CJ2-12 is a 1944 CJ-2 Agrijeep prototype that was assigned to
Doughoregan Manor Farm in Maryland. Willys-Overland, in conjunction with
Cornell University and the Grange League Federation Cooperative Association,
tested this jeep on this farm from 1944 to 1945. The owner of this farm was a progressive
farmer who enjoyed new agricultural methods. The farm itself is a National
Historic Landmark because it is the ancestral home of Charles Carroll III, one
of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The farm dates back to
1702.
This jeep may have been the first jeep formally
demonstrated to the public. A. Wade Wells eluded to this in his period
book "Hail to the Jeep". During the war, there was a government regulation
(Priority Regulation No. 23) that restricted public demonstrations of new
vehicles. He visited Doughoregan Manor Farm shortly after this regulation
was lifted for a demonstration of the jeep.
The above photo was taken by William Powell, the farm manager during that time. He was on hand during the demonstration and filled A. Wade Wells in on the testing during his visit in writing his book.
Hail to the Jeep - 1946
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| CJ2-12 in 1988. Original body was replaced with
a GPW body as some point prior to 1976. |
CJ2-12 in 1988. The original windshield was replaced
with a CJ-2A one in the past. |
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| CJ2-12 in 1988. Hole pattern in the rear cross
member is a dead giveaway that this jeep had the early dual shaft PTO gear
box originally in 1944. William Powell's son (who was 8 years old
and present at the time of the testing remembers his dad performing belt
work.) |
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| Hoop Brush Guard on Restored Frame |
Hoop Brush Guard on Restored Frame |
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| Fenders, Grille and Brush Guard on CJ2-12's Restored
Frame |
Fenders, Grille and Brush Guard on CJ2-12's Restored
Frame |
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| CJ2-12's Frame after Patching of Holes |
CJ2-12's new windshield. Panel was made on a
custom wood block using CJ2-14's windshield as a template. |
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| Cowl and firewall have all non-original holes
patched. |
Windshield tubing was a nice original CJ-2A
windshield frame that was carefully cut down to the correct height. |
