1957 Willys Wagon: A Family’s Next-Level 4×4 That Beats Any Minivan

John and Hope Conrad have always been diehard Jeep people. But with a growing family, small Jeeps just weren’t cutting it. “We needed something that could haul the kids to shows and on weekend drives,” John says. Sure, they could’ve bought a minivan and called it a day—but that’s not their style. As owners of JB’s 4×4 in Kingman, Indiana, the Conrads went all-in on creativity. They tracked down a “basket case” 1957 Willys Utility Wagon and “scoured the countryside” for the parts to make it whole. The result? A one-of-a-kind family truckster that we saw at the 2025 Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Danville, Indiana.

Corvette 327 Cubic-Inch V8

Under the hood is a 327-cubic-inch Corvette V8 with a story to tell. When John found it, the engine was living in a 1968 Chevy Impala wagon. Years earlier, the wagon’s factory 327 gave up the ghost, and the dealer swapped in a hotter Corvette-spec version. John bored it 0.060-inch over and fitted it with a lineup of Edelbrock goodies—Performer intake, carburetor, valve covers, and air cleaner. Other features include custom headers, dual exhaust, and an aluminum oil pan. Cooling is handled by an aftermarket radiator paired with the original clutch fan, while an Optima RedTop battery helps provide amperage.

Turbo 400 Transmission, Dana Model 20 T-Case

Power runs through a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic yanked from a 1969 Jeep Wagoneer. That Wagoneer originally packed a 350-cubic-inch Buick V8, but John had other plans. He kept the transmission case and filled it with Chevy “guts.” Out back, a Dana Model 20 two-speed transfer case with a U-pattern shifter handles the power split.

Dana 44 Front Axle, Dana 60 Rear Axle, Springover, And More

An International Scout coughed up its Dana 44 front axle, which John quickly put under the knife. It now packs Warn manual locking hubs and early Wagoneer flat-top knuckles to run a custom high-steer setup. Out back sits a Dana 60 from a 1972 Ford truck with a limited-slip diff and a disc-brake conversion using Ford rotors and GM calipers. Both axles spin 4.10:1 gears and wear custom diff covers.

Suspension duty falls to Skyjacker Jeep CJ-7 3-inch-lift leaf springs up front. The main leaf comes from an International Scout, and everything’s mounted spring-over for extra clearance. The rear runs stock CJ-7 3.5-inch-lift springs, with dual Bilstein 5100s at every corner keeping things planted.

Rolling stock consists of 35×12.50R15 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2s on 10-inch-wide U.S. Wheels with beauty rings and hubcaps.

Custom Bumpers, Electric Winch, And More

The Willys got the full frame-off treatment but still rides on its original chassis. During the rebuild, John designed and fabbed both bumpers. Up front, a pair of 6-inch KC LEDs flank a Warn VR8-S winch, while out back the bumper packs a 2-inch hitch receiver. Other exterior mods include Truck-Lite LED headlights and DuPont paint. The rig even sports its original rear license plate swing mount, which displays the plate when the tailgate is open.

Six-Passenger Capability, Tilt Steering Column

Inside, the Willys seats six and swallows plenty of gear. It’s comfortable, functional, and easy on the eyes. The factory front and rear seat frames are fitted with new padding and upholstery, with matching material on the doors, kick panels, and in the cargo area. The dash mixes factory and aftermarket gauges, while a Pioneer audio system provides tunes. Other features include an Ididit steering column, custom cupholders, and new carpet.

The Bottom Line

This 1957 Willys Wagon has been a trusty workhorse for the Conrad clan—and it’s a whole lot cooler than any minivan.