My Almost Military Jeep

by Robert Rahn
(Amarillo, Texas)

1952 CJ3A with Military Markings

The first Willys Jeep I had experience with was my brother-in-laws' CJ3B, a 1953 model.

It had been in his wife's family since new. He had me restore it from a ranch knock-about, to be a 12 volt, red with new mechanicals, and reupholstered seats. Now he doesn't leave it outside overnight, but in the barn.

Then I purchased a 1947 CJ2A, and did the same for it. It is gone now, but I have a 1952 CJ3A with a CJ2A windshield frame and glass, 16 inch wheels, and leather seats.

It has military markings, a siren from a supplier in England, a .50 caliber ammo box for a console, and an authentic fire extinguisher. I have a 5 gallon jerry can mounted on the rear, and a canvas top with a plastic rear window.

The paint is O.D. (Olive Drab) with a gloss finish, which I believe the officers rode in.


Larry's Comment: The M38 military Willys Jeep was a beefed up version of your CJ3A, used extensively in the Korean War.

So, your Willys may be an "almost military Jeep", but its roots were definitely tied to the the military in its day.

Nice rig, Robert!