Take a classic 1949 Willys pickup, stretch the cab, drop in a supercharged LS V8, and underpin it with championship-level off-road suspension – the result is one wild ride. Autotopia LA recently showcased just such a machine: an incredible custom Supercharged Jeep Willys built by Rob Lindsay and his team at RJ Fabrication.

This particular Willys earned serious recognition as a Top 4 finalist in the prestigious Battle of the Builders competition at the 2024 SEMA Show. Sean of Autotopia LA called the four-year project Rob Lindsay’s “this is his ‘swan song… this is his Mona Lisa… this is truly epic.”

Built for a client who gave Lindsay creative freedom, the only constraints, according to him, “Hey, it has to resemble a 49 Willys pickup when you’re done with it,” and the builder had to remain enthused throughout the process – a recipe for an outstanding final product.

Under the hood lies a 422 cubic-inch LS3-based V8 engine fitted with Frankenstein cylinder heads and topped by a 2.9-liter Whipple supercharger. Even on a relatively mild tune running just eight psi of boost, Lindsay stated, “We’re making 930 horsepower,” adding that it’s flex-fuel capable for even more potential power using E85. A heavily built 4L80E automatic transmission and an Atlas transfer case handle the power distribution.

The truck rides on a complete custom tube chassis engineered by RJ Fabrication. The front suspension utilizes a proven Triton Engineering independent setup – the same type used by off-road champion Loren Healy – providing 22 inches of usable wheel travel.

Out back, an RJ Fab custom four-link system delivers a massive 30 inches of travel, all controlled by King shocks. Powerful Jamar six-piston brakes handle stopping duties behind 17-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 40-inch BFGoodrich tires.

The level of custom fabrication extends everywhere. The original Willys cab received a subtle extension using parts from a Willys wagon for extra interior space.

RJ Fabrication hand-formed aluminum fenders (both street and high-clearance off-road sets), heavily modified the original grille and hood for component clearance, created custom bedsides mimicking the originals, and designed a tailgate with a hidden tool drawer.

Inside, the custom theme continues with wrapped aluminum panels, Holley digital displays, and modern amenities carefully integrated.

Rob Lindsay mentioned the truck was undergoing final shakedown drives to sort out minor details before delivery to the very patient owner. He confirmed that despite the show-level finish, the owner fully intends to use the truck off-road.

“They will hit the desert with this thing, and it’s a very, very capable vehicle.” He commented. It’s an incredible mix of vintage style, modern power, and off-road race tech. What do folks think of this wild Supercharged Jeep Willys build by RJ Fabrication? Pretty cool setup, right?