Willys is a name that instantly brings Jeeps, trucks, and utility vehicles to mind, but there’s an automotive side to the company as well. Take a glance at the 1953 Willys brochure, where you’ll see the Aero Ace, Aero Lark, and Aero Falcon models. Also in that lineup is the Aero Eagle two-door hardtop but, aside from its name and basic shape, it’s very different from our Pick of the Day: a prize-winning 1953 Willys Aero Eagle restomod listed on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Green Valley, Arizona.
If you check out Willys’ 1953 promotional materials, you’ll see that it was proud of its cars’ interior space, outward visibility, and fuel economy. Those are great, but what about looks? Willys made sure to address that, too, saying, “The beautiful flowing lines of the Aero-Eagle are as expressive of its fleet, care-free performance as are the swept-back wings of the latest aircraft.”
Nineteen fifty-three was also the same year that the Kaiser Manufacturing Corporation purchased Willys-Overland, creating the Willys Motors Corporation. Just two years later, production of Willys passenger cars ended (in America, at least — the Aero’s tooling was used to build cars in Brazil starting in the 1960s).
It’s been a long time since a new Aero has been on the road. This particular Aero Eagle has received a second chance at life after it was spotted in a Nebraska field. The couple behind the restoration mixed originality with updates to the interior, engine, drivetrain, and suspension.
If you’re a fan of Japanese cars, you’ll recognize the shade of green the couple chose — yes, that’s Lexus’ Cypress Pearl. The cabin was completely overhauled and outfitted with custom beige seating, which pairs well with the green body. If you can take your eyes off the attractive engine-turned dash accents, you’ll see a DCE Microsteer electric power steering module for the rack-and-pinion setup, leather-wrapped Lecarra steering wheel, and AM/FM/CD/cassette radio.
At this point, you’re probably wondering if the engine was upgraded: Yes it was, but not to a giant V-8 that turns the back end into a squirrelly mess. Instead, the Hurricane 161ci I-6 was replaced with a Vortec 4.3-liter V-6 from a more modern GM vehicle. The transmission was also updated and swapped out for a rebuilt 4L60E four-speed automatic.
The pictures don’t show it, but there are plenty of other substantial modifications underneath this car. Behind the knock-off wheels are front and rear disc brakes. Up front, there are Ford Mustang II spindles and tubular control arms. At the rear, an Art Morrison four-bar rear suspension keeps the back end in control while the nine-inch rear end from a Lincoln Versailles channels the Vortec’s power to the road. Aldan American coilovers manage all four corners.
The weeks of work put into saving this car paid off in more than one way. They preserved a piece of automotive history from a defunct brand and resulted in a trophy from a 2024 event and a Best in Show, Modified plaque from the 2025 Tucson Classics Car Show.
No word on if those prizes come with this 1953 Willys Aero Eagle, but getting a vehicle that’s been as extensively updated as this one will feel like its own victory. You can experience that sensation for $49,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
