Vehicle Description
The civilian Willys pickup truck may not be as ubiquitous as the
Jeep CJ Universal Utility Vehicle, but it is nonetheless a
significant machine that laid the early foundation for America's
love affair with the pickup truck. After World War II, Willys
Overland was quick to capitalize on the "war hero" status of the
Jeep, first with the CJ, later expanding the line to include
pickups and utility wagons. When introduced to the consumer market
in 1947, the Jeep Truck shared much of its underlying architecture
and engine options with the Station Wagon, which itself was an
extended version of the CJ. Customers could specify their pickup in
2wd or 4wd, with the availability of a cab & chassis model or
utility stake bed. Initially, the 134 cubic-inch "Go-Devil" L-head
four-cylinder engine was standard, and while it wasn't much of a
powerhouse, it was torquey and virtually bomb-proof, tried and
tested in the harshest conditions imaginable during WWII. An
equally robust 3-speed Borg-Warner T-90 backed the engine, and
four-wheel-drive models got a two-speed transfer case. The 4WD
models featured a 1-ton payload rating and the option of a power
take-off which could operate a seemingly endless variety of
specialized equipment for farming and industry. Willys adopted an
"if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach for nearly all of the
pickup's eighteen-year production run, choosing to make subtle
styling and mechanical improvements along the way. One of the most
significant changes came in 1954, with the arrival of the 226
cubic-inch "Super Hurricane" L-head inline-six, designed by
Continental and supplementing the four-cylinder F-head Hurricane
engine. With 105 horsepower and 190 ft-lbs of torque at 1400 rpm,
the additional power made the Jeep pickup much friendlier and more
versatile for everyday use. Like the mechanical layout, the styling
borrowed heavily from the classic Jeep CJ, with its iconic vertical
grille, inboard round headlamps, and flat fenders. There was no
doubting its utilitarian purpose, but it also had a particular
tough-guy charm that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. In
its original form, the Willys Jeep Truck lasted through 1964, yet
its DNA lives on today, serving as the inspiration for the
long-awaited revival of the Gladiator pickup in 2020. This 1960
Willys Jeep Model 6-226 Pickup is a beautifully restored example,
equipped with the desirable Super Hurricane inline-six and
four-wheel drive. Finished in a bold red and white color scheme,
this truck is crisply presented with excellent detailing and an
authentic, period-correct aesthetic. The all-steel body is in
superb order, including the bed floor, which often takes the most
abuse, but in this case, presents in excellent condition. Paintwork
is similarly excellent, appearing glossy and smooth, with just a
couple of minor dust marks noted on close inspection. Bumpers are
painted black, while the chrome (consisting of headlamp rings, door
handles, and a few flashes of body trim) is all in well-preserved
original condition. White painted steel wheels with period correct
7.00-16 off-road tires complete the rugged look. Like the CJ,
Willys designed the pickup as a serious tool for work, so only the
necessities are found in the two-passenger cab. The hard-wearing
seat upholstery, door panels, and armrests of this truck appear to
be in incredibly well-preserved original condition. The molded,
Willy's-branded rubber floor mat is in similarly excellent
condition, showing little wear. Original switchgear operates the
lights, wipers, heater, and choke, with anything else being a
frivolous luxury. Underhood presentation is tidy, with the Super
Hurricane inline-six presented in good condition with authentic
colors and fittings. The engine shows some light signs of use, such
as flaking paint finish on the engine block and manifolds, while
modern-style hose clamps point to routine service and care.
Accessories include a correct oil bath air cleaner and Fram filter
canister, and details such as the coolant sticker and Willard
battery label provide round out the pleasing and authentic
appearance. The chassis and undercarriage are similarly
well-detailed, with gloss black chassis paint on the frame, axles,
and suspension components. We seldom encounter these trucks
unmodified and so nicely restored, and this beautiful example is
ideal for the serious Jeep collector or any enthusiast of classic
trucks and off-roaders in general. This American legend is sure to
delight its next caretaker for years to come. Offers welcome and
trades considered
