Make: | Willys |
Model: | Wagon |
Type: | SUV |
Trim: | -- |
Year: | 1947 |
Mileage: | 2705 |
VIN: | U38307 |
Color: | Red |
Engine: | 350 V8 |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Interior color: | Tan |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Local pick-up only |
After taking America to war in Europe, Willys came back and made the military Jeep a household name with the Jeepster and its many derivatives. This 1947 Willys Wagon is a great example of the utility, style, and rugged character that they built for a market clamoring for new vehicles and fresh ideas. But under the skin, it's fully updated with V8 power, an independent front suspension, and all the modern conveniences inside the upgraded interior. The... handsome, upright wagon body says Jeep as loudly as any modern CJ, and it's instantly recognized the world over. Restored just 2,705 miles ago, it remains in very nice condition, and has come from a careful owner where it was obviously very well maintained. The finish is great driver-quality and makes this handsome wagon stand out not just for being unusual, but also for being gorgeous. It has a lovely gloss that looks entirely appropriate on the mini SUV's bodywork, and the white-on-red colors work rather well, preserving the vintage look but making it much more appealing. The recessed panels on the bodywork re adorned with decals and don't just simulate the conventional woody styling, but also strengthen the overall look of the bodywork, making this a sturdy little trucklet that can do a lot more than you'd guess at first glance. It also offers nice chrome bumpers, tinted glass, a roof rack, and little else that would suggest there's serious firepower hiding underneath. You'll find that the interior has been upgraded far beyond the basic little appliance it was in 1947. Power leather bucket seats, plush carpets up front, and a tautly finished headliner are all nods to comfort that the original lacked, and it's remarkable just how right everything looks in there. Custom door panels match the side panels in the rear of the cabin, and a rear bench provides more room for friends, so this Willys is now a first-class cross-country traveler. Upgrades like R134a A/C (controls are in the glove box), a powerful AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo system, remote door openers, and a full set of Auto Meter gauges beyond the steering wheel and in the center of the dash make it feel very modern from behind the wheel. On the other hand, you still have things like the upright windshield in front of you, so it feels vintage at the same time. The rear compartment is fully upholstered on the side panels and offers speakers so it's ideal for tailgating or road trips, and the flooring is finished with wood slats just like the originals. Performance was given a massive upgrade in the form of a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8. The original 4-cylinder (or optional 6-cylinder) engine had modest performance, but this V8 makes the Willys feel like a legitimate hot rod. Of course, it's got a Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor, a matching aluminum intake manifold, and HEI distributor, and Hooker headers that feed a Flowmaster dual exhaust system that is about the only thing that gives away this Willys' secrets. The accessories are tucked in tight to the block and it uses a giant aluminum radiator up front to keep everything nice and cool. Underneath there's an S10 chassis on custom body mounts, a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, and a 10-bolt rear end that combine to make this a fantastic highway cruiser. The engine has less than 3000 miles on the build, so it's still quite fresh and with power steering and power front disc brakes, it's as easy to drive as a modern SUV. Classic Cragar SS chrome wheels give it some flash, and the modest 225/60/15 Firehawk Indy 500 blackwall tires are exactly right for the serious little truck. Back to basics was never as much fun as in this Willys wagon. You'll appreciate its easy maintenance, utility, and especially the smile it brings to everyone's face when they see it on the road. Call today!