Summary

Fully restored and discreetly updated with a Chevrolet Vortec 5.3-liter V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission. Finished in red over tan upholstery; four-wheel drive.

Details

With styling by Brooks Stevens, the Willys Jeep station wagon was introduced to the world in 1946 and remained in production for an impressive 18 years, earning iconic status with a reputation for being unbreakable in virtually any condition. Over the long production run, the Willys underwent numerous refinements and improvements to the styling, chassis and drivetrain, with the option of four-wheel drive first appearing in 1949 and transforming it into one of the most versatile and dependable go-anywhere vehicles. Like the standard Jeep, the Willys Jeep station wagon featured the bulletproof L-head Go-Devil 4-cylinder engine, with later models getting the more powerful Hurricane 6 engine. While neither engine was particularly potent, they were certainly reliable and could withstand all manner of abuses. This fully restored 1956 model was originally powered by a Hurricane 6 engine but has received a substantial boost thanks to a professionally installed Chevrolet 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine mated to a 4L60 automatic transmission. Finished in red over a tan interior, this Willys Jeep is well presented with a period-correct appearance, subtly enhanced with oversize BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires on original steel wheels. The spartan and utilitarian cabin features tan upholstery on original-style bench seats and factory-original detailing of the controls and hardware. The Lokar shift lever is about the only clue to what sits beneath the hood in the otherwise authentically detailed interior, which even includes a period-correct Car-Snac thermos holder and picnic gear in matching red plaid.