The 1961 Willys Wagon is neither off-roader nor cruise machine, at least not by modern standards. It’s a little bit of both, really, even if its fresh V8 swap has rendered it more drivable on the road; it can be taken on the highway safely and that’s a definite move up from stock.
It’s a barn find featured on the Dirt Every Day show over on MT. The vehicle is discovered as a non-runner, having had its engine blown nearly thirty years ago. From that point on, the car’s been sitting in the garage not driven – it’s actually the former owner’s first car, but it’s one that failed quickly and he never got to drive it much.
Even so, it’s a great vehicle to put back on the road, as it’s suitable for either making an off-roader or something almost exclusively for the road. Depends what you do with the tires and suspension combo.
In the video posted below, the Wagon is simply brought back to working order, with the possibility for it to be taken in any number of directions.