Willys Jeep Station Wagon

A Cool Car That Caught My Eye by Marie (The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect)

My brother owns a 1962 Willys Jeep Station Wagon named Irene. Produced by Willys-Overland from 1946-1964, the Willys Wagon was a forerunner of today’s SUV. Willys-Overland manufacture the Jeeps used by the American military in World War II. Irene is in fantastic condition with most of its original interior. The dash board is unusual. The radio sits behind the steering wheel. The gauges are large and are in the middle. It has four stick shifts. Getting in and out of the back seat is a bit of a struggle. My brother raised gladiolas and used Irene to transport them.

Interesting vehicle -- especially the part about the radio. I guess the driver set the channel before leaving and choose to stay happy with their choice during travel.

Based on the description and photo I think the Willys Jeep Station Wagon, as the name suggests, is the forerunner of the modern station wagon, not the SUV. Station Wagons are/were designed to have extra trunk space. The SUV was designed (originally) to go off-roading. I think the Land Rover and original military Jeep are closer ancestral kin to the modern SUV.