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The Willys Station Wagon: A Classic?
1946 Willys Jeep Wagon
Probably not unless you've been to a Willys car show or willys wagon owners club! Even then these pieces of American history have not been as popular with rebuilders as say the old CJ's or Military Jeeps. However, they are gaining in popularity. Some have been restored while others have been
upgraded (modernized) or hot-rodded. Parts are relatively easy to find with the exception of certain models. So, where did these boxy wagons come from? The Willys station wagon was built from around 1947 as a 2-wheel drive only until 1949 when the 4-wheel drive models were introduced.
1949 Willys Station Wagon Note: Before the Willys station wagon Willys-Overland built some of the original "Universal" style Jeeps for the military during World War II.
Kaiser continued to develop and sell the Willys wagons until 1965 when they were replaced by the Jeep Wagoneer. These little wagons were the first civilian Jeeps Willys built differing from the design
of their "Universal" styles such as the CJ2A, CJ3A, and CJ3B.
They were initially quite under-powered
for their size and weight especially in 4-wheel drive operation. Later models were upgraded with more
powerful engines solving the puny power puzzle, although never quite race ready by any means.
Restored 1960 Willys Jeep Station Wagon The Willys wagons were advertised to attract those with families and/or to double as a closed van or truck for various hauling jobs. Sounds a lot like an SUV ad today, doesn't it? My personal take on the old Jeep station wagons by Willys is that they are really quite cool looking and have great
restorability. I like the Jeep look. It retains the tough utilitarian shape and style that Jeep
should never lose sight of...ever!
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