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The Jeep CJ: Civilian Jeep Extraordinaire!
1965 CJ5A Tuxedo Park
The CJ (Civilian Jeep) series began with the CJ1 (probably only one of these was actually built)
followed by the CJ2 from 1944-1945.
(Read a bit more on the CJ1 and CJ2!)
These were flat-fendered models similar in appearance to the Willys MB models of WWII distinction. However, Willys upgraded these "civilian jeeps" after the war to be more agreeable with civilian users.
Restored CJ2A The first early CJ Jeeps were designed and rigged mostly for agricultural use and "field work" on farms and ranches. The CJ's were designated and built as such:
(Was there really a CJ4?...Click here to read more!)
The CJ's were built simultaneously with a number of military Jeeps during the 1950's such as the:
These early CJ's and military series have become highly sought after by collectors, restorers and updaters (fancy name for hot-rodder's). Speaking of hot-rodding old Jeeps, I once had a 1953 M38A1 with a Buick V6 engine, original drive train (geared VERY low), big tires/wheels, new sky blue paint with racing stripes, roll-bar and a few other upgrades. Wow! What a ride. Sorry... I digress. More on my Jeep later. Original and aftermarket parts and accessories for early CJ Jeeps and 1950's M Series Jeeps are available for restorations
on a limited basis and require some searching to find certain items.
The Classic Jeep CJ Style Emerges.The year 1952 was a pivotal year for the CJ Jeep models. The Military M38 Jeeps retained much of the old Willys WWII styling as did the CJ2A, CJ3A, and CJ3B especially with the distinctive flat front fenders. This "flat-fendered" CJ style was built into 1964.Then, also in 1952, the Military M38A1 (1952-1957) model was introduced which became the standard style for the CJ5 in appearance and features with one of the biggest changes being the rounded front fenders. The CJ5 (1955 through 1983) and to a much lesser extent CJ6 (1955 through 1976) model Jeeps became an unprecedented four-wheel drive icon for a particular brand and model classification.
(Click to see more on the long-lived CJ5 Jeep!)
All in all the CJ designated Jeep models persisted with their rugged reputations for an astounding 42 years from the original CJ1 through the CJ7 and CJ8. The CJ run ended in 1986 being replaced by the Wrangler from 1987 on.
(Click here to learn more about the unique Jeep Scrambler CJ8 pickup!)
So why did the civilian CJ become a necessity and/or dream of so many? The answer is quite simple. These rugged little work-horses provided a tough, durable, reliable and utilitarian platform which allowed us to go places and do things we could not imagine otherwise. That's it! Here's a fun old Commercial video for the 1983 CJ!
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