Restored 1961 Willys CJ5 Jeep Reminds Us of Simpler Times
It may not come with any options but this bare bones Willys offers more smiles per dollar than anything else.
These days, you can’t buy a single new vehicle that isn’t loaded to the gills with all sorts of electrical do dads. Even stripper base model Jeep Wranglers come with loads of safety equipment and fancy radios. Which is all nice, of course. But sometimes, we long for the days when you could buy a Jeep that was absolutely bare-bones. Everything you need to cruise and go off-road, and nothing you didn’t. We’re talking about vehicles like this beautifully restored 1961 Willys that recently sold at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach.
According to the seller, this particular Willys recently underwent an extensive frame-off restoration. And the quality of that work shines through, as it looks absolutely perfect. Power comes from a modest 4-cylinder engine, and you shift gears yourself using the 4-speed transmission. You know, exactly as it should be. You won’t be winning any drag races in this thing, but that’s not the point.
On the inside, things are equally simple. There’s one gauge and a large, thin-rimmed steering wheel. Some pedals, and basic vinyl seats. And well, that’s about it. Aside from the “oh crap” handle on the dash for your passenger to hang on to. Presumably while you crawl over rocks and put this old Willys to the test.
Seeing a gorgeous old Willys like this one only makes us pine for the old days even more. Especially when we see that it sold for just a hair over $10k. That’s a lot of vehicle for the dough, even though it offers nothing in the way of convenience options. But we prefer to measure value through smiles per dollar. And in that case, a classic Willys is hard to beat.
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