Highlights

Full restoration completed in 2024 with excellent results!
Engine professionally rebuilt and fully balanced internally!
Many new components, chrome, weather stripping, and more!
Terrific color combination!
Outstanding looks on hard to find 2wd station wagon!

Considered the first mass-produced, all-steel passenger station wagons, the Willys Jeep production automobile was one of their most successful postwar designs. Designed by Brooks Stevens to be produced utilizing pressed, sheet steel methods, it allowed Willys to sublet part of the manufacturing process to keep costs down. It also improved efficiency while making the body shells stronger and more durable at the same time. When a 4-wheel-drive option became available in 1949, the 2WD versions were still considered Station Wagons, while the 4WD variant became known as the Utility Wagon, later considered to be the first sport utility vehicle we’ve come to know today.

Kaiser and Willy-Overland merged in 1953 to become Kaiser Jeep, named after Willys-Overland’s primary brand, Jeep, and their very successful production of various models. With Jeeps massive contribution to the wartime effort with military vehicles, and their inherent durability, it provided buyers utmost confidence at a very reasonable price point. Moreover, amenities and refinements came with each new model year. For the Station Wagon, the new Hurricane F-161 straight six engine was standard by 1952, along with keyed ignition, revised grill, and various chrome trim to enhance appearance. Today, these Station Wagons have become a rare sight at car shows but remain a delight for onlookers given the opportunity!

Offered here is a 1954 Willys Jeep Station Wagon finished with a Burgundy exterior and beautiful Maroon/Tan woven cloth interior combined with red vinyl and cream accent piping. Power comes from its original Hurricane F-161 Inline 6-cylinder engine providing an ample 90 horsepower through a Zenith 1-bbl carburetor. It is mated to a 3-speed manual shift transmission with overdrive. Features include interior dome light, turn signals, AM radio with cowl-mounted antenna, Allstate Deluxe heater, vacuum wipers, outside rearview mirror, added seatbelts, chrome wheel covers, front bumper guard, and Dunlap black sidewall radial tires.

This example was treated to a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic restoration by its experienced owner between 2018-2024. As a retired car enthusiast, it would be fully disassembled and rebuilt with many new components from the ground up. This included sending the engine to a local machinist where it would be fully balanced and blueprinted with .020 pistons, complete valve job, along with all new seals and gaskets. The carburetor was rebuilt, correct Borg & Beck clutch assembly with the overdrive rebuilt, fresh driveshaft components, and resealed rear axle. After the full exterior repaint, it would receive a new cloth-covered wiring harness, rebuilt suspension including front kingpins and shock absorbers, new exhaust system, replated chrome exterior components by Niagara Custom Plating; replaced window glass; light lenses, bezels & gaskets; all new interior floor wood planks with chrome plated mounting hardware, seating upholstery & foams; all window seals & door weather stripping, and much more.

It continues to start and run with tremendous ease, and travels down the road nice and smooth. Parts receipts will be provided to the new owner, along with photos of the engine overhaul. We welcome inspections and encourage any interested parties to call with questions. This will make for a terrific addition to any collection, especially someone looking for something different with multi-passenger capabilities.

–