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The Jeep CJ3A: Slowed Development!
CJ3A Willys Jeep
There were less overall sales of the CJ3A model (1949 to 1953) when compared with it's predecessor the CJ2A (1946 to 1949). The Willys Jeep CJ3A sported a few body and mechanical changes including a one-piece windshield frame, bottom frame located wipers, structural changes to the body to allow more seating and leg room in the rear seat area, and an improved convertible top frame structure to allow more head room with the canvas top in the "up" position. A few engine modifications and upgrades were added to the "Go-Devil" engine and drive train including stronger axles, heavy duty clutch, improved carburation and a better fuel pump. The Willys-Overland Company was still desperately trying to find a market for the little CJ. Orders from farmers were declining because even the "AgriJeep" CJ styles couldn't compete well with the single purpose farm tractors. Willys even built a few modified, stripped CJ3A Jeep "Tractors" but eventually cancelled the idea. Orders also appear to have declined in part because Willys had begun producing the Willys Station Wagon, Willys Trucks, and Jeepsters in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive models to compete with the other auto manufacturers in the public arena. The CJ was not the only fish in the pond anymore.
( See a bit of info on the Willys Station Wagon by clicking here.)
However, around 1950 Willys was again called to action to produce Jeeps for the Military due to the Korean War...which they did throughout the war and beyond.
The Jeep CJ3A eventually gave way to the more radically changed CJ3B in 1953.
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