![]() ![]() Engine options changed in this year also with an F-134 Hurricane for the 473 model, and a new 161 cu in (2.6L) version of the Lightning six for the 673 model. In 1950, the flat grille was modified to form a pointed “V” in the center, with 5 horizontal bars added to the 9 vertical ribs. Rated as a 1/2 ton 4x4, the 4x2 Utility Wagon was touted in press releases at the time with claims that it could negotiate a 57% grade and reach 60 mph on surfaced roads. While the station wagon was very popular among civilians, it was also well-suited for military use, especially with regard to the four-wheel drive model. The four wheel drive version (model 4x4-63) was introduced in 1949, and used the same body as the earlier 4x2 Utility Wagon (model 4-63). Seats were removable (with the exception of the drivers seat), making added cargo space optional for the post-war, increasingly more suburban consumer. Powered by the Go-Devil flathead, four cylinder engine, the 463 model was designed to compete with the “rear” wood wagons manufactured by Detroit’s Big Three.ĭesigned by Brooks Stevens, the Willys Station Wagon’s steel body was extremely easy to mass produce, and was in fact, the first all-steel, factory-built station wagon in North America, initially fitted with the L-134 “Go-Devil” four cylinder engine (the same engine first used in the CJ Series). Mooney, president and board chairman of Willys-Overland Motors, announced the “introduction of a new jeep station wagon” describing it as a "people's car." Indeed, the new 2WD, all-steel station wagon boasted easy maintenance, safety and a seven-passenger capacity. By comparison, the success of the Willys Station Wagon overshadowed that of many other models offered by Willys-Overland from 1946-1964. Arguably the first sport utility vehicle in the world to gain mass appeal, the Willys Station Wagon lineup had much to offer, with four wheel drive, easy maintenance, ample space for its passengers, and safety beyond what other “woodies” (wood-bodied station wagons) offered at the time. Production reached approximately 640,000 units by August 1945.The Willys Jeep Station Wagon was introduced by Willys-Overland in 1946, the same year in which it introduced the Universal CJ Series. It was also used for liason, command, communication and sometimes even as an ambulance for a light firearms carrier. As a means of transit for soldiers, it played an important role in bringing the Allied victory. During WW2, the Willys MB and Ford GPW ran over every battlefield. It was designated the GPW, and a simple, pressed steelfront grille was introduced. Due to the necessity of increasing production, the Army ordered Ford to join the mass production using the Willys MB"s blueprints. The early Willys MB had a welded, slat type front grille. This marked the birth of the Willys MB (Model B) that provided unmatched ability to transport Allied troops during the conflict. In November 1941, the Army, with alterations on the front grille and hood to the Ford design, chose the Willy"s vehicle as the basis for the mass production model. It became a pressing need for allied nations to possess tough and reliable vehicles with excellent cross-country ability. During the early stage of WW2, Germany had achieved outstanding successes by using motorized troops with their "Blitzkrieg" tactics. Forces ordered the Willys, Ford, and Bantam companies to develop prototypes of a small sized multi-purpose 4-wheel drive vehicle. The origin of the Jeep vehicle dates back to early 1941, when U.S. ![]() Without a doubt the Jeep Willys MB occupies a significant position in the whole automotive history. ![]()
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