Vehicle Description
1953 Willys Pickup
Willys Trucks are perhaps not nearly as well known as the
ubiquitous and familiar "Jeep" (CJ Universal) or Station Wagon.
Nevertheless, Willys did produce a number of different truck
models, including the Pickup, Stake Bed, and Cab & Chassis models.
In 1953, the 473 became the "475" and the number of horizontal
grille bars dropped from five to three. The 475 did not last
considerably long and was available only until the introduction of
the 6-226 model in the following year.
For consignment, some old iron in the form of a 1953 Willys pickup.
Owned by a Philadelphia landscaper from new, and when he passed, he
gave it to his nephew. Our current consignor bought it from his
nephew in 2010, and proceeded with a complete frame off
restoration, including freshening up body panels, a motor and
transmission rebuild, and all steel was retained save for the bed
fenders. Now it can be your yellow piece of tin to knock around
in!
Exterior
Leading with its V shaped vertical ribbed grille that sports a trio
of horizontal chromed trim bars, round headlights flanking left and
right, and small turn signal lights just below. It has a bit more
flair than the standard Jeep, but you can tell where that gets its
roots. On the bottom is a simple curved bumper which frames the
lowers of squared off front fenders that end just below the doors.
A split windshield is at the back end of the rounded over hood and
a rounded roof line covers the cab. The bed has rolled sides in
steel, and a step side small running board is in front of the rear
squared off fender. In back a black bumper with stalk mounted round
taillights on either side is just below the W O badged tailgate,
also all steel. Speaking of all steel, the bed is in excellent
condition and painted yellow just like the remainder of the truck.
Hercules Terra Trac deep tread tires with black steel wheels and a
shiny trim ringing the edge are on all 4 corners.
Interior
With some liberties taken for the bench which is now a 55
Thunderbird bench seat in black vinyl for the back and black
broadcloth for the seat covering it stretches from black smooth
door panel to door panel. Utilitarian and easy to clean black
rubber covers the floors, and upfront is the simple metal dash with
the centrally located instrument cluster looking blackface and
original. Below the passenger's side is a heater box and in the
center are the 4, yes 4, shift levers for the transmission and 4x4
change over. A big round black steering wheel with a W O badging on
the center is looking good in front of the yellow dash. Black
stained wood panels are on the headliner and the rear vertical
panel of this truck nicely framing the rear glass.
Drive-Train
Looking very much like new under the hood, a red painted block and
valve covering is peppered with silver painted exhaust manifold and
a silver mounting to the carb from the air cleaner hose. This is a
134ci inline 4-cylinder. It has a 1-barrel carburetor on top and
now has a newer BW T90 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive.
On back is a 5.38 gear rear axle which gives this truck its hi rev
sound when it tools around.
Undercarriage
Very nicely presented with a thick coating of undercoat and
straight rust free black painted frame. A smidgeon of yellow
painted steel sneaks in as well but it's all very clean and nicely
presenting. Leaf spring suspension is on all 4 corners as are drum
brakes. No runs, no drips, no errors on this underbelly.
Drive-Ability
After a quick start and warmup, it was off to the test track where
I felt like a MASH unit racing toward the helipad with the high
revving engine moving me forward. All was working as it should, and
it is definitely a fun nostalgic driver.
With the benefit of a frame off restoration in 2010, along with the
drivetrain rebuild we have a show quality and daily driver if you
want a timepiece. Bathed in beautiful yellow and a nice interior
featuring the Thunderbird bench it's also a looker. Back in time we
go question the "suicide is painless" music!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
