1958 Willys Utility Wagon

"A True One Owner Classic 4x4"

My mother, Tuda Libby Crews, is pictured above taking delivery from me of her restored 1958 Willys Utility Wagon. 

She drove this beast to school at Rosebud, New Mexico (35+ miles each way) from the time she was twelve years old until it was parked.  The photos on the left above show the spot where it sat totally exposed to the elements for approximately thirty years!  Ken Devenport (master of all trades) was commissioned for the restoration.  Throughout the project sometimes financial prudence had to be ignored in order to honor a devotion to sentimentality. Thankfully there was no particular time deadline, as it took a little over two years and more scratch than we care to admit.  

Funny how it is always twice what you think it will be.  

The end result is nothing short of breathtaking.  Talk about a conversation starter!  I drove the truck and trailer from Phoenix to Las Cruces to deliver it to a very anxious and pleased Momma!  Along the way folks would pass me, then slow up, get next to me and check it out and then give me a thumbs up or a "high five" as they pulled away.  

A New Mexico Trooper let me pass at nearly 90 MPH and smiled! And yes, the flatbed is "rolling on 17's" thanks to my friends John Murphy and Chris Schultz. When the Willys first arrived in Arizona, we changed the fluids and put in a battery and it started!  The only thing done to the engine was painting the exterior and a tune up.  

It isn't running great, mind you, but it is still running.

There was a bit of trouble on the maiden voyage to get the VIN verified.  A bearing spun apart in the rear dif and locked up the axle at 45 MPH.  I pulled a pleat in that new seat cover and came to such a violent halt I was sure I had been rear ended.  Thankfully we emerged unscathed and Ken figured out a way to rebuild the rear diff.  Of course, with the new rubber the Willys didn't want to come down off the tow bed and it had to be coaxed with motor oil under its hind paws.

With a top speed of about 45 it isn't going to set any land speed records, but with the gearing as it is it is capable of climbing trees.  My Mom lives on the ranch she grew up on in New Mexico and wanted New Mexico colors.  

SHE ASKED FOR IT, AND SHE GOT IT!  

When you see this coming down the street it is as if you were somehow transported into a Matchbox world and the cool shiny truck is heading right at you. Mom loves it, Ken is sick of it, and everyone else wants to go for a spin!  

Questions or comments can be sent to me by clicking here.