and offline.
Importantly, the allure of buying a project jeep can be romantic. The reality of restoring a jeep can be quite different, expensive and overwhelming without the right tools and resources. So, tread carefully when purchasing a "project". If you have any concerns about buying a vintage jeep, or run across a scam, feel free to contact me for help, comments or concerns .
It’s not perfectly stock, but appears in good shape from the pics.
“Rare 1946 Wiilys Jeep, CJ2A, with shift on the steering column. Runs good and is a great restoration project for someone who wants to own a piece of history. Front wheel lockout hubs. Tow bar for taking it out to the trails for a lot of fun. Check the pictures out to see what it looks like. More pictures available via email. The price is firm.”
http://nmi.craigslist.org/cto/1896793058.html
UPDATE: Was listed at $1200.
I can’t tell if these are $1200 each or $1200 for both. The VEC has the indents but I can’t tell for sure if it had a column shift or not.
“GOT 2 JEEP WILLYS BOTH PROJECT CARS ALL COMPLETE. BOTH HAVE STANDARD TRANSMISSIONS. ”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6000
(09/08/2009) Here’s an early ’46 with the driver-side cutouts. It appears in very good shape. Nice looking shop, too.
“1946 Willys Jeep, rebuilt motor, 12 Volt electrical system, Oversized brakes, custom paint job, warn locking hubs, good upholstry, very clean jeep.”
It’s missing the back half, but includes, among other items, the data plates and the column shift parts. SN#20499
“I have a 46′ Willys for parts or to restore, i was going to restore it and have more parts, please see pic’s. It has a low SN#20499 as it goes willys started the CJ2A line with SN#10000. I have no title but checked with DMV and as long as it has all 3 Tags as it does it can be licened. Or part it out a grill sells for $300.00 on e-bay, i dont have the time to part it out or restore it. jumped the Motor and had it running but will need to be rebilt. Extra parts: 5 Rims, 4 extra tires and wheels, 3 speed collum shift & steering box, extra hood marked willys, Gas tank, oil filter, 3 speed trany.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
Here is a very early VEC #10928.
“
You are bidding on a very very early Willys civilian column shift CJ2A Jeep with serial # CJ2A 10928. They started with serial # 10,001 in 1945 on the civilian jeep so this jeep was the 928th civilian Willys off the production line after WWII. They only made 1824 civilian jeeps in 1945 and over 71,000 jeeps in 1946 so this is a very rare Willys.
It’s a column shift that has been converted to floor shift but still has the column shift transmission case and the column shift on the steering column.
All three serial number tags match, two on the body and one on the frame.
It has a working snow plow with hydraulic lift that runs off the motor (not electric). It runs, drives and the 4X4 works in high and low range, the drivers side floor has holes in it but the frame is solid, has a body panel over where the tail gate goes and has had side panels added covering the shovel & axe dents on the drivers side, but you can see them from the inside.
Comes with many new parts not installed as pictured like the parking brake handle & mechanism, 4 new rod ends, new bell crank rebuild kit, new center rear view mirror, new wood blocks for the hood, new tale pipe, one used wheel lock out, OE used column shift lever, and used OE cover that goes over the transmission hole. I was going to restore it but I don’t have time or the room. Has wider 15″ rims for the Michigan sand dunes. I’m hoping for a good home with someone who will restore it.”
I can’t tell how solid this is, but with a serial number of #12201 and matching numbers, this might be a good find for someone.
“1946 CJ2A, serial #12201. 2201st ever produced for civilian use. Built in January ’46, all original, body, frame, and engine numbers match. I even have the original dash plates! Ready for restoration! Breaks my heart to sell but times are hard and I need the cash. $1800. Serious replies only. 615-948-8656 ask for Dave.”
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/1823841578.html
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $6850
(11/10/2009) This looks solid.
“
Awesome little jeep for sale. All original except nice wheels and tires. Has a 3000 pound winch added on the front bumper as well. Origninal motor in it. Looks great, drives great, just a really cool jeep all the way around. Hate to sell it, but just don’t need it.”
UPDATE: SOLD.
Dave let me know that this VEC is for sale over at the CJ-2A Page. The seller hopes to sell the entire jeep, but if he can’t get it sold, he plans to part it out. This has a serial number of #14575, so it is a very early CJ and it would be a shame to see this parted out.
You can see the thread related to this at The CJ-2A Page.
If this has a column shift, it’s a good deal. If it doesn’t, it’s still a pretty good deal.
“1946 Jeep Willy in good condition, needs clutch. Is purple with bench seat in back. Clear Title and is a great buy.”
http://loz.craigslist.org/cto/1796801903.html
I love the old top.
“this is a very early 46 cj with column shift,pto and govenor . this is an all original california vehicle since day one. runs and drives great. email phone and i will call you.”
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/cto/1794969323.html
This VEC is a column shift with a Koenig hard top and a bumper weight. The starting bid is only $850.
“1946 Willys Jeep with Koenig hard top and front bumper weight. This is the pink and white jeep in the pic. The blue jeep is in another auction. Have not had it running. Engine and trans were both stuck when I got it, but are both free now. I do have the head that goes with the jeep. will need front floor pans. Typical rust for it’s age. frame looks good. Jeep will need a total restoration. NO TITLE. Title can be acquired through any title service for about $150. Sorry for the bad pics. As you can see, it’s kinda buried.No shipping. local pick up only. Sold as is where is. No warranties expressed or implied. No returns or refunds. $100.00 non refundable deposit due within 24 hours of auction end. Full payment due within 10 days of auction end. If not paid within 10 days, jeep will be re listed and non paying bidder charges filed. This is due to past problems, Sorry. Don’t bid if you don’t want it. Jeep can remain here for 60 days while shipping is arranged. Longer storage can be arranged. Email before bidding. Only item in listing is for sale. no other items in pictures are for sale.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2200
The seller lists this a a 1951, but it looks more like a VEC CJ-2A.
“This Jeep is complete and has the hard tin top. It ran a year ago when I parked it, I think maybe the carbureator needs cleaned now. 4cylinder motor and 3 speed transmission… 4×4 …Clear AZ title, ready to go! Will trade for a jet ski or a quad or ???”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2200.
“OK. Here is the situation. We had this Jeep sold twice before but the buyers backed out. The reason is because we can’t find the title and the registration doesn’t match with the MVD records. The new owner would have to do an abandoned vehicle search and get a new title that way. We do not have the time to research all of this so we are willing to let it go at a cheaper price. This Jeeps blue book value is over $6000.
1946 Willy’s CJ2A Jeep. All original with added top. 6 volt system. Flathead 4-cylinder. RARE 3 speed on the column shifter. Original seat frames included. 16 in wheels. Been in the same family it’s entire life, 3rd owner in family. Spare tire. We started it a few days ago and drove it around but it does need a little TLC. More pictures available. Price is $2200.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $500. This appears to have a VEC body with the cutouts.
(05/03/2010) “46 willys jeep project has no motor/tranny/transfer, but body is complete and has a hard top with doors, the body is tore apart and the floor has been cut out to be repaired, i do have the title, call or e-mail for pictures”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2750. It includes a top. Looks like a great price. Brett noted that the seller updated the listing because the overdrive was incorrectly listed as a PTO.
(11/14/09) “1946 Willy CJ-2A Jeep, Strong 289 V8, 3-Speed transmission with Overdrive, extra Transmission & Transfer case, Rancho Shocks, 32” x 11.5 x 15 w/ Chrome Rims, Full soft top with doors, Bimi top, Front bumber tow mount, Back seat, rear rack with two 5 gal. gas cans. Lots of extra parts and accessories. $2750.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2500.
Here’s a running VEC CJ-2A.
“1945 Willys Jeep CJ-2A 4X4, runs, drives, and stops great. Great vehicle for a deer lease or mountain elk hunts. • 4WD works good, Hi or Lo range transfer case • Original flat head motor runs excellent. • New 1-wire alternator (no troublesome external voltage regulator) • New complete exhaust system • New master cylinder • New distributor, rotor, and cap • Front steering stabilizer • Tow bar • Four military tires • Includes spare tire • $2500”
UPDATE: Status Unknown. Price was $1200.
I wonder if this has a rear PTO, too. It’s not ALL original, but there might be enough original to make it worth it. It runs, too.
“1945 Willy’s Jeep. All original and runs good. Thanks for looking. Email me if interested.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1446.
This needs some work. No doubt the only VEC item left are the tool indents.
“Straight body, needs paint. Rock crawler potential. 4.3l V-6 engine, (probably needs replacing). Custom headers. EFI wiring harness. Muncie 420 transmission. Dana 300 t-case. Dana 44 front axle with spring over axle lift. Custom radiator. Custom engine mounts, (will work for a small block chevy v-8 also)
She needs more TLC and time than I can give her. Been sitting in my back yard untouched for far too long. If you want a rock crawler project, or a unique daily driver, this has potential. She looks a lot better than a lot of 66 year old people I know.”
This looks like a great find by Jim. The serial number is 17614. It runs …
“A very rare restoration project. I pulled this CJ-2A out of a barn in Crawford Colorado. It is a very rare original VEC agri jeep, 1946 early serial number, was originally three on the tree, has tool indents, 3 piece agri dash plate, early wire steering wheel, 6 volt, original wheels, original seats, original everything, very little rust, runs, motor is super quiet. Has been in storage, will need brakes, tune up etc The serial number is 17614. Please dont tow this extremey old rig at 70 mph, bring a trailer.”
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/1722796299.html
UPDATE: Last price $8,500. Status Unknown.
(03/01/2010) Here’s a modded VEC that looks in very good condition.
“This 46 Willys has been completely gone through. It has always been garaged and is extremely clean. It has a Buick V-6 that runs strong – Turbo 350 transmission – Detroit Locker 44 in rear, 27 in front – brand new Toyo 33″ mud terrains – 2 in. lift with spring over – power steering – Ramsey 8,000 lb. winch – 1 year old paint job with no nicks or scratches – custom built roll cage with built-in speakers – CD player – Corbeau race seats and lap belts – GT steering wheel with telescoping and tilt column – tacometer – newer gauges – BNM floor shifter – bikini top – lots of chromed parts and much more! Must see to appreciate – serious inquiries only – no trades.”
UPDATE: Was $4500. **SOLD**
(03/14/2010) Here’s a good looking VEC with VIN 21131.
“1946 Willys Jeep CJ2a, serial number 21131, a very early civilian jeep with the column shift. PTO winch. Owned since 1965. Speedometer broke at 34000 miles. It has been stored in the shop or garage for many years. Starts and runs good, has leaky brake cylinder. tires are old, old.”
UPDATE: Was on eBay. **SOLD** As James notes, the seller neglects to mention the lack of a column shift (and I missed it too).
With a VIN of #10907, this is the 907th CJ-2A made. It’s a rare vehicle.
“Out of the Utah high desert, WWII vet owned and maintained CJ-2A from 1945. First year a civilian Jeep was produced and one of the first 1000 made. All data plates are there and in good condition. True “survivor” with very few changes made to it over the years.
Compression and oil pressure are good, but I think the carburetor will have to be rebuilt (or ideally replaced, it’s not correct for the year). Has plenty of power and runs well at speed, but idles poorly (rich). Brakes work fine, shifts well through all gears. Was register/used right up until April 2009.
Front seat frames are original, rear is not, but would work/look fine while you shopped for an original. Body is in great shape overall (UT is the second driest state in the US, just behind Nevada) but it still has some hat channel rust under the front floor and tool box. No soft top or top bows.”
UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.
Here’s a very early VEC! VIN#11435
“Here we have a highly sought after 1945 Willys CJ2A for parts or restore. Serial number is 11435. Frame, firewall, and dash tags are all there and in good shape. ACM numbers on toe board and tail gate are both 1583. Jeep comes with a clean WI title (VIN #11435). It’s generally pretty ruff and will take quite a bit to restore but has a lot of hard to find 1945 CJ2A parts on it.”
UPDATE: this is back on eBay
This CJ-2A appears to be a stock VEC CJ-2A with a serial number of 38965. What makes this CJ interesting is that it is being sold by the second owner of the Jeep, the Jeep has matching numbers, and it’s a column shift. What’s more interesting is that according to the CJ-2A site, column shifts were discontinued at number 38221. So, it’s possible that this is one of the last column shift CJ-2As made. Am I missing something?
“Low mileage – 64264 actual miles. I am the second owner of this Jeep. I have owned the Jeep since 1976. This CJ-2A has all matching serial numbers, including the tag on the front frame horn.
This flatfender Jeep is an early 1946 model. It has the original timing chain equipped Go-Devil flathead 4 cylinder engine and column shift 3 speed manual transmission. The engine was rebuilt in the 1980s by my father and me. The engine was bored 0.030 over, hardened valve seats were installed on the exhaust valves and the head was milled 0.020. It has approximately 15,000 miles since the rebuild. Has original “military standard” oil filter and oil bath air filter. Also is equipped with a NAPA top cylinder oiler. Electrical system is 6 volt negative ground. The Jeep has not been run in over a year and will need to be trailered or trucked. It will need a new battery.
The driveline is all original with the addition of a Warn “All Range” overdrive unit. The orignal column shift 3 speed transmission shifts solidly and does not pop out of second gear on deceleration as many of these older jeeps are prone to do. Transfer case is original 2 speed and shifts great. The rear axle is a Dana 41 and the front axle is a closed knuckle Dana 25. Gear ratio is 5.38…. ”
UPDATE: Still Available
(06/26/09) Well, it is a VEC, but it’s not looking all that great. No serial number listed.
“late 1945 CJ2A Willys jeep mostly parts -engines, front ends, and rear ends, frame, body bucket (not in good shape) new bearings , brake lines bell crank and various parts, extra tranfer cases and transmissions, pto winch (Ramsey Model 200 4K capacity) all tag numbers match body and frame – clear az title. call Art 520-266-2349 ”