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September 24, 2023 Update – We’re pleased to report this high-quality build sold for $18,900, and not only is the new buyer very happy, but the seller was happy to find the Willys a happy home that appreciates vintage Willys Wagons.

August 23, 2023 Update – The high bid did not meet the seller’s reserve price, so we’ve moved this vehicle to our “Buy Now Make Offer” page.  Click the blue button above or below to navigate to this ride’s bid page, where you can either select the green “Buy Now” button or place a realistic counteroffer in the “Bid” box.

GuysWithRides.com is pleased to offer Lot 242, a body-off restored 1946 Willys Jeep Station Wagon Restomod, in a Reserve Price online auction on behalf of the current caretaker.

Bidding opened Wednesday, August 9, 2023, and closes at 3:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

This 1946 Willys Jeep Station Wagon Restomod currently resides in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

The Deets

The 1946 Willys Station Wagon, often referred to simply as the “Willys Wagon,” is an iconic vehicle that played a significant role in the history of the American automobile industry. It was produced by Willys-Overland Motors, an American automobile company known for its rugged and utilitarian vehicles.

The 1946 Willys Wagon had a distinctive and recognizable design that set it apart from other vehicles of its time. Its boxy and utilitarian shape characterized it, featuring a squared-off front end with a prominent grille and large round headlights. The body was made primarily of steel and featured relatively simple lines and surfaces, emphasizing functionality over extravagance.

Willys (and later Kaiser Jeep) produced over 300,000 Willys Wagons in the U.S. from 1946 to 1964.  Rather than rely on more expensive traditional techniques, Industrial Designer Brooks Stevens developed the bodies to build them by sheet metal fabricators who normally made parts for household appliances and could draw sheet metal no more than six inches.  This simplicity provided the Willys Wagon with the distinction of being the first mass-produced all-steel station wagon. 

The 1946 Willys Wagon could typically seat five to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The interior design was simple and practical, with a utilitarian dashboard featuring basic instrumentation. The seats were relatively basic, often upholstered in durable materials to withstand the rigors of daily use.

The 1946 Willys Wagon offered various engine options, often including four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines. These engines were known for their durability and were designed to provide reliable performance, especially in off-road and utility applications. While not particularly powerful by modern standards, these engines were sufficient for the intended purposes of the vehicle.

The Willys Wagon was highly versatile and found favor in various roles. It was used as a family vehicle, a work truck, a farm vehicle, and even by organizations such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments. Its rugged construction and four-wheel-drive capability made it suitable for off-road and rough terrain driving, which contributed to its popularity in rural and outdoor environments.

The 1946 Willys Wagon holds a special place in automotive history. It is often considered one of the earliest examples of the modern SUV (sport utility vehicle) due to its combination of passenger-carrying capability, off-road capability, and rugged design. The Willys Wagon paved the way for future SUVs and crossovers, which have become immensely popular vehicle categories.

The 1946 Willys Wagon is remembered for its practicality, durability, and iconic design. It remains a symbol of a bygone era and continues to be celebrated by collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone with an appreciation for classic American vehicles.

Here is the seller’s description in their own words:

“Mileage: 2,375
Complete Rebuild:
Chevy Small Block 350 Crate Engine (dyno-ed at 290 horsepower)
Edelbrock Carburetor
Mustang 2 Front-End with Rack & Pinion Power Steering
8” Hog Head Ford Rear-End
350 Turbo Chevy Transmission
Oversized Radiator
AC
Disc Brakes
Cragar Wheels
Powered Windows and Driver Seat
Tinted Windows
Custom Leather Interior
Custom Paint”

To help you make informed bids, we’re providing a link to Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the Classic Car market, that provides a summary of other recently sold Willys Wagon models.

If you have any questions about this 1946 Willys Jeep Wagon Restomod for sale, please leave a comment below or feel free to call Rudy directly at 877-468-6497.  Thank you for looking and happy bidding!