Jeep History - 1946-1965 WILLYS WAGON

Jeep History - 1946-1965 WILLYS WAGON

America's first all-steel station wagon debuted in July 1946 and featured a three-tone paintwork that gave it that "woodie" look. The no-maintenance all-steel utility vehicle was not prone to weathering, peeling or squeaks like older "woodies". The Wagon's fold-down tailgate hatch was ahead of its time and can at least be partially credited with the origin of the "tailgate party".

Most station wagons of the day could carry 4x8 feet sheets of plywood horizontally — but only Willys could store them vertically as well. A wash-out interior could be "cleaned almost as easily as a kitchen sink!“ Consumer Reports October 1950 issue stated, "The Willys Station Wagon, used as it is intended to be used, has no equal in its field… It is a working car and it does its work well.”

When four-wheel drive was added in 1949, the Willys Wagon became the forerunner of the Grand Cherokee (WK). The Brooks Stevens designed Wagon was in production nearly 20 years—longer than any other contemporary American automobile of its day.

4th Aug 2023

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