The company bore the name of its founder John North Willys (1873-1935). When asked about the proper pronunciation of the name of his cars he responded that he pronounced his name “Willis” but it you bought his car you could pronounce it any way you wanted.
One thing I remember when I joined the Air Force in 1991 was that the DRMO had about a hundred Willy's/Ford jeeps. I asked and was told they are for sale next week but one condition applies. He told me that due to safety and rollover standards only the engine and transmission were available for purchase by the public. The rest would be crushed. I am glad to see that several survived and was amazed they had any old jeeps still left in 91. It replaced the horse and that tiny "Go Devil" engine seemed to never stop no matter what was thrown in front it. I have driven Hummers but still waiting to try a jeep. Thanks
@@radioactivefiretruck4635 I had to look but you are correct. I was only familiar with American Bantam who lost the contract to Ford and Willy because they could produce faster. (Henry Ford was furious and they made sure any part from Ford was clearly marked as he would not pay for inferior Willys breaking and giving him a bad name or pay for one of their parts.)
Fantastic review, from a Jeep guy. There are few cars on your channel I want more. This is the perfect in-town runabout. To make it clear to postwar buyers that the CJ-2A was not a wartime MB they were only sold in non-military colors with contrasting steel wheels. From what I could see poking through this was originally Harvest Tan and would have had Sunset Red (orange) wheels. These could go anywhere and do anything as long as you weren't in a hurry. Driver engagement is off the charts. The rough ride and vague steering is what gives Jeeps their charm. Fun fact, the first Zambonis were built on top of CJ-2As and CJ-3As. Literally plunked on top of the bodywork.
Recently a majority of CJ2A restorations I have seen, they are trying to make thenCJ2A look like a MP military Jeep, which it is not. The body is different in several details, as is the transmissions, and axles, all upgraded from the original WW2 Willys Jeep. The spare tire is also mounted differently, so why paint it military green, which was not an original color the civilian CJ2A came in.
Willys called it the Universal because it could do pretty much anything. The first Zambonis were built on top of early Jeeps, as in the tank was just plunked on top.
It should be illegal to not like this thing.
It's so much fun!
Nice. Company name was originally pronounced like “Willis.”
Exactly!
It's true. So many people don't know that too.
The company bore the name of its founder John North Willys (1873-1935). When asked about the proper pronunciation of the name of his cars he responded that he pronounced his name “Willis” but it you bought his car you could pronounce it any way you wanted.
Great review as usual, Zack!
Nice to see the Willys Jeep CJ-2A get some attention. These vintage civilian Jeeps are very underrated...^^
Agreed!! :)
Vintage civilian Jeeps were a great invention!
@@LetsBuildaWillysJeep I agree with you on that one! (^_-)v
In my opinion. Best review ever on your channel
Agreed - But I am biased. :)
One thing I remember when I joined the Air Force in 1991 was that the DRMO had about a hundred Willy's/Ford jeeps. I asked and was told they are for sale next week but one condition applies. He told me that due to safety and rollover standards only the engine and transmission were available for purchase by the public. The rest would be crushed. I am glad to see that several survived and was amazed they had any old jeeps still left in 91. It replaced the horse and that tiny "Go Devil" engine seemed to never stop no matter what was thrown in front it. I have driven Hummers but still waiting to try a jeep. Thanks
That sounds like the m151 mutt you're talking about
@@radioactivefiretruck4635 I had to look but you are correct. I was only familiar with American Bantam who lost the contract to Ford and Willy because they could produce faster. (Henry Ford was furious and they made sure any part from Ford was clearly marked as he would not pay for inferior Willys breaking and giving him a bad name or pay for one of their parts.)
The name is Willis, not Willees. Think "Bruce Willis." John Willys was from England. There, they use 'y' like an 'i'.
Really nice CJ2A, though.
Fantastic review, from a Jeep guy. There are few cars on your channel I want more. This is the perfect in-town runabout. To make it clear to postwar buyers that the CJ-2A was not a wartime MB they were only sold in non-military colors with contrasting steel wheels. From what I could see poking through this was originally Harvest Tan and would have had Sunset Red (orange) wheels. These could go anywhere and do anything as long as you weren't in a hurry. Driver engagement is off the charts. The rough ride and vague steering is what gives Jeeps their charm.
Fun fact, the first Zambonis were built on top of CJ-2As and CJ-3As. Literally plunked on top of the bodywork.
Be sure to join our Jeeps on the run page!
Great episode. Keep up the good work. I love how you review cars others have all but forgotten about. Great channel.
YES, YES , YES!!!! Well done Zack. I would daily that. That would be a perfect Taco Bell go-getter.
It's so much fin!
Recently a majority of CJ2A restorations I have seen, they are trying to make thenCJ2A look like a MP military Jeep, which it is not. The body is different in several details, as is the transmissions, and axles, all upgraded from the original WW2 Willys Jeep. The spare tire is also mounted differently, so why paint it military green, which was not an original color the civilian CJ2A came in.
I have a 1977 Jeep CJ5 made by AMC you could do a review if you're interested.
You can submit it to my website www.ZackPradel.com/Submit !
They sold those with farm implements so it can be a “tractor” along with being a runabout. This added value to help sell.
Willys called it the Universal because it could do pretty much anything. The first Zambonis were built on top of early Jeeps, as in the tank was just plunked on top.
I LOVE the old military type jeeps.
I own a CJ2A and - CJ3A I love these things
Great video. I grew up driving my dad's 1947 Willys originally bought by our neighbor. I'm repairing it now.
Good stuff - but it's pronounced 'Will-iss'......
I have a 1947 CJ-2a, a 60th birthday present to myself. A great in-town, backroad commuter, but only get 10mpg, 4 if I make the carburetor talk.
Love the CJ2A Willys Jeep ❤ the real question is can you build a Willys Jeep from scratch?
Love your channel as well!
Okay, there is an inner conspiracy of workshops and projects. We decided we are going to solve them.
Woo First :D
Awesome!
I need that air filter for mine.
Very cool. My friend on hack and pack video has one.check it out.
Yup those are fun to drive! 🙂🙂
It really is!
Are the cj2a and mb chassis interchangeable
Why is the E brake deleted???😳
Awesome review !
Without this car we wouldn't win the war
Love it!! Thanks for the video! #JOTR
That's a cool old Jeep.
Great video
L134 is half ohv and half flat head.
Thought that is the hurricane engine. The l134 is all flathead, valves in block
Jeep didn't win anything war related. It's basically a golf cart for use around safe areas. Any vehicle could have served it's job well
No... That's not true at all.
I gotta believe your just trolling for a response ...no way you can actually believe something as idiotic at that..
I think you'll find the Merlin engine was the won which won the war.