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Willys Jeep Wagon
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The Willys Jeep Station Wagon is the first all-steel station wagon and is arguably the world's first sport utility vehicle (SUV). It was designed in 1946 by industrial designer Brooks Stevens and stayed in production until 1963. The steel body was efficient to mass-produce, as easy to maintain and safer than the real wood-bodied station wagon versions at the time. This was one of Willys most successful post-World War II models.
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Encyclopedia
The Willys Jeep Station Wagon is the first all-steel station wagon and is arguably the world's first sport utility vehicle (SUV). It was designed in 1946 by industrial designer Brooks Stevens and stayed in production until 1963. The steel body was efficient to mass-produce, as easy to maintain and safer than the real wood-bodied station wagon versions at the time. This was one of Willys most successful post-World War II models. Its production coincided with the move to the new suburbs during the post-war period. This model was also assembled in several international markets under various forms of joint ventures, licenses, or Complete knock down kits.
Production
The Willys Jeep Station Wagon was introduced in 1946 as just the 463 model, powered by the L-134 Go-Devil flathead four cylinder. The 663 model, powered by the L-148 Lightning straight six, was brought in for 1948. Four-wheel drive became an option in 1949.
1950 saw a number of changes. The flat grille was replaced by a pointed v-shape design with five horizontal bars across the vertical ones. New engines were available, too. The 473 model got the new F-134 Hurricane, and the 673 model got a new version of the Lightning six. Another big change this year was the addition of a sedan delivery model to the lineup.
In 1952, the flathead Lightning was dropped in favor of the F-161 Hurricane, installed in the 685 model.
The 1954 model year was the first under Kaiser's ownership. The 6-226 Super Hurricane, a flathead inline six, was introduced. This was a version of the Kaiser Supersonic/Continental Red Seal engine.
A number of new models were added in 1955. The 6-226 model lineup gained stripped chassis, flat face cowl, cowl/windshield, and ambulance models. The 475 line received only the cowl/windshield.
In 1958 a new Maverick model was introduced, a comparatively more luxurious version of the two-wheel drive wagon. It could be had with either the four or the six-cylinder engine. The Maverick tag came from the TV show of the same name, of which Willys was a sponsor.
The 6-230 Tornado OHC engine was introduced in midyear 1962, replacing the flathead.
Production ended in 1965, as the Willys model had been phased out by the Jeep Wagoneer. Over 300,000 wagons and its variants were built.
Engines
See also
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