1948 Willys 663 Wagon – Max-Bilt Northwoods Edition
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.
