Do You Have a 1945 to 1986 Jeep CJ Story to Tell?Then Click Here!
Why did the post-war Jeep CJ become a necessity and/or dream of farmers/ranchers, miners, explorers, campers, enthusiasts, off-roaders, or simply residents of inhospitable climates?
The CJ (Civilian Jeep) series began with the CJ1 (probably only one of these was actually built) followed by the CJ2 from 1944-1945.
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.
CJ4, (1950) One U.S. prototype model built around the Korean War period... and... many Mahindra models called CJ4's
were built and used in India into the 1990's.
The CJ's were built simultaneously with a number of military Jeeps during the 1950's such as the:
M38, 1950-1952
M-38A1, 1952-1957, and the
M-170, 1953-1957
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 the Dauntless 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.
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.
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!
Beautifully Restored '79 CJ5...Click on the Photo to Learn More..or..Add Your Own CJ Story Below
The Willys, Kaiser, AMC Jeep CJ
Do you own a CJ Jeep, or had an experience with any CJ Jeep models from 1945 through 1986? If so then:
Describe the CJ in as much detail as possible
What was your personal experience with the CJ?
Do you still have a CJ?
Include a photo of your CJ if you have one (optional)
I for one (among many) would love to hear your CJ stories. Thanks
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
1970 Jeep Retired from Service
I found a 1970 CJ that had been written off as junk. I bought it for $500.00 and now I'm restoring it.
Got it running and driving. Has some rust ...
UNIVERSAL CJ5 and 1973 SUPER JEEP
I still own the first two Jeeps I bought. They are a 1971 Jeep Universal (CJ-5), and a 1973 Jeep Super Jeep in storage with 7000 miles.
It is the Jeep ...
My 1972 Jeep CJ5 Renegade
Here's a picture of my '72 CJ5 Jeep Renegade. I had wanted a Jeep as long as I could remember and found this one as a basket case project when I was twenty....
'75 CJ5 Renegade sat 15 years in a Backyard!
My dad had purchased this 1975 CJ5 Renegade Levi Edition with a 304 V8 AMC engine in 1976. It only had 1100 miles on it. He only drove it to and from ...
Miss my '66 CJ5
My parents owned a 1966 CJ5 with the Dauntless V6 from before I was born. It was the "other" family car in the household.
It has the Dauntless 225, 3.7L V6 engine and is pretty much stock except ...
1981 First year CJ8 Scrambler with original 304 v8
1981 Jeep Scrambler, 304 v8, edelbrock intake and 600 cfm carburetor, headdman headers, glass pack exhaust outside of frame, DUI Distributor, Flex-A-Lite ...
I bought my Jeep in the summer of 2002. My wife ...
My 1980 Jeep CJ5-Love It!
I had just moved to the middle of nowhere in South Western Virginia. My neighbor was selling his Jeep, he only used it for recreation and the deal was ...
My Second Best CJ Ever
When I was 28, 30 years ago, a guy ran an ad in the Eugene Oregon classified.
"Like new, 1971, CJ-5, hard top, carpet, 2000 miles, V-6 with four-speed,...
I found this 1961 Willys CJ6 sitting behind a custom cabinet shop in Alpharetta, Ga. This is one of only 1991 ...
A Phoenix rises from the ashes.....twice!
I bought a 1981 Jeep CJ8 for my son, but when it failed inspection, I decided to refurbish it. (replaced a 360 AMC engine; fiberglass tub, hood, and fender;...
Sources say a 1967 with V6 was not available with a 4-speed. Sources say ...
Who needs a new Jeep when you got a CJ?!
I have owned two different CJ7's. The first was used just around the farm. I sold it when I moved out to Texas and found this '85 CJ7 this summer.
My name is Mohan Fernando, born and live in Sri lanka (at the foot of India on the World Map).
I bought her, a 1980 CJ 6, 8 ...
1983 CJ7 is the Finest Jeep Ever!
My Jeep CJ7 is a 1983 with the colour - snow white. I think the CJ7 is the finest effort from Jeep to date.
My father suggested me to buy a CJ7 as ...
1959 CJ5 Jeep...Memories of my First Car!
Ah, the venerable CJ Jeep. Not only have I owned both a 1959 CJ5 and an '89 Cherokee, but the '59 was my first car. So many lessons learned.
Here are the pictures of the Jeep. It is located in Commerce, GA. It is a 1955 Willys Jeep CJ5 in good shape.
The box under the passenger ...
All in the Family '67 CJ5
I have a 1967 Jeep CJ5. It has been in my family for years and is currently at my summer home in Nantucket.
I drive it sparingly now as replacement ...
Had a CJ-2A
I used the CJ-2A Jeep model.. It's very good for riding in anywhere.. It's one of best models in CJ series.. my Jeep horse power was 60 (actual at 4000 ...
Miss my '79 CJ5
I used to drive a 1979 Jeep CJ5 and man, I did love that car! It came with the works, a 232 inline 6, a dana 60 axle, and an AMC 40 rear axle.
I originally ...
My Unforgetable 1979 Jeep CJ5
I used to own a 1979 Jeep CJ5. It was given to me by my Uncle when I turned 16 way back in 1996.
It was green with some rust spots. There was a OEM ...
Here's a fun old Commercial video for the 1983 CJ!
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