1954 Willys Aero Ace Deluxe Sedan

1954 Willys Ace Deluxe Sedan

The father of the Aero was Clyde Paton, former engineer for Packard Motor Car Company. 1954 was the most involved year when it came to models: Only the Lark, Ace and Eagle survived. There were some of each model that were re-serialed 1953s with 1954 trim hung on them and then there was the regular run in which some of the Aces and Eagles received the Kaiser Super-Hurricane engine. On the regular run, all Aeros received wraparound one-piece windshields and rear windows and a new instrument panel, even the Lark. All 1954s received larger taillights, "hooded" headlight and parking light bezels, and different bumper guards. Nameplates were shuffled slightly on the regular run cars.

For consignment, a right hand drive Willys Ace from 1954. Our consignor purchased the car in South Africa and had it shipped to the US. He was keen on the car due to his father owning a Willys dealership during the 1950s in New Ulm, Minnesota. The car has been completely torn down to the frame and meticulously restored. During this process the body shop was quoted as saying that it was amazing the car had no rust, most likely due to the dry climate in South Africa.

ExteriorVery straight rust-free steel panels with well minded gaps adorn all aspects of this 4 door Ace. Having been totally removed from the frame, all surfaces were sanded then repainted the miles deep maroon you see on this car now. A simple front grille with a horizontal bar supporting a W in the grille opening, and a bumper with vertical guards below along with the stylized jet hood ornament lead the way. On either side is a shiny trim spear and all window surrounds are chromed and have new rubber seals. On the back 2 "bump ups' are on top of the rear quarters and on the corners are the stacked taillights within shiny bezels. Another W badge is on the center of the trunk lid, and below a near perfect bumper with more vertical pushers is attached. Body matching maroon steel wheels with a W badged moon cap in the center are wrapped by wide white wall tires all around.

InteriorAlso completely restored we see gray vinyl panels with maroon metal framing and shiny knobs and actuators for the door panels. A long solid red vinyl bench with wide tuck and roll stitching is in front, and another bench is the same pattern and material in back. These benches are near perfect in their presentation. Upfront a shiny maroon metal dash has an oval insert in front of the right-hand driver. This has a like new round speedometer and Willys borrowing from the aircraft industry, utilized lots of pulls and shiny buttons for all the controls. A large round black bakelite steering wheel with a chromed horn ring and another W badge in its center fronts this dash. The 3-speed manual shifter is on the left side of the column. Clean like new gray carpeting covers the floors. Above a tight paneled gray headliner just like the doors. Also, a note to the trunk which has a new gray checkered vinyl liner and a sticker tire along with the jack and lug wrench. All in excellent condition.

DrivetrainMore perfection under the hood in the form of a 226ci L Head inline 6-cylinder engine. It is painted battleship gray and has a 2-barrel carburetor on top. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back with a 3.54 rear axle. This engine has been completely rebuilt by a machine shop and definitely looks the part.

UndercarriageAs one would expect from a frame off restoration all we see is nicely undercoated rust-free surfaces, and not even any road dirt. A new fuel tank, new brakes and fully functioning independent front and leaf spring rear suspension are on. Drum braking all mourned and a shiny single exhaust works its way to the back through the perfect black metal field.

Drive-AbilityIt takes a bit of getting accustomed to as it is a right hand driver. It started right up with just a bit of manual choke and after a brief warmup we were off to the test track. Here it ran very nicely, although the transmission was a bit finicky when going from first to second gear. All other functions are working as they should.

An AACA Jr award winner from 2010, and a perfect two-year restoration covering all the bases and we now have a very fine example from 1954. Let's call it an Ace in the hole?!

VIN DECODE654MB2110796-6 Cylinder54-1954M-Ace/EagleB-4 Door Sedan211079-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.