1951 Willys Model 475 4x4 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. The 475 did not last considerably long and was available only until the introduction of the 6-226 model in the following year after 1953.

For consignment, a 1951 Willys Model 475 4x4 pickup looking trail ready and sporting a whimsical sign on the doors. Purely utilitarian when they were made, today vintage Willys fit right in with the classic SUV fervor that surrounds Broncos, International Harvesters, Range Rovers, and others. Straight metal body panels and basic interiors seems to be the theme, and this one is a stunning example.

Exterior
Painted in an earthy greenish tan with black wheels, this Willys has immediate presence. Leading with the V shaped vertical ribbed grille that sports a trio of horizontal black trim bars, round black rimmed 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. Our consignor states the windshield is new. 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 black painted bed is in good condition with bumps and lumps that tell a story. 16-inch black steel wheels include a side mounted spare and locking hubs in the front to comply with the 4 wheel drive badge on the side. Willys Sales and Service decals will likely spark inquiries from fellow Willys owners looking for some help. A few scratches, nicks, and cracks are noted in the paint, but minor in relation to the good coverage.

Interior
Simple black melamine panels are framed by body colored metal on each door. A bench seat spans the width and is covered with a marble gray vinyl coat. The lovely ivory Willys steering wheel with finger grooves on the two spokes has some patina including a few cracks. A metal panel houses the Bosch gauge foursome, all surrounded by a body colored metal dash. In the center stack we find the vintage square gauges crowned by a round speedometer. On the bare floor, we find the gear shifter and dual range selector shifters. Black vinyl visors meet a black painted very plain ceiling.

Drivetrain
A Buick derived 225ci Dauntless V6 is under the high hood and the consignor states it's new. It's rated at 160 horsepower and is fed fuel via a 2-barrel carburetor. The mode of sending power to the wheels is a Borg Warner T90 3-speed manual transmission tied to a Dana 18 transfer case. The front gears consist of a Dana 25 axle with a 5.38 ratio and the backs have a Timkin 51540 also with 5.38 gears. Drum brakes are old school standard here, but electric power steering has been added. The engine bay is clean with lots of free space and room to work.

Undercarriage
Generally driver quality underneath with typical occurrences of surface rust and some pitting. The dual exhaust flanks the driveshaft, finds a pair of mufflers, then exits into the atmosphere through tail pipes that exit in front of the rear wheels. Leaf springs make up the suspension front and rear. While it's up on the lift, we note just a bit of rust on the door bottoms.

Drive-Ability
As an old school truck groupie, it is my pleasure to take this knobby tired old Willys for a ride. The V6 cranks to life and sends us around the test loops high in the perch and with generally good visibility all around, though wanting more from that smaller rear window. It whines along in Jeep like eminence and delivers a solid ride with adequate power and braking. The power steering helps of course, and we'd love to test it off road, but that's not in our job description.

This truck gives off vibes. Kentucky woods. Sierra Nevada mountains. New England small town. In other words, it's got character for miles and evokes a different feeling in everyone. A feeling that's explicitly American, purely vintage, and beyond cool. Call the mall today. Ask for Willys sales, not service.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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