Description
The Jeep Willys Station Wagon 663 was one of the most refined and capable versions of Willys-Overland’s groundbreaking postwar utility vehicle, representing the point where rugged Jeep engineering met genuine passenger car comfort. Introduced in the early 1950s as a successor to the earlier 463 model, the 663 retained the fundamental toughness of its predecessor while adding more power, smoother performance, and improved comfort. It continued to bridge the gap between utility vehicle and family transport, helping to define what would eventually become the sport utility vehicle segment.
The Willys Station Wagon had first appeared in 1946 as the world’s first all-steel station wagon — a major innovation at a time when most family wagons were still constructed from wood. Designed by industrial designer Brooks Stevens, the wagon’s clean, upright lines and two-box silhouette became instantly recognizable. The 663 refined that design, introducing small but significant styling updates and mechanical improvements that reflected the maturing tastes of early 1950s America.
The body of the 663 retained the rugged, no-nonsense aesthetic that made the Willys Station Wagon a favorite among rural and suburban drivers alike. Its tall stance, wide fenders, and seven-slot Jeep grille gave it a confident presence, while its high roofline and large glass area made for excellent visibility and interior space. One of the Willys’ most charming visual features remained its faux “woodgrain” paint treatment — carefully applied panels that mimicked the look of wood-bodied wagons but were actually durable stamped steel. By the early 1950s, this combination of practicality and style had made the Willys an icon of versatility.
Built on a strong ladder-type steel chassis, the 663 was engineered to handle both rough country roads and smooth highways with equal ease. It measured around 104 inches in wheelbase, giving it a compact footprint by modern standards but with generous cabin proportions. The independent front suspension with transverse leaf springs — a rarity at the time — gave the wagon a more compliant ride than most of its truck-based competitors. The solid rear axle, suspended by semi-elliptic leaf springs, provided the strength and durability needed for heavy loads or unpaved terrain.
The “663” designation referred to its six-cylinder engine and three-speed transmission, a combination that offered a welcome boost in refinement and performance over earlier four-cylinder models. Under the bonnet was the Willys “Lightning” engine — a 161 cubic inch (2.6-litre) inline-six producing around 75 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. Smooth, flexible, and reliable, it gave the wagon improved cruising ability and easier hill climbing, especially when loaded with passengers or cargo. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox, with optional overdrive for quieter and more economical highway travel.
For buyers who needed greater capability, Willys also offered a four-wheel-drive version of the 663, using the same transfer case and front axle layout pioneered on the earlier Willys Jeep Truck. This option transformed the Station Wagon into one of the first vehicles to offer genuine family comfort with true off-road ability — a combination decades ahead of its time. The 4×4 663 could traverse muddy roads, snowy mountain passes, and rough terrain that would leave conventional cars stranded, making it a favorite among rural families, park rangers, and professionals who worked in remote locations.
Inside, the Willys 663 Station Wagon was simple yet civilized. The cabin was airy and upright, with a commanding driving position and excellent outward visibility. The dashboard was all metal, painted to match the body color, and featured large, round gauges for speed, fuel, and temperature. Controls were durable and straightforward — pull levers for ventilation and choke, a floor-mounted gearshift, and rotary knobs for lights and wipers. Seating was upholstered in vinyl or cloth, designed for durability rather than luxury, though the material quality was improved compared to earlier models. Depending on configuration, the wagon could seat five to seven passengers, and the rear seats folded flat to create a spacious load area.
Practicality was one of the 663’s defining traits. The horizontally split tailgate allowed easy access to the cargo area, and the flat floor made loading simple. Families used it for long road trips, farmers for hauling supplies, and tradesmen for transporting equipment. The wagon’s interior layout and flexible design made it one of the most versatile vehicles of its era.
On the road, the 663 drove with the solid, predictable feel characteristic of Willys vehicles. The six-cylinder engine gave it a smoother and more relaxed gait than the older four-cylinder Go-Devil, and the independent front suspension provided a modest improvement in comfort and handling. The steering was slow but steady, and the ride, though firm, was remarkably composed for a utility vehicle. At highway speeds, it could cruise comfortably around 55 to 60 mph, making it practical for both rural and suburban driving.
The Willys Station Wagon 663 also symbolized the optimism and progress of postwar America. It was a vehicle that could work hard during the week and carry the family to church or the lake on weekends. It was rugged enough for the farm yet stylish enough for the growing suburbs — a combination that would later define an entire generation of vehicles.
Production of the 663 ran through the early to mid-1950s, before it was succeeded by later versions fitted with the new “Hurricane” F-head engines, which offered even greater power and efficiency. Nonetheless, the 663 remains an important milestone in Jeep history, representing the perfect balance of strength, simplicity, and everyday usability.
Today, the Jeep Willys Station Wagon 663 is celebrated among collectors and restorers for its historical significance and enduring appeal. Its unpretentious design, durable construction, and pioneering spirit make it one of the most authentic early SUVs ever built. Restored examples continue to charm enthusiasts who appreciate its honest mechanics, distinctive styling, and connection to a time when vehicles were built with straightforward purpose and genuine craftsmanship.
The 663 was more than just a wagon — it was a symbol of transition and innovation. It took the rugged DNA of the wartime Jeep, refined it for the family, and laid the groundwork for the modern four-wheel-drive utility vehicle. In doing so, it helped define an entire automotive category and remains one of the most quietly influential vehicles of the twentieth century.