January 0001
The original Mitsubishi Jeep was derived from the Jeep CJ-3A and about 550 were built under licence for the Japanese police and forestry rangers in 1952 and 1953. Named J1 and J2, these were powered bu the original 2.2 litre flathead four Willys 'Go-Devil' engine with T-90 3-speed transmission including low range and four wheel drive.
The CJ-3B replaced the CJ-3A in July 1953 and had a higher bonnet with taller radiator grille in order to clear a new overhead valve 68HP 'Hurricane' engine. This was built under licence by Mahindra in India and by Mitsubishi in Japan. A four speed transmission was optional from 1963. The word 'Jeep' was embossed in the sides of the engine cover. It continued in production in Japan until August 1998.
During that time Mitsubishi converted the Jeep to right hand drive and fitted a variety of its own engines, including a diesel. The Jeep in Mitsubishi's heritage collection has a 2.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine. More than 200,000 were built.
See Wikipedia entry Jeep CJ
A real Jeep that remained in production until August 1998.
Possibly not the greatest on-road drive.
