1948 Max-Bilt Willys Jeep Gets Second Life
It's not every day you get to see a 1948 Willy's Jeep on display, let alone on the road. Here's one that Max-Bilt Off Road restored, drove cross country, and put on display at SEMA.
The Green Hornet
Max-Bilt Offroad brought this 1948 Willys Jeep CJ-2A, dubbed "Green Hornet," back to its former glory. Once nestled at a deer camp in Northern Wisconsin, this Jeep's main job was to haul game, supplies, and hunters for deer drives. In the winter, it served as a snow plow rig to keep the roadway clear.
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Road Tested
Since being brought back to life, it has driven over 2,200 miles from the Canadian border North of Babb, Montana, all the way down to the US/Mexican border crossing in El Paso, Texas, as part of the epic Willys Adventure.
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Unveiled at SEMA 2018
We came across it at SEMA 2018 and can't quite get it out of our minds, which is why were are sharing these photos.
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Birth of the Civilian Jeep
As World War II was coming to a close, Willys-Overland pondered the development of a civilian jeep that it could market beyond the scope of the militarized MB, leading to the first mass-production of the CJ-2A in 1945. First drafts of the CJ-2A included the CJ-1 and CJ-2 (also known as the Agrijeep), of which only six are known to have survived.
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Similar but Different
The CJ-2A resembled its military ancestor with a tailgate and side mounted spare tire. However, there are certain characteristics of the CJ-2A that make it easier to distinguish from the Willys MB. The headlights are larger and flush-mounted on the CJ-2A and the grille was reduced from 9 slots to 7. Additionally, the heftier CJ-2A T-90 transmission replaced the MB’s T-84.
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From the Battlefield to the Farm
Willys-Overland originally marketed the CJ-2A for farming, ranching, and other industrial and agricultural applications. Options were abundant on the CJ-2A, including extra equipment such as a rear seat, center rear view mirror, front passenger seat, canvas top, front PTO, rear PTO, belt pulley drive, capstan winch, governor, rear hydraulic lift, snow plow, welder, generator, mower disc, front bumper weight, heavy duty springs, dual vacuum windshield wipers, dual taillights, hot-climate radiator, driveshaft guards, heater, side steps, and radiator brush guard. In 1949, the Willys-Overland replaced the CJ-2A with the CJ-3A, which it produced until 1953.
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Max-Bilt Off Road
Max-Bilt is passionate about Jeeps. They customize and completely restore Jeeps as well as manufacture and sell custom accessories for your Jeep. We know that not everyone understands our love of Jeeps. Their aim is to help you bring out the best in your Jeep so that others can appreciate what magnificent vehicles they are. Max-Bilt Off Road and Mfg is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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