Throwback Thursday: ’53 Willys Overland CJ-3B Restored to Automobile Club Southern California Emergency Service Guise
In 1953 the Willys Overland CJ-3B replaced 3-wheel motorcycles in the Automobile Club Southern California Emergency Service fleet.
These days it is possible to buy extremely luxurious and expensive Jeeps to take you off-road or the local country club. But it wasn’t always that way. As most people know the Jeep name was made famous by being versatile and utilitarian. They transported soldiers, delivered the mail, and worked on the farm. That is how the Jeep legend was born. There was nothing they couldn’t do. This was a fact that the Automobile Club Southern California (ACSC) recognized back in 1953 when they placed the Willys Overland CJ-3B in their emergency service fleet.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” is all about this 1953 Willys Overland CJ-3B. This special Jeep was recently on display at the 2022 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. It has been restored to look just like it did in 1953 when it was part of the ACSC emergency service fleet. The Jeep may have led a difficult life but today it looks better than it ever has. Let’s take a look back at what made the CJ-3B so special.
Harley Out, Jeep In
Beginning in 1935 the ACSC used the Harley-Davidson Servicar 3-wheel motorcycle in their emergency service patrol. They did the job for a while, but in the aftermath of World War II surplus Jeeps began to replace the aging motorcycles. Not only were the Jeeps widely available but they were rugged and adaptable. 70 years later you can still say the same. The Jeeps in the Auto Club had a custom fabricated rear utility box. That utility box could hold tools and equipment to help any stranded motorists.
1953 CJ-3B
In 1953 the CJ-3B was born to replace the CJ-2A. Compared to that previous model the CJ-3B had a taller hood and grille so the new ‘Hurricane’ four-cylinder engine could fit. The ACSC phased in this new model. The utility box received a push bumper, a loudspeaker system and a two-way radio. It would be the core vehicle in the ACSC emergency service fleet for several years. The Jeep pictured here is a perfect example.
Highway Expansion
In 1957 the freeway network was quickly expanding in Southern California. As a result, the ACSC began to phase out the Willys Overland CJ-3B and replace them with pickup trucks. How boring. But not all of the Jeeps were replaced. Several Jeeps were kept for when a small, nimble and off-road capable vehicle was needed for rescue duty. In addition, some were kept around for special events such as parades and fairs. Is there a better parade vehicle even today than a CJ-3B? Can you picture an Independence Day parade without one?
Service Jeeps Today
No automobile club today uses a CJ-3B as its main service vehicle for obvious reasons. However, that does not mean that Jeep is out of the service vehicle game. Around the country you will find many Jeep vehicles in fire and rescue service. For example, Fresno County in California still has a Jeep Rescue Unit that has been active since 1965. The Willys Overland CJ-3B helped to begin that tradition.
Photos: Derin Richardson