This 1969 Jeep recently listed for sale on eBay might look familiar. You’ll immediately recognize the vintage model's pressed steel grille, wide flat fenders, simple lighting, and signature windshield design. But wait a second. This all-American Jeep—among the most iconic US vehicles of all time—was built in Japan.
Take note: Mitsubishi Motors obtained a license from the Willys-Knight Company to produce the off-road vehicles in 1953. The company started building the venerable Jeep soon after—an output that continued until 1998.
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American Blueprint, Japanese Manufacturing
The Mitsubishi J20c available on eBay was imported into the United States by Nick Prorokovic, director at Old Skool Imports in Katy, Tex. The Mitsu-Jeep is a street-legal, titled, right-hand drive Jeep imported from Kyushu, Japan, in 2020.
Prorokovic imports European and Japanese vehicles into the United States under the 25-year exemption. That law states that a motor vehicle at least 25 years old can be legally imported regardless of US laws related to emissions and safety.
The Mitsubishi J20c used specifications from the Jeep CJ3B Universal, first produced by Willys-Overland in 1953. That same year, Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser-Frazer Corp, which used the Willys Motors name until 1964.
Because the Mitsubishi Jeep is a blueprint copy of the America version, most Willys mechanical parts available on eBay - opens in new window or tab. will fit the Japanese variant. The body is specific to Mitsubishi.
Shift It With Your Left Hand
This Mitsubishi JH4 gets power from Jeep’s 2.2L Hurricane engine—a 69-horsepower, 134ci inline four-cylinder introduced in 1950. The engine did not appear in Jeep CJ vehicles until 1953.
The engine remained in production until 1971 after the American Motors Corporation purchased Kaiser Jeep.
Americans would need to get used to the three-on-the-tree column shifter. This is a right-hand-drive vehicle - opens in new window or tab., so you shift with your left hand.
The Japanese Jeep shows about 12,000 miles. But the seller can’t confirm that’s a correct reading. The model for sale has a new brake master cylinder - opens in new window or tab. and booster.
Prorokovic notes that a previous owner repaired the floorboards with fiberglass, but the rest of the body is dry and solid. He explains that no US Willys Jeeps used this specific style body and claims that fewer than 10 of these Mitsubishi versions exist in the United States. “They are even rare in Japan,” he said.
Simple Mechanicals and a Rugged Appearance
Mitsubishi sold about 200,000 of these Jeeps in various configurations. But very few of them landed in the United States. The company stopped producing the Jeeps in 1998 when Japan issued stricter emissions and safety standards.
Based on its appearance, this diminutive off-roader is ready to take on dirt trails and large rocks. The Jeep features Big Mickey Thompson wheels - opens in new window or tab. with BF Goodrich mud tires - opens in new window or tab., modified rear fender flares with side steps, and the requisite sizable front-mounted floodlights.
The seller says the body shows a bit of wear and blemishes. But overall, it's in excellent condition. The two-tone dark gray over light gray paint scheme looks sharp.
The seller points out that the Jeep’s simple mechanicals—no computers needed—provide precise steering. That was not necessarily the case for all early Jeep CJs. He concludes:
Everything is tight and smooth and is an absolute blast to drive.
Mitsubishi’s Jeep variant was discontinued in Japan. But the popular Mahindra marque still builds another variation in India. That speaks to the enduring legacy of the Jeep design and its lasting influence around the world.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.