Vehicle Description
With styling by Brooks Stevens, the Willys Jeep station wagon was
introduced to the world in 1946 and remained in production for an
impressive 18 years, earning iconic status with a reputation for
being unbreakable in virtually any condition. Over the long
production run, the Willys underwent numerous refinements and
improvements to the styling, chassis and drivetrain, with the
option of four-wheel drive first appearing in 1949 and transforming
it into one of the most versatile and dependable go-anywhere
vehicles. Like the standard Jeep, the Willys Jeep station wagon
featured the bulletproof L-head Go-Devil 4-cylinder engine, with
later models getting the more powerful Hurricane 6 engine. While
neither engine was particularly potent, they were certainly
reliable and could withstand all manner of abuses. This fully
restored 1956 model was originally powered by a Hurricane 6 engine
but has received a substantial boost thanks to a professionally
installed Chevrolet 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine mated to a 4L60
automatic transmission. Finished in red over a tan interior, this
Willys Jeep is well presented with a period-correct appearance,
subtly enhanced with oversize BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires on
original steel wheels. The spartan and utilitarian cabin features
tan upholstery on original-style bench seats and factory-original
detailing of the controls and hardware. The Lokar shift lever is
about the only clue to what sits beneath the hood in the otherwise
authentically detailed interior, which even includes a
period-correct Car-Snac thermos holder and picnic gear in matching
red plaid.
