Vehicle Description
This 1961 Willys 4x4 Pickup originally hails from the Pacific Northwest where it has had the same owner for the past thirty years. Formerly powered by a Super Hurricane 226ci inline 6-cylinder engine, this 4x4 now boasts a Chevrolet 283ci V8 engine under the hood which is mated to the original Borg-Warner T90 three-speed manual transmission. Power is put to the ground through a Spicer/Dana 18 transfer case with a Dana 27 axle in the front and a Dana 53 in the rear, giving the Willys six forward speeds and two in reverse, providing this 4x4 with the ability to go just about anywhere. Repainted once in blue over the original green, the exterior does have some imperfections but the truck has been a reliable daily driver for the past three decades and those little bumps and bruises are proof that this 4x4 was built to drive. Inside the interior, the stock bench seat has been replaced with bucket seats that are upholstered in vinyl with cloth inserts and the door panels have been made to match. The dash is spartan, as is expected of a 4x4 utility truck of this vintage, and features a speedometer with combination temperature and fuel gauges while a turn signal switch has been added for safety along with a 12V power tap for accessories. Other exterior additions to the truck include aftermarket diamond plate running boards and a rear bumper with tow hitch, while the bed has been rhino-lined and features real redwood bed stakes and a lockable utility box. The Willys rides on a set of Firestone Town and Country 7.50-16 LT off-road tires mounted on stock steel wheels with chrome trim rings while a full size spare is mounted to the side of the bed. Overall this Willys 4x4 starts easily and runs great with plenty of power and it's a nice example of a model that was so successful it was produced for nearly twenty years. While this truck may not have been built for show, it's definitely been built for go, and with the V8 conversion and 4-wheel drive this Willys 4x4 truck will reward its new owner with rugged off-road capability and increased value as these trucks continue to appreciate and be appreciated.
