Willys Jeepster 1951
General description :
FRAME-OFF RESTORATION, STOCK BUILD, 161 I6 LIGHTNING, 3-SPEED, BEAUTIFUL WAGON!!
First of all, it's pronounced "Willis" and there's no apostrophe; if you're going to own something as cool as this frame-off restored 1951 Willys station wagon, you may as well get it right. Stylish yet built to work hard, these tough little wagons provide the kind of nostalgia that drives the hobby, yet still make sense in today's world, something that can't be said of many hobby vehicles.
It's impossible to ignore the Jeep DNA running through this wagon's veins, although it was the upscale, suburbanized alternative to WWII's favorite 4x4. The light-colored inserts were perhaps meant to recall wood wagons of the past, although this one is 100% steel, so no worries about maintenance. Flat-top front fenders and the traditional Jeep grille were part of the deal, too, lending this wagon a tough, can-do attitude that remains appealing even more than half a century later. The restoration is a few years old and it never makes sense to turn something like this into a trailer queen, so it's not perfect. However, if you want one that you can use on a regular basis but that will also be welcome at any show you attend, this is a fantastic choice. The blue paint shines up nicely, the bodywork is in good order with no signs of rust belt issues, and the chrome is far nicer than you'd expect for a commercial vehicle like this. The spare tire moved inside, but you do get two taillights out back which pivot on their mounts so they're still visible when the tailgate is down.
You can fit six inside on the split bench seats, which are neatly divided to allow good access. The black vinyl upholstery is tough enough for everyday use and has a pleated pattern that works well in this 1950s hauler. There are carpets up front, which were a real luxury in something like this, while the rear area has wooden rub strips for durability. The oversized steering wheel makes the unassisted steering feel light and agile around town and all the gauges are clustered in the center of the dash, Jeep-style. It's basic, yes, but basic is good when you need uncompromising reliability. Three-on-the-tree shifting frees up room for a center passenger and this was a bare-bones machine, so no radio, no heater, and even the turn signals are an aftermarket addition, but all of that adds to this Willys' appeal.
The engine is the upgraded 161 cubic inch inline-6, called the "Lightning" for reasons that aren't altogether apparent. What it is, is durable, reliable, and torquey, perfect for the Willys all-purpose mission. It's rebuilt and nicely detailed with bright green engine enamel, an oversized air cleaner designed for harsh environments, and easy service access. Parts are still plentiful and if you can't keep this thing running well, then you probably shouldn't be playing with old cars. A big radiator keeps it cool even in the hottest weather and the 2-barrel carburetor adds a few horsepower. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts easily and there are gears in back that are a nice compromise between working in the field and going into town. Rigid axles, leaf springs, and a grumbling single exhaust are ties to its military, but this one is so clean that it's hard to believe that it ever worked for a living. Steel wheels with Willys hubcaps, trim rings, and great-looking knobby 235/75/15 truck tires complete the look.
This is an easy machine to like. Practical, attractive, and there's probably nothing more American than a Jeep-based station wagon. Call today!
Features : Vinyl Interior
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/3068-atl/1951-willys-station-wagon
1951 Willys Jeepster is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $23995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Willys Model : Jeepster Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1951 Sub type : Station wagon Location : Atlanta
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About Willys
The Willys-Overland Company, later known simply as Willys, was an American automobile manufacturer that played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of the story of Willys:Early Years:
Founding: The company was founded by John North Willys in 1908 in Toledo, Ohio, initially as the Willys-Overland Motor Company. John Willys acquired the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company, which produced the Overland automobile.
Early Success: Willys-Overland experienced success in the early 1910s, producing vehicles like the Overland Model 79, which was a popular car due to its affordability and reliability.
World War I:
Military Contracts: During World War I, Willys-Overland secured significant contracts to supply vehicles for the war effort. The company's production capabilities were crucial for the military, producing trucks and automobiles for various purposes.
Introduction of the Jeep:
WWII Contribution: In the build-up to World War II, Willys-Overland, along with other automakers, responded to the U.S. Army's request for a lightweight, all-terrain reconnaissance vehicle. The company developed the Willys MB, which became the iconic Jeep.
Jeep Legacy: The Jeep, with its ruggedness, versatility, and reliability, played a crucial role in World War II. Its success led to the establishment of the Jeep brand, known for producing off-road vehicles that gained popularity in both military and civilian applications.
Post-War Period:
Civilian Jeep Models: After the war, Willys introduced civilian versions of the Jeep, like the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series, which were adapted from the wartime Willys MB. These vehicles became popular for off-road and recreational use.
Willys' Evolution and Later Years:
Ownership Changes: Willys-Overland faced financial difficulties and changed ownership several times in the post-war years, eventually becoming the Kaiser-Jeep Corporation after being acquired by Kaiser Motors in the 1950s.
End of Willys: In 1970, the American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser-Jeep. The Willys nameplate gradually faded away as AMC focused on the Jeep brand. Later, Chrysler acquired AMC in the 1980s and continued the production and development of Jeep vehicles.
Legacy:
Willys' legacy is primarily associated with its contribution to the automotive industry through the creation of the Jeep, a vehicle that transformed mobility during World War II and became an iconic brand in its own right. The Jeep's reputation for durability, versatility, and off-road capability originated from the innovations and success of Willys-Overland during wartime.