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Vehicle Description

1948 Willys 663 Wagon – Max-Bilt Northwoods Edition

Show Stopper. Trail Crawler. Time Capsule.

I first saw this Willys Wagon at the Max-Bilt booth at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas — and my jaw dropped. MotorTrend saw it too and wrote a great article on it. Check it out here: 👉 MotorTrend / FourWheeler Article

A rugged, weathered beauty with a story to tell. Meet the 1948 Willys 663 Wagon, resurrected by Max-Bilt Offroad in Eau Claire, WI.

This build is a true marriage of old-school charm and modern reliability. What might seem like a rusty relic at first glance is actually a meticulously crafted trail rig and showpiece, artfully disguised in patina. Underneath the aged exterior lives a bulletproof 4.6L Stroker motor, modern suspension, upgraded brakes, and custom details that pay tribute to its Northwoods heritage.

🚙 Key Features & Specs:

  • Model: 1948 Willys 663 Wagon – Max-Bilt Northwoods Edition
  • Engine: 4.6L Stroker (built from a 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L)
  • Transmission: Aisin Warner 4-speed Automatic w/ Custom 3-on-the-Tree Column Shift
  • Transfer Case: NP231 w/ Advance Adapters & Original E-brake Handle Shifter
  • Front Axle: High-Pinion Dana 30, 3.55 Gears, Open Differential
  • Rear Axle: Chrysler 8.25
  • Brakes: Front Disc / Rear Drum
  • Suspension:
    • 2015 Jeep Wrangler Front Coil Springs & Crown Shocks
    • Jeep Cherokee Rear Leaf Springs
    • OE Frame Modified for Modern Components
  • Fuel Tank: 15 Gallon
  • Wheels: 1090 Lincoln Continental Steel
  • Interior:
    • Burlap Plaid Headliner
    • Memory Foam Seats Wrapped in Waxed Canvas
    • Interior Bed-Lined for Insulation & Sound Deadening
    • Rear Drawer Storage System
  • Gauges: Original Cluster Adapted to Modern Engine Inputs
  • Diagnostics: OBD2 Computer Port
  • Lighting: LED Headlight Upgrade

Why This Willys?

Max-Bilt Offroad didn’t just build a restomod; they preserved a survivor’s scars while giving it the heart of a modern overlander. From the plaid headliner to the column-shift auto and trail-ready stance, this rig is a tribute to the backwoods adventurers of a bygone era, now equipped to tackle modern trails and turn heads wherever it goes.

Whether you're after a one-of-a-kind SEMA showpiece, a conversation-starting daily driver, or a capable trail explorer, this Willys delivers.

Runs, drives, and stops like a champ — ready for road trips, local car shows, or deep-woods getaways. Willys rigs like this, built to this level of care and creativity, are few and far between.

Serious Inquiries Only

For more info, additional photos, or to arrange a viewing, reach out.