1970 kaiser jeep cj5

CJ-5 Illustration

In 1955, under new leadership by Kaiser Industries, Willys Motors began to promote their newest member of the CJ series, the CJ-5, a model that marked a significant departure from the "flat-fender" CJs, with its rounded front fender design and squeezed grille (to accommodate larger headlights). Influenced by the Korean War M38A1 Jeep, the CJ-5 included updates such as rounded fenders, a hood and body made of heavy gauge sheet metal, a larger windshield frame, increased length on the riding springs, form fitting front adjustable bucket seats, a deeper, back-lit instrument panel, rear seating options for 4 passengers, and a new passenger car type handbrake located to the left of the driver underneath the instrument panel.

In 1965, the CJ-5 and CJ-6 four-cylinder Willys Hurricane Engine was supplemented with 155 hp (116kW), as a result of Kaiser having purchased the casting rights to the Buick 225 cu in (3.7 L) V6 Dauntless.