MarketPlace: 1953 Willys CJ-3A
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1953
- Make: Willys
- Model: CJ-3A
- VIN: 3J136537
- Mileage Shown: 23,711mi (5-digit odometer)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Military Green
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Corpus Christi, TX 78417
- Country: United States of America
- Lot #: V-0057467-MP
The Willys CJ-3A is a classic off-road vehicle from the early Civilian Jeep series, produced by Willys-Overland between 1949 and 1953. It retained the rugged design of its military predecessor while offering practical improvements for civilian use, including a one-piece windshield and revised suspension for better ride quality. Among the final year of the CJ-3A, this 1953 example is finished in military green over black upholstery and is powered by a 134ci L-head inline-four paired with a 3-speed manual transmission. This classic CJ is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Texas.
This Willys is finished in military green and rides on matching aftermarket steel wheels wrapped in Coker Military NDT tires reported to be in like-new condition. Exterior features include a black front grille and headlight surrounds, black steel bumpers, a front brush guard, and body-colored roll bars. The seller notes a few minor scratches, two paint chips, and slight corrosion on the hood springs. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin offers a pair of black vinyl-upholstered front bucket seats. Equipment includes a black-finished three-spoke steering wheel, central-mounted instrumentation, and body-colored surrounds.
Power comes from a 134ci L-head inline-four engine, factory-rated at 60 HP and 105 lb-ft of torque. It sends power to the rear or all four wheels through a 3-speed manual gearbox and a dual-range transfer case. Recent service includes a new fuel pump, an aftermarket radiator, an aftermarket air intake filter, a new exhaust system, and a rebuilt carburetor. The seller reports occasional oil drips and notes that the battery may lose charge if the vehicle isn’t driven weekly, recommending the use of a battery kill switch.
This sale will include a clean title.
Comments (0)
Bid in the amount of $3,400
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Bid in the amount of $2,750
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@useppaisland hello there! I found a few online and eBay. They range brand new from $375 to high $400s.
@DIgCars2 I apologize for the delay. I was able to get in touch with the previous owner daughter and they are under the impression this is a CJ 3A. I wasn’t completely sure and they couldn’t confirm either 100%. Thanks and happy bidding.
Do you have an idea of the cost of a canvas top?
Thank you.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
Hello everyone, I just submitted 4 photos with the windshield down. Easy up and down operation. Thanks!
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.
@useppaisland Hello, it does not. I’ve found a few over the period of time I’ve owned it but never made the purchase. Thanks for your question and interest.
Hello,
Does this jeep come with a canvas cover?
The listing has been updated to reflect that this model is a CJ-3A.
Bid in the amount of $2,500
@DigCars2, yes a CJ 3A. I had forgotten about that one.
@mclassicscc CJ-3A
@dr911 CJ-3A
@DIgCars2 mistyped it’s a CJ-3A
This is not a CJ-3B, it’s a CJ-A. The 3B has a tall hood that accommodates the more powerful overhead cam F-head engine, which is the same 4cyl engine that was put in the first CJ-5 in 1955. The windshield is that of a CJ-3A, which is same as the military M38. The military M-38A1 looks like a CJ-5 and has the overhead cam F-head engine.
Definitely not a CJ3B. It doesn’t have the ugly raised hood necessary for the the F-head engine clearance. A quick google will show you the difference. My first cat was a ‘52 CJ3A, which this probably is.
May 10th - cold start
https://youtube.com/shorts/UdJEEpE1ShQ?si=GaQoa-JtgBcJ0_e-
@dr911 - Great observation. I stand corrected. Yes, it is a CJ 3B. I apologize for the confusion. Nonetheless, a very good and dependable CJ.
Cheers!
IMHO this isn’t a a CJ 3B model, but rather a CJ 2A. It doesn’t have the Hurricane F head motor, nor the higher hood and grille. It’s easy to see in the photos that the motor is the Go Devil L head (flat head) motor. Still a nice looking Jeep GLWA.
Additional content has been added to the gallery for this listing.