Vehicle Description
1950 Willys Jeep 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 with a new twist in the form of a
1950 Willys pickup. Retaining the complete look of the original but
with an upgraded drivetrain, suspension and braking. Add in an
upgraded interior as well as heat and A/C and you're ready to haul
the mail as well as some ass!
Exterior
Leading with its V shaped vertical ribbed grille with 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 smoothed over tailgate, also all steel. Speaking of
all steel, the bed is in very nice condition and painted satin
black, just like the remainder of the truck. Fuzion deep tread
tires with red 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 richly
appointed low back bench seat in tan leather with wide tuck and
roll stitching and a smooth gold central panel stretches from black
smooth door panel to door panel. Ultra clean low pile tan carpet
covers the floors, and upfront is the simple ruby red metal dash
with the centrally located instrument cluster complete with Dolphin
black faced gauges. Below the cluster are the control knobs for the
heat and AC. A black Grant GT 3 spoke steering wheel sits atop of a
brushed aluminum tilt column and fronting an aftermarket AM/FM/CD
player. Tan leather door panels are highlighted by ruby red steel
framing and are complete with chrome cranks and door release
buttons. Above a tan suede headliner hangs tightly and the rear
vertical panel of this truck in brown is nicely framing the rear
glass.
Drive-Train
Unlatching the utilitarian hood gives us a view of the meat and
potatoes of the build. Resting in the restored ruby red engine bay
is a LS series V8 complete with EFI and a fresh air intake. Bolted
to the back of this modern mill is a 700R4 4-speed automatic
transmission that transfers all the new found power back to a Ford
9" rear axle.
Undercarriage
Very nicely presented with a thick coating of black undercoat and
straight rust free black painted frame and flooring. A smidgeon of
red painted steel sneaks in on the rear axle and transmission pan.
Leaf spring suspension has been retained on the rear but up front
we see a Mustang II independent front suspension. Providing the
whoah for this restomod pick up is power disc brakes in the front
and power drums in the rear. 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 and with the new
found power from the modern LS engine I would get to the injured
GI's in a hurry. All was working as it should, and it is definitely
a fun nostalgic driver with tons of modern feel thanks to the
excellent build quality.
Retaining all of its original looks, even down to the painted steel
wheels, one could simply overlook this truck as a project in
progress. But upon looking closer it's easy to see that countless
hours and many a skilled hand was involved in this painstaking
build that brought a very utilitarian rig into the 21st century.
Hop in, turn the key and go anywhere...but be prepared to do it
fast!
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.
