Sold 1960 Willys Jeep 2146359493 Tweet

The civilian Willys pickup truck may not be as ubiquitous as the Jeep CJ Universal Utility Vehicle but it is nonetheless a significant machine that laid the early foundation for Americas love affair with the pickup truck. After World War II Willys Overland was quick to capitalize on the war hero status of the Jeep first with the CJ later expanding the line to include pickups and utility wagons. When introduced to the consumer market in 1947 the Jeep Truck shared much of its underlying architecture and engine options with the Station Wagon which itself was an extended version of the CJ. Customers could specify their pickup in 2wd or 4wd with the availability of a cab & chassis model or utility stake bed. Initially the 134 cubic-inch Go-Devil L-head four-cylinder engine was standard and while it wasnt much of a powerhouse it was torquey and virtually bomb-proof tried and tested in the harshest conditions imaginable during WWII. An equally robust 3-speed Borg-Warner T-90 backed the engine and four-wheel-drive models got a two-speed transfer case. The 4WD models featured a 1-ton payload rating and the option of a power take-off which could operate a seemingly endless variety of specialized equipment for farming and industry.Willys adopted an if it aint broke dont fix it approach for nearly all of the pickups eighteen-year production run choosing to make subtle styling and mechanical improvements along the way. One of the most significant changes came in 1954 with the arrival of the 226 cubic-inch Super Hurricane L-head inline-six designed by Continental and supplementing the four-cylinder F-head Hurricane engine. With 105 horsepower and 190 ft-lbs of torque at 1400 rpm the additional power made the Jeep pickup much friendlier and more versatile for everyday use. Like the mechanical layout the styling borrowed heavily from the classic Jeep CJ with its iconic vertical grille inboard round headlamps and flat fenders. There was no doubting its utilitarian purpose but it also had a particular tough-guy charm that continues to captivate enthusiasts today. In its original form the Willys Jeep Truck lasted through 1964 yet its DNA lives on today serving as the inspiration for the long-awaited revival of the Gladiator pickup in 2020.This 1960 Willys Jeep Model 6-226 Pickup is a beautifully restored example equipped with the desirable Super Hurricane inline-six and four-wheel drive. Finished in a bold red and white color scheme this truck is crisply presented with excellent detailing and an authentic period-correct aesthetic. The all-steel body is in superb order including the bed floor which often takes the most abuse but in this case presents in excellent condition. Paintwork is similarly excellent appearing glossy and smooth with just a couple of minor dust marks noted on close inspection. Bumpers are painted black while the chrome (consisting of headlamp rings door handles and a few flashes of body trim) is all in well-preserved original condition. White painted steel wheels with period correct 7.00-16 off-road tires complete the rugged look.Like the CJ Willys designed the pickup as a serious tool for work so only the necessities are found in the two-passenger cab. The hard-wearing seat upholstery door panels and armrests of this truck appear to be in incredibly well-preserved original condition. The molded Willys-branded rubber floor mat is in similarly excellent condition showing little wear. Original switchgear operates the lights wipers heater and choke with anything else being a frivolous luxury.Underhood presentation is tidy with the Super Hurricane inline-six presented in good condition with authentic colors and fittings. The engine shows some light signs of use such as flaking paint finish on the engine block and manifolds while modern-style hose clamps point to routine service and care. Accessories include a correct oil bath air cleaner and Fram filter canister and details such as the coolant sticker and Willard battery label provide round out the pleasing and authentic appearance. The chassis and undercarriage are similarly well-detailed with gloss black chassis paint on the frame axles and suspension components.We seldom encounter these trucks unmodified and so nicely restored and this beautiful example is ideal for the serious Jeep collector or any enthusiast of classic trucks and off-roaders in general. This American legend is sure to delight its next caretaker for years to come.Offers welcome and trades considered