Professionally built show-winner and magazine feature truck. 351W Ford power, automatic, full 4x4 functionality, plus A/C, DVD stereo & video, ultraleather interior, and custom airbrush work. Incredible!
The colors are Sunset and Sunrise Orange Pearl, both from House of Kolor, and they make this awesome 4x4 simply glow. Professional paint and bodywork are show-quality and this is a vehicle that has already won more than its fair share of trophies, including at the Good Guys Nationals where competition is fierce. Most of it is original sheetmetal, but a few sections were fabricated and installed to make it look like new and you’ll never see where old and new meet—it’s done right. You’ll also note that the flanks have an industrial look with airbrushed rivets and panels, a cool touch that makes this truck look a bit more rustic. The windshield was Vee’d to give it a seamless look and all the glass is tinted, which makes the boxy Willys look a bit sleeker. In addition, all the chrome was restored to show standards by Paul’s Chrome, including the rear bumper with its cool “Willys” script embossed on its face. Headlights are HID units and there are LEDs in the original taillights, so it has an updated look at night, too.
The interior features a set of ultraleather-wrapped power bucket seats up front and a reupholstered rear bench. Handsome two-tone materials give it an upscale feel that brightens the whole interior, and that theme is continued on the custom door panels, side panels, and even the headliner, which is made of the same stuff. Amenities include all the usual upgrades: cold A/C, a tilt steering column with a wood-rimmed wheel, power windows, and a powerful AM/FM/DVD stereo system with fold-out video screen. The original glove box lids have been painted to match the exterior bodywork with the same airbrushed rivets and the factory gauges in the center of the dash still monitor the engine’s vitals. And just for style points, there’s a custom fire extinguisher mounted on the transmission tunnel which has been painted to match, including the airbrush work. Nice! You will also note that this is a real 4x4, with a 2-speed transfer case that’s fully operational, so if you don’t mind getting it dirty, this Willys will go anywhere you want it to go. The back seat is comfortable for two and the cargo bay is fully upholstered with custom carpets, beautiful wood and stainless rub strips, and a battery enclosure with embroidered lettering.
Push a button on the dash and the hood powers itself open on screw-type electric struts, a neat trick at shows. The original Super Hurricane flathead six is long gone, replaced by a potent Ford 351 Windsor crate engine. Rated at 385 horsepower and detailed to match the rest of the truck and is more than three times more powerful than the original. Topped by a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock aluminum intake, and a set of Ford GT40 heads, it’s a torque factory ideally suited to 4x4 work. It’s also beautifully tuned, so it starts quickly and easily, idles smoothly, and pulls the upright Willys around with genuine authority. This truck is a multiple show winner, and you can see why with the detailing under the hood, including more airbrush work and just about every single component has been painted to match the bodywork. Custom hose sleeves help with the monochromatic look and you’ll note wonderful details like the custom radiator shroud, chrome hinge plates that are embossed with the “Willys” name, and a smoothed firewall with raised ribs that mimic the exterior sheetmetal. BBK shorty headers have been ceramic coated to look good forever and they link to a custom stainless steel dual exhaust system with burbling mufflers that give it just the right sound.
The transmission is a Ford C6 3-speed automatic, which is more than tough enough for the built 351. The front axle is from a Jeep Grand Cherokee, narrowed four inches and fitted with a Dana center and 3.54 gears and power front disc brakes. Out back is a custom-made Ford 9-inch with 3.55 gears and the drive shafts were custom made by Tom Woods Custom Driveshafts out in Utah. In between is a heavy-duty two-speed transfer case and the floors themselves are protected by spray-on bedliner material, so it’s tough and easy to maintain. And yes, you’ll note there’s more custom airbrush work on the differentials, particularly out back where it simulates bolts and a removable rear cover. The springs were custom made just for this truck and even the heavy-duty off-road shocks were painted to match, making this a vehicle you’ll be eager to show off at any level. Big 31x10.50-15 Yokohama off-road radials are a nice fit, especially on those polished 15-inch aluminum wheels.
This truck is also nicely documented with a build album showing its construction, some receipts and invoices, as well as a magazine where it’s been featured.
Beautifully built and fully sorted, this Willys just works the way you’d hope. You could drive it cross-country today, A/C blowing cold and listening to the stereo all the way. It’s also ready to show at almost any level and we can guarantee it will be the only one of its kind at any event. With eyeball-popping good looks, plenty of power, and modern comfort, there’s just no reason not to enjoy everything this fantastic Willys has to offer. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
