1953 Willys Pickup

1953 Willys 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 in the form of a 1953 Willys pickup. Owned by a Philadelphia landscaper from new, and when he passed, he gave it to his nephew. Our current consignor bought it from his nephew in 2010, and proceeded with a complete frame off restoration, including freshening up body panels, a motor and transmission rebuild, and all steel was retained save for the bed fenders. Now it can be your yellow piece of tin to knock around in!

ExteriorLeading with its V shaped vertical ribbed grille that sports a trio of horizontal chromed trim bars, 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 W O badged tailgate, also all steel. Speaking of all steel, the bed is in excellent condition and painted yellow just like the remainder of the truck. Hercules Terra Trac deep tread tires with black steel wheels and a shiny trim ringing the edge are on all 4 corners.

InteriorWith some liberties taken for the bench which is now a 55 Thunderbird bench seat in black vinyl for the back and black broadcloth for the seat covering it stretches from black smooth door panel to door panel. Utilitarian and easy to clean black rubber covers the floors, and upfront is the simple metal dash with the centrally located instrument cluster looking blackface and original. Below the passenger's side is a heater box and in the center are the 4, yes 4, shift levers for the transmission and 4x4 change over. A big round black steering wheel with a W O badging on the center is looking good in front of the yellow dash. Black stained wood panels are on the headliner and the rear vertical panel of this truck nicely framing the rear glass.

Drive-TrainLooking very much like new under the hood, a red painted block and valve covering is peppered with silver painted exhaust manifold and a silver mounting to the carb from the air cleaner hose. This is a 134ci inline 4-cylinder. It has a 1-barrel carburetor on top and now has a newer BW T90 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. On back is a 5.38 gear rear axle which gives this truck its hi rev sound when it tools around.

UndercarriageVery nicely presented with a thick coating of undercoat and straight rust free black painted frame. A smidgeon of yellow painted steel sneaks in as well but it's all very clean and nicely presenting. Leaf spring suspension is on all 4 corners as are drum brakes. No runs, no drips, no errors on this underbelly.

Drive-AbilityAfter a quick start and warmup, it was off to the test track where I felt like a MASH unit racing toward the helipad with the high revving engine moving me forward. All was working as it should, and it is definitely a fun nostalgic driver.

With the benefit of a frame off restoration in 2010, along with the drivetrain rebuild we have a show quality and daily driver if you want a timepiece. Bathed in beautiful yellow and a nice interior featuring the Thunderbird bench it's also a looker. Back in time we go question the "suicide is painless" music!

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.