Willys is best known for the rugged Jeep vehicles that helped establish its reputation, but the company produced plenty of unusual models that have become genuinely difficult to encounter. Short production runs, hard working lives, and decades of attrition took their toll. These seven Willys models are especially rare today, even among fans of early American utility vehicles.

Willys Aero

The Willys Aero was an ambitious postwar sedan that combined compact dimensions with surprisingly modern styling. It offered six-cylinder power and a more streamlined alternative to the enormous cars coming from Detroit. Sales were never strong enough to make it a common sight. Today, finding a complete Aero is difficult, particularly one that has survived without major modifications.

Willys Bermuda

The Willys Bermuda was one of the company’s more upscale Aero-based models, featuring distinctive two-tone styling and a more carefully finished interior. Its unusual proportions made it stand out from mainstream American sedans. Production numbers were relatively modest, and many examples disappeared through ordinary use. A surviving Bermuda is now an exceptionally uncommon piece of Willys passenger-car history.

Willys Surrey

The Willys Surrey brought a colorful, recreational twist to the Jeep platform. It featured distinctive striped upholstery, bright exterior treatments, and an open-air configuration designed for leisure use. Its unusual appearance helped make it memorable, but relatively few were produced. Original examples are now rare, especially those retaining the factory-style interior and colorful trim.

Willys Jeepster

The Jeepster was an unusual blend of utility vehicle and passenger car. It offered rear-wheel drive, a distinctive open body, and Willys mechanical toughness, making it different from both conventional cars and traditional Jeeps. Early examples were produced in relatively limited numbers. Surviving Jeepsters are now highly sought after because they represent an unusual chapter in Willys history.

Willys Station Wagon

The Willys Station Wagon was an important early all-steel wagon, combining practical passenger space with simple truck-like engineering. Four-wheel-drive versions made it particularly useful in rural areas and difficult terrain. Many were used hard for decades, leaving relatively few original survivors. A well-preserved example today is an increasingly rare reminder of the origins of the modern utility wagon.

Willys Pickup

The Willys Pickup was a compact work truck built around rugged mechanical components and available four-wheel drive. Its smaller size made it useful for farms, businesses, and rural transportation. Most spent their lives working rather than being preserved. As a result, original examples have become increasingly difficult to find, especially trucks retaining factory bodywork and equipment.

Willys CJ-3B

The CJ-3B looked familiar but featured a taller hood designed to accommodate the company’s new Hurricane four-cylinder engine. Its simple construction and serious off-road capability made it popular with farmers, military users, and utility operators. Years of hard service eliminated many examples. Today, an original CJ-3B remains a surprisingly uncommon sight outside dedicated Jeep and Willys gatherings.

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*Research for this article included AI assistance, with all final content reviewed by human editors