This 1956 Willys Station Wagon has been off the road for a few years, used as a rig on the previous owner’s property. Because of that, it’s fallen out of the California DMV system, which means all sorts of paperwork and fees if the next owner is in sunny California. You shouldn’t let that stop you, however, as it looks quite tidy. Find the Willys here on eBay with an asking price of $6K and the option to submit a best offer.
The seller says confidently that there’s no body rot to speak of, thanks to its long-term California residence. Blue plates offer a clue as to how long it’s been non-registered for road use, but the seller says it still runs quite well with the original “Hurricane” six-cylinder engine running smoothly. All glass is said to be sound, but the listing says the wind vents are in poor condition.
The interior may not be perfect, but at least the original rear seats are present – and it sounds like most of the paneling has been stripped out, with the need for a new headliner noted. The seller details some recent mechanical work, including a complete refresh of the braking system and new manual locking front hubs. The gas tank has also been refurbished with a new fuel pump installed.
Of course, if those California fees are unappealing or the trip too far, we do have this rugged Willys Pickup listed here as a Barn Finds Exclusive, just one member of the large Georgia junkyard collection we are helping to clean out. Reach out to me via the form on either page to inquire about a specific vehicle, such as this Willys Pickup.
It’s good that the brake system has had a refreshing.
I had a 61 with the 262 super hurricane motor!! The thing was a beast!! Wish I had it today
I bet leiniedude feels pretty good seeing these prices, like when I see a $10g square body, but as shown, nobody is bidding on it.( and I’d like to see what those $10g square bodies really sell for) Great vehicles, and few places have these in this condition. I never see one in Colorado, mostly because, they don’t go well in the wide open spaces. They just weren’t made to go fast, made for a different time. I don’t see these bringing half this. It takes too much to make them “modern day” compliant.
“Out of the system” can mean a few things.
1. Getting a new title is actually straightforward in California. You submit a signed statement of facts, pay a small fee, and wait a while. If there are no leins on the rig, you get a new title. Easy peasy.
2. If it still is on the CA DMV system, but has years of no fees paid, then that’s also easy, but $$$.
3. It’s cheap and simple to do “non-op” status for rigs that are parked or not used on public roads, but if the previous owner did not, then then the new buyer has to pay a lot of back fees.
4. AAA can really help here. Their $80 annual membership fee is peanuts.
If the body and frame are solid, this would be a very nice buy for somebody – rustbucket Willys wagons are easy to find, there’s 2 of them just in my neighborhood.
If a car has tremendous old fees due, if you can register it out of state then bring it back to California you will find the fees disappeared when you re-register it. It works.