The First CJ-5

I have found what I believe to be the first CJ-5 ever built. Enclosed are the photos. Enjoy and comment.

 

If there ever was a CJ that was ment to be restored THAT is the one.

 

where and how did you come across?

dig the cutaway wheel and the generator underneith is interesting.

is it in a museum?

 

That is not a generator underneath. It's an electric motor used to rotate the mechanicals for the viewing public. It's my understanding that this vehicle was made by Willys to introduce the "new" CJ-5 to the public -- at Autorama shows, etc. The Jeep is hanging from the ceiling of a top-notch Willys restorer (perhaps the best in the country). He has all kinds of historical Willys items and truly odd-ball CJs (yes, I'll post photos of them a well). Extremely knowledgeable. Let me ask him if it's OK, before I reveal who he is. For the record, I told him that the Jeep belongs in -- not just any museum -- but the Smithsonian. Why? It's my understanding that the CJ-5 was one of the, if not the, most mass produced civilian Jeep in history. The Jeep is just as much as symbol of the United States as apple pie and baseball. And the Smithsonian isthe ultimate museum of Americana.

 

I agree. I had to "resize" the pics to upload them to the site, but I have the original hi-res photos. I'd be happy to send them in for permanent posting.

 

Here are some more photos. View attachment 24815

View attachment 24816

View attachment 24817

View attachment 24818 Enjoy.

 

How do I upload more photos? My quota of attachments was exceeded. So I deleted my stored attachments, but it deleted the photos on the original post. I re-post the photos, but please advise.

 

I got myself a Photobucket account (free) and cut and paste the IMG code. That way photos show up in my posts, click free. This method doesn't use up my attachment allotment on Sparky's server.

 

Please explain the Photobucket process. In the meantime, here is a re-post of the serial number plate. View attachment 24819

 

Wiping drool from chin, Thanks for sharing. Thats good stuff!

 

Holy crap. Speechless.

 

I'd like to find out exactly what "ST CH" means. Perhaps Static Chassis (as in display/show vehicle)?

 

I got in too late to see the first pics. Please post them again.:v6:

 

...and to top it off, I think I've come up with a solution to my JEEP storage problem.

 

ST CH = Stripped Chassis

 

Holey Moley! I love it! #10001!!!

 

of all the jeeps out there.... the fact that Cj5 #1 has survived all these years.

wow...