1948 Willys-Overland “Jeep” Station Wagon

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

After winning the Second World War, the Willys Jeep became quickly ingrained in American culture. Its rugged, war-winning construction made it an exceptional chassis for many adaptations in civilian life. This 1948 Jeep Station Overland is an uncommon glimpse into the past of what would eventually become the popular Cherokee line of SUVs. The conversion from its original military open-decked structure was an expensive endeavor, the use of wooden bodies was commonplace amongst station wagons. Willys-Overland outsourced the construction of the rolled body sheets to appliance manufacturers, the advantage of cost and safety made the Jeep Overland the company’s most successful vehicle. As a military vehicle the Jeep was built with cost and simplicity, the civilian Jeep afforded itself on the other hand many improvements such as independent front suspension — a first for Jeep — Willys' chief engineer, developed a system based on a transverse seven-leaf spring dubbed “Planadyne.” Just like its original military counterpart, the Overland was designed to travel around the world. The successful design was exported to Argentina and Brazil where they remained in production under license until 1970. This 1948 example has seen a frame-off restoration, the bodywork repair was done in metal, and as part of the restoration the drivetrain was rebuilt. An overhaul of the interior was also undertaken with the installation of oak veneer features.

Highlights 

• An early production Willys-Overland Jeep Station Wagon fully restored with “Woody” appearance

• Early “Military Style” front end featuring iconic seven-slot grille 

• Powered by a four-cylinder L-Head engine 

• Three-speed manual transmission T-96 with overdrive

• Willys-Overland radio are extremely rare original examples

• Retrimmed in authentic wood and tan leather interior

• Kenwood aftermarket single DIN head unit with Bluetooth

Features 

• Turn signals

• Folding passenger front seat 

• Bench seats front and rear 

• Wood-lined rear seats

• Full size spare 

• Cigarette lighter 

• Folding rear row 

• Heater

Known Imperfections

• Paint imperfections on the hood and fenders 

• The oil pressure gauge reads higher than actual and needs calibration

• The rear bushings need to be replaced 

• Front mat fitment is incorrect 

Included

• Mechanics manual

• Two spares tires 

• Two extra floor mats

• Custom vehicle cover

• Four extra “oak kick panels” without speaker cutouts, plus one extra radio panel, painted to match the dash 

• Additional paint, including the gallon containers, and matching spray cans of the three colors.

• An original advertisement for the vehicle

Ownership History

Restoration photos suggest a complete frame removal as well as a respraying of major components in the vehicle. Other restorative efforts show re-chromed bumpers and a reupholstered interior. Recent additions include new kingpins, new tires with plasma-sprayed wheels, and replacement glass.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $525. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.