The original WWII Willys Jeep was as simple as it gets, no airbags, no seatbelts, no electronics just steel and guts.

It was a light and tough 4x4, easy to work on and you could fix almost anything with basic tools. You could tear the whole Jeep down in less than 5 minutes.

If someone tried to build one today, same size, same style, could it actually pass modern safety and emissions standards?

Or would the rules make a true “modern Willys” impossible?

Curious what engineers, mechanics, and everyone else thinks. It would save people so much money.

    • CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works
      5·
      3 days ago

      Pretty neat but $15k for a little tub (these things are the size of a modern UTV or Suzuki Samurai) and wheels seems pretty crazy. Not to mention what I imagine to be shipping costs in the range of thousands of dollars. You’ll have to buy an engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, and fuel system which could easily run you another $15k, then assemble it all for another $15k if you’re paying someone, and another $15k for paint and bodywork. Easily $60k for a 1940s era technology with 60HP and absolutely zero creature comforts.

      Jerry and Jobe, formerly of Donut Media and currently of Big Time, bought one that was mildly restored from Meacum or Barrett Jackson auctions for something like $14k and they haven’t even been able to sell it again for the same price after.

      Then again as a car guy, I can understand the financial decision-making process when it comes to the hobby.