We think of Willys-Overland as building off-roaders, but the four-wheel-drive version of its boxy Station Wagon didn’t debut until 1949, more than two years after the two-wheel-drive version.
The 4×4 wagon was initially powered, or perhaps underpowered, by the 63-hp Go Devil four. The 72-hp Hurricane F-head four offered a little more oomph when it was added to the lineup in 1950, but it wasn’t until 1954 that the wagon got a much-needed six cylinder. That engine was the 115-hp 226-cu.in flat-head Continental Red Seal that Willys dubbed the “Super Hurricane”—a byproduct of Kaiser’s takeover of Willys Overland in 1953. The 1962 model year saw the arrival of the Kaiser-Jeep Tornado OHC 230-cu.in. six-cylinder—an advanced engine that earned a reputation for being unreliable.
A Warner T-90 three-speed manual transmission was mandatory in wagons throughout its production run, mated to a Spicer 18 transfer case. For axles, the wagons used a Spicer 44 in the rear, with stump-pulling 4.88 gears (with a six-cylinder) and a Spicer 24 up front.
Though early postwar 4x4s can be eye-opening to drive in modern traffic, they draw admirers wherever they go, so at least when you finally get to your destination, you won’t have to worry about being alone.
This 1959 Willys Utility Wagon, for sale on Hemmings.com, was one of more than 8,000 built that year and looks like a good candidate for a restoration, maybe even a rolling restoration. Since they made these rigs from 1949 all the way through 1964 (1965s are out there and were reportedly retitled 1964 leftovers), the parts availability is pretty good, and because it’s part of the Jeep family, it has a fiercely loyal fan base. From the seller’s description:
1959 Willys Station Wagon For Sale or Trade. Includes winch. Solid with strong motor. Needs some attention to brakes and lights/signals.
Find more Willys for sale on Hemmings.com.
More gadget review in www.mamaktalk.com
