One of the many reasons I want to rebuild Ike to its former glory is to preserve a truly unique vehicle. Back in the day, an automobile wasn’t just a way to get to work, it was a way of life. Cars defined our society, changing the way we ate, lived, and worked.
Every so often I see a vehicle from the golden era of automobiles and think that is exactly the reason that I am rebuilding an “old Jeep.”
A great resource for finding old Willys vehicles is eWillys. With nightly posts of nearly all the newly listed Willys for sale across the country, it’s a great resource for Willys enthusiasts like myself. Tonight I read this post about one of the eWillys readers and his decade-long rebuild of a Willys Wagon. Needless to say, while I hope it won’t take me a decade, this is the kind of result that I am shooting for. A complete rebuild that resurrects a classic vehicle to it’s former glory. It may not be the most practical thing ever, but it is a sign of pride for its owner and a standing reminder of a different time in American automotive history.
Here is a before and after of George’s amazing work:
Very nice restoration. Can’t wait to add another restored Willys to the world. I’m also thinking my next project, time, money, and wife willing, will be an early 6 cylinder Willys truck. 🙂