Electric Willys Jeep Restomod: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T
It may look like a World War II-era Willys Jeep, however nearly every part is new and it is now a fully electric Willys Jeep.
The Willys Jeep is an icon. Pure and simple. If you watch any World War II documentary you will no doubt, see these basic vehicles featured at one point or another. Jeep plays up that history today with modern versions that use the storied Willys name. The modern Willys is a great vehicle, but it is nothing like the original. And that is not a bad thing because no one would want to commute every day in a 75-year-old Jeep. They are great for parades, but not great for taking the kids to school.
This week’s “Throwback Thursday” presented by Nitto Tire takes a fresh look at the vintage Willys. Courtesy the Hagerty YouTube channel we can watch Matt Farah take an in-depth look at special Willys Jeep. One that has been so extensively modified that only two parts remain of the Jeep as it left the factory. Does it still retain the feel and soul of the original? Even if it is now powered by battery cells taken from a Tesla Model S?
Where Did The Donor Jeep Come From?
Like any restomod project, this Jeep started life a factory vehicle. The engine, and the frame of this particular Jeep restomod started life as a regular Willys Jeep. At some point in the 1960s a stainless-steel body was installed in the Philippines. It then sat in the garage for years. Eventually the owner passed away and left the Jeep to his son. The son wanted to restore and improve it. He decided to send it to Ai Design so they could convert it to an EV. It has been converted, but can it still be considered a Willys? “What is actually a Willys though? The rear axle and the steering box. That’s it.” Says Farah of this restomod.
How Does It Drive?
Well, it is powered by batteries taken from a Tesla. So, naturally it is a lot quieter than the original. But other than that. It mostly feels like a Willys. “In theory it can do up to 100 mph. It also feels remarkably like a Willys.” Says Farah. Part of that is due to the fact that it still rides on leaf springs and steel wheels.
It has a poor steering ratio that Farah says needs about 30 turns to go from lock to lock. As for the ride? “It rides like an Oregon Trial oxcart.” Opines Farah. On the bright side, the Jeep does not rattle like the original. And the brakes work quite well. So, it seems like a more modern and better screwed together Willys, but still a Willys.
The Build Details
Matt Figliola is the founder of Ai Design. He gives us an overview of the electric Willys Jeep build. Ai Design offers a range of services from full custom builds to performance tuning and audio systems. However, this Willys was their first full EV conversion. They took the batteries from a salvaged Tesla Model S and built a custom battery box around it. It is fully sealed so if the new owner wants to treat the Jeep like an actual Jeep it can handle it. Of course, the big questions with any EV are power and range. Farah poses those questions to Figliola. “No idea.” Is his response. At least he is honest.
If you do get stranded, at least you will be in a good looking interior. The seats are covered in a garment leather left over from job with Calvin Klein. Another cool design detail is the fake 9-volt battery where the jerry can originally was located. Overall it is nice looking Willys, that pays homage to the original.
Doing Jeep Things
Farah puts the electric Willys Jeep to the test on some icy and muddy trails. Nothing a modern Jeep would have much trouble with but for a EV restomod Willys it is a good shakedown run. It is also worth noting that this Willys is only rear-wheel drive. The customer that commissioned the build never plans to off-road it. He will drive it on nice days for fun and has no need to four-wheel drive. Nothing wrong with that.
Final Thoughts
Farah sums up the electric Willys Jeep like this. “Dynamically I will say this. It’s horrible, but it’s better than the best Bronco I have ever driven.” Not sure anything else needs to be said. Enjoy the video below.
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