Who would have thought 67 years ago that Jeep would become the juggernaut that it is today? It and a certain truck brand are responsible for holding up the profitability of an entire international automobile manufacturer. Times change and vehicles change with them but Jeep still stands for off-road, go-anywhere adventure just like it did in 1953 when this Willys Station Wagon, the creator, and predecessor of today’s Jeep, was built. This example is located in Malibu, California and available here on eBay for a current bid of $5,725, sixteen bids tendered so far.
True enough, many Jeep owners don’t use their modern rides for their intended purpose but most Jeeps, that are equipped with four-wheel drive, are capable of much greater off-the-pavement antics than they’ll ever see cruising a suburban setting.
If I had to describe this Willys station wagon with one word, it would be “Utilitarian”. But that’s these rolled in ’53 and for many years thereafter. The seller states that he found this Willys in a barn, did some preparatory work on the brakes, fuel system and suspension and now it’s ready to go. Unfortunately, the images don’t zoom but from what can be seen, this Willys looks very original with a sound body and a fair two-tone finish that belies its 67 years. It has some scrapes, minor surface rust and a faded finish but it shows really well. It says, “I’m here to work!”
The interior is seriously spartan! But again, that’s how these utility vehicles were in those days, a sort of SUV without the “S”. Admittedly, it doesn’t look too comfortable or a place where you would want to spend a lot of windshield time but it would be right at home surveying your north 40 assuming you have a north 40. The only pertinent observation that I have is that the seats, rear ones, in particular, don’t look that well attached but perhaps that is something minor.
Under the hood is a 134 CI, in-line, four-cylinder engine that develops 72 gross HP. Per the seller, “It runs well but needs someone to spend a little time on tuning it up a bit more.” He further adds that this Jeep shifts well; ditto for the clutch. The transmission is a three-speed manual with an integrated transfer case for four-wheel drive engagement. Based on these statements, it doesn’t sound like the engine/drivetrain needs anything significant. The mileage is listed as just shy of 29K though it’s usually a meaningless measure on a vehicle of this age. It would be helpful to know from an engine life expectancy perspective, however.
This is about as original an old vehicle as you will find; original, running, working and, I gather, road-worthy. There are many different directions you could take this Willys but it seems that the best direction may be to keep it as is, maintain it and just enjoy it. What say you?
These and their pickup truck kin were another very popular ranch rigs around here; eventually they got older and cost more to keep roadworthy than what they were worth so they became ranch trucks for the help to change the sprinklers in the alfalfa fields, fix fences and the like, after which they were left to rot or sold for parts/scrap..
Still a few around though and running strong. Would’ve liked to have been the one that found this!
Another great find, I’m sure leiniedude will agree. Created for a time when just about everyone had a farm. For a while they pulled double duty, back 40 or slow ( cold) ride to town in all weather, but for today fall horribly short. They just weren’t designed for modern travel, and to do so with this as is, is foolhardy. I think people not familiar with these, find out pretty quick, it’s not your new Rubicon. I can hear it now, how different could it be? Don’t get me wrong, I love them and there was a time when this was state of the art, and still can be fun in a limited situation, but a poor road vehicle, trust me, I had one. Going to take a chunk of change to make it right, or better yet, like most of these, and goes against all FFW protocol, just drop the body on a modern chassis be done with it.
Ah, yes. I’m working on one of these, a ’51, long-term, and the more I get to know it, the more I like it. Maybe it’s a bit slow compared to other vehicles but big deal- for a town runabout, grocery getter and errand runner, it’s tops. It lives its life sub-45 MPH but that’s okay by me as that is what it was designed to do.
The F-head’s a sweet-running, durable little guy, the systems are straightforward to work on, yeah- this one of those vehicles that inspires a lot of affection.
Pretty nice shape for 1953. Looks like the Jeep from “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World” movie.
Definitely amateur hour with the rear brake line…yikes.
Wish there were better underside pictures of the floors and such, as Malibu residency can prove to be a salty one.
Nice wagon, I tried to buy it about a year or so ago, but the ad was pulled. it’s been on eBay at least 3 times so far.
A Willys is like a Model A (or similar): an original one presents a set of challenges as a daily driver today, but also brings out a unique joy for slowing down to simpler times.
The advantage of the wagon over the Willys truck is that the truck cab is quite small. Depending on torso versus length of leg, the tight truck cab often limits how tall one can be to safely drive it.
In any case, this one looks great. Good luck to the seller, and I hope the buyer makes their way over to http://www.OldWillysForum.com, which is a little slice of paradise on the internet.
A truly classic Post War Willys utility wagon. Doesn’t need a radio, because you would not be able to hear it over the whining of the square cut gears in the driveline anyways. Gets you anywhere you want to go……eventually.
Reminiscing and sentimental value is all there is to these. They’re very basic uncomfortable hard riding vehicles that require a great deal of love and maintenance. But to each his/her own.
God bless America
Well, you guys nailed it. Sure, it takes some work to keep them going, like any old rig. But for me it is worth the work when trekking through snow or up an old logging trail. Dan is right on with the OWF. Great people and great knowledge!
Biggest problem with any pre-1960 ride is the 6 volt electrics. They weren’t up to the task then and certainly aren’t up to it today. If you’re willing to live with its limitations then go for it. Try finding 6 volt halogen headlamps.
My dailies are pre-12V VWs, and they work juuuust fine.
Go spend some time at Cold War Motors where they are always cold starting pre war cars in sub zero Alberta. 12 volt is an improvement but we made do with six for half a century.
While I agree on a 12v conversion, mostly for convenience, I never had any trouble with 6 volt and I had a lot of 6 volt vehicles. You’re right, ANY 6 volt lights are hard to find, ( 2, 6 volt round head lights showed up at our local resale shop), even 12v round, on my ’77 GMC might be a hassle. Some crook on Ebay probably has one for $50 bucks. Get a truck 6 volt, heavy cables, that starter will spin like Stevie Nicks.
luv da red clay dust all over, can just smell it (“Ahhhh…”).
Not out of place in Georgia or Alabama either.
Just runnin it to the suburban quick mart could B an ‘experience”
(“Now where’s I put those spare points?” & “What alternator?”).
Now I remember Y we luv’em…
Well… I bought it. Wish me luck!
So far seems to be a pretty honest ol truck. The guy I bought it off of was great. It’s great. Needs a bit of sorting such as door locks, etc. there are no signals or mirrors at this point so I need to sort that out. Like the internet says…45mph with a howl of those straight cut gears is something magical on the PCH. It’s going to be my hauler for my house renovation now, then my surfboard followed by some wine tours with the dogs and my lady. The motor was sorted and it runs like a dream. So damn quiet. Radiator was flushed as well as the fuel lines and tank. Brakes are strong, but need a few things sorted. Should be fun for a while. Thinking a warn overdrive unit may be in the future.
Well done, Brice. IMHO you’ll probably have a whole lot of fun with it, and the fact that they’re tough as nails it’ll run forever..
Nevadahalfrack
Congrats, Brice. Great buy.
You might want to check out http://www.OldWillysForum.com. Great help. Great people. Great resources.
Seems that the starter is acting up a bit here as in it spins but does not engage. Did all the tap tricks and ran the rig after bump start so pretty sure it’s not the flywheel. That said, now that it’s a 12v does anyone make a reasonable starter for this thing I can get at autozone?? Thanks guys
Probably just needs a starter drive.
God bless America
Maybe just some brushes. Guess I’m late to the game.