When you hear the name Willys, there’s a good chance your mind goes straight to the heavily modified hot rods that have become familiar sights in the hobby. But here’s something a little different: a 1937 Willys Model 37 four-door sedan that the seller describes as an original car. Listed on Facebook Marketplace in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for $13,500, this blue Willys has reportedly received considerable work over the years while retaining the character of an older sedan. Thanks for the tip, Zappenduster!
The seller’s description is fairly brief, but it provides an interesting glimpse into the car’s past. According to the ad, a previous owner performed a substantial amount of work on the Willys approximately 30 years ago. The seller doesn’t specify exactly what was done, so there’s no way to determine whether that work involved a restoration, mechanical repairs, cosmetic improvements, or some combination of those things.
What makes that history particularly interesting is the reported use since then. The seller estimates that the Willys has covered approximately 5,000 miles since the work was completed. Facebook Marketplace separately displays 96,000 miles, although the listing doesn’t establish whether that figure represents the car’s verified lifetime mileage.
The Willys is finished in blue and equipped with a manual transmission. The listing also identifies gasoline as its fuel type, but there’s no information about the engine or the transmission’s specifications. Those are details an interested buyer would want to discuss before making the trip to Stillwater.
Another encouraging part of the description concerns the car’s body history. The seller says the Willys originally came from Washington State and reports seeing no evidence that it has ever undergone rust or collision repairs. They also suggest it was probably a nice original example before the previous owner began working on it. That’s a positive assessment, although it’s worth remembering that the seller is describing what they have observed rather than providing a documented history of the car. An inspection would be the best way to evaluate the body and determine what work was performed decades ago. There are also several things the advertisement doesn’t address. The seller doesn’t specifically state whether the Willys currently runs and drives, what condition the interior is in, or whether any mechanical issues need attention. No title information is provided in the supplied listing details.
Still, there’s something appealing about finding a 1937 Willys four-door sedan being offered without an elaborate modification story. The combination of its claimed original character, work completed by a previous owner, and relatively limited reported use since that work gives enthusiasts plenty of reasons to investigate further.
At $13,500, this Willys could appeal to someone who appreciates an older sedan and wants to learn more about its history before deciding what comes next.
Sometimes you get something that’s really unique, attractive and somewhat homely at the same time. The first time I saw this body style was on a pickup, which I’m sure was just like a lot of American vehicles back then; same chassis and front end, different body.
Although I’d prefer the pickup version of this, you could park this car at my place and I’d enjoy it.
I’m with Geomechs, I think I like that pickup a little more. Although, a matching pickup AND a Sedan would be really neat to see at a show together. I like this sedan, you don’t see many of these at all.
Wha choo talking bout, Willys?
Great looking car at a reasonable price, if it checks out well and gets the OK, Stillwater!
The pickup truck looks like something out of a Betty Boop cartoon. I love it.