Jeeps

CJ3B

A Willys CJ3B.

The CJ3B came into production in 1953, when Willys Overland was sold to Kaiser. It was in production till 1968, when it was shut down. The newer CJ3B became the only "Jeep" to feature a High Bonnet for the newer and powerful "Hurricane" engine. Although it stopped manufacturing in the States in late 60's it continued to manufacture in countries like Japan and India. In India it was manufactured till 2010.

The CJ3B had a higher front grille, higher bonnet ( hence it's name ) and a powerful "Hurricane" engine. It also had a T-90 gearbox. The 2.2L "Hurricane" produced 75H.P at 6500 R.P.M. It's 80in. wheelbase made it easy to take it Off-road. Willys 'high bonnet' had "WILLYS" stamped on the front grille, tail gate and on the sides of the bonnet. It was a major success all round the world. Many companies manufactured CJ3B on license from Willys Kaiser.

A Government Willys CJ3B in India

JEEP CJ3B (India) Made in the 70's

In India, CJ3B was manufactured by Mahindra & Mahindra, on license from Willys Kaiser. Earlier, back in the 40's, K.C Mahindra of India started assembling Willys Jeeps in India. Till the 70's Mahindra assembled and sold Willys CJ3B's in India. When the license expired, it started making Mahindra Jeeps, powered by the International Harvester diesel engine (during the oil crisis of the 70's) and then their own DI engines. These Jeeps were made on the same blueprint of the CJ3B, but were called Major and Commander.

Mahindra also made CJ3B's on license from "JEEP" in the early 70's. they had "JEEP" stamped on the front grille and the tail gate. These too were powered by the "Hurricane" engine. Such Jeeps were made for a very short duration and were widely used by the Government agencies like the police, agricultural department, etc.

In Japan, CJ3B were made by Mitsubishi, on license from Willys Kaiser. Here they were called J3, instead of CJ. Mitsubishi made CJ3B's till 1998, when production had to be stopped because of stricter emission laws. It was powered by a 2.2L "Hurricane" which was Japan produced, giving 70H.P at 3000 R.P.M. In later years, it featured a longer wheelbase and a locallly produced overhead valves diesel engines, but it was only after 1955. It was produced from 1953 until 1998. Here too it was widely used by Government agencies, mainly the Forest office.