I find the study of automotive fallen flags an interesting historical exercise, and those that disappeared long ago, such as Willys, even more so. Today’s foray into that world involves a 1953 Willys Aero Eagle, a discovery courtesy of Lothar of the Hill People. This Appleton, Wisconsin, find is in very nice condition and is sporting a non-original powertrain. Here on Facebook Marketplace is where you’ll find this rarely encountered compact, and it’s available for $9,500, OBO.
Willys dates to the earliest part of the twentieth century and, combined with the acquired Overland Automotive, conducted business as Willys-Overland Motors. While best known for the military Jeep, they did have some post-WWII passenger automobile business. The early fifties were a time of automotive consolidation, as independent companies such as Willys-Overland were fighting the automotive Goliath, comprised of the Big Three: GM, Ford, and Chrysler Corp. Willys combined with Kaiser in 1953 and by 1955 was essentially out of the passenger car business in the U.S. entirely. The combined company did continue auto production in Brazil, but that’s another story entirely. Willys lineup for ’53 included the Aero Eagle, Ace, and Falcon, with the Eagle being produced in two and four-door body styles. Considered a compact, the Eagle rode on a 108″ wheelbase and stretched out to a length of 183 inches. While I couldn’t find individual production numbers by Willys model, I can state that their 1953 production volume, in total, amounted to 42K units, rendering a seventeenth-place finish in the great domestic automotive production race. They did edge out Lincoln, however, by 1,000 cars. Presentation-wise, this Aero Eagle shows extremely well. The dark green finish has nice depth, and there’s no indication of rust or panel damage. It’s the same story with the chrome and stainless trim – nice luster with all of it still in place.
The original 90 HP, 161 CI “Hurricane” six-cylinder engine has been swapped for a 1966 vintage Ford 200 CI, in-line six, making the rear wheel connection via a Ford C4 automatic transmission (sorry for the poor image). There’s no mention of running or driving characteristics, though the seller does state that this Willys has been outfitted with electric power steering.
If the interior looks new, that’s because it is; the upholstery panels and seating material have been replaced. The two-tone white and green vinyl is the perfect match to this car’s exterior hue, and it presents a bright, clean, and welcoming environment.
The steering wheel and instrument panel are atypical for the era and appear to be in excellent condition. It’s nice to see the inclusion of seat belts! Oh, and note the steering column; it seems that an aftermarket turn signal assembly was added. I haven’t seen one of those in many moons.
What a great curiosity item this Willys Aero is! I’m sure there are many who have no familiarity with the brand and have never encountered one. And that’s the reason for the dive into these discontinued brands – the American automotive scene is littered with manufacturers that came and then went for a whole host of reasons. This would be a neat little car to own and a real attention-getter at your local car show, wouldn’t you agree?
You’d be the only one in your neighborhood to have one, that’s for sure! GLWTS.
When I was a boy, we lived one mile from the Willys Overland plant in Toledo, Ohio. Jeeps are still made in Toledo, but at a new location. After moving to the suburbs, Dad needed a go to work car, though he didn’t work at Willys. He bought a 14 year old Willys Aero for $75. The car drove well and was economical as it was equiped with overdrive. I learned how to drive a stick shift in that car. He owned the car three years and sold it for $50. It had 99000 miles on the clock. Dad loved that car.