Willys CJ-2A Jeep

History

The Willys Jeep was the Army’s go to vehicle for transport during World War II. Designed in 1940 by the American Bantam Company, over 647,000 were produced by Willys–Overland as the MB and Ford as the GPW. In addition to their American
service, Jeeps were supplied via lend-lease to many Allied countries – including just under 50,000 delivered to the Soviet Union. The vehicle was quickly given the name “Jeep” – a generic term for any go-anywhere vehicle at the time. It was beloved by American soldiers for its four-wheel drive, which gave it the ability to conquer nearly any type of terrain. Its versatility meant that it served as aircraft tug, ambulance, armored car, reconnaissance vehicle and many other roles.

The popularity of the Jeep, along with its iconic grill and headlights, eventually led to the creation of the postwar automobile brand.

The jeep on display, serial number 431232, is a civilian CJ-2A with a 1945 frame and 1946 tub. It was purchased by Luke C. Sharrett from John Doyle of Fayetteville, North Carolina in July 2017. Originally chocolate brown, Mr. Sharrett converted it to resemble a wartime MB by painting it olive drab, replacing the grill and adding a spare tire mount. It was then purchased by longtime Museum volunteer Dennis A. Stewart in February 2019 and subsequently donated to the Museum by him in August 2024.