Where are the 1952's

[jeffb]

were there less 1952 universals produced?  It seems you do not see many 52's.  Year I was born and if I really sink a lot into a cj3a I'd like to have a 52.  Thanks for your insight.  jeffb

[Tumbleweed]

Interesting you should ask that question. I was also looking for a '52. My birth year as well - thought I had found one advertised as a 52 when I got it home and checked the S/N I found out it was a '49. Oh well it's a CJ and I can always keep searching. If you do find one advertised check the S/N 1st! Don't wait too long though as these things sell pretty fast if they are priced right and they look to be in good shape.

[Gunslinger]

Ok so I don't know the answer to your question so take this at face value, I had read somewhere that when Willys introduced the the CJ5, they had the CJ3B available at the same time, and the price was just a tad different, it was close enough that you would be silly to buy the 3B because of the extra size of the 5.  I'm not sure on the roll out date there, I have a 52 M38A1, so the cj 5 had to in there somewhere.  Is it possible that the CJ3B replaced the 3A in 52, and the 5 replaced the 3B in like 54?  I'm guessing and Bill will know, but I think the 52 3A may have been close to the end of the road.?? Just guessing.

[jeffb]

Thanks for the notes back guys.  I posted this on the cj2a page as well.  A few more comments but nothing definate.  someone indicated there were considerably less 52's made.  I'm getting more interested in a 52 all time.  Anyone have one for sale?

[F Bill]

http://www.public.asu.edu/~grover/willys/serial.html

Here is some production info. I think it says the 3B started in 53, and the 5 even later. But you can see how willys was trying to scramble and get something more modern than the 3A by the early 50's...By then the WWII inspired design was getting a little old and maybe stale to some, and with Chevy having the small block V8 available the flathead four was getting anemic by the standards of the day. Rememebr that was when the consumer age was starting and bigger was always better, new and improved was the word of the day. It was a golden age for cars but unfortunately it meant the demise of a simpler time and simpler automobiles.