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Some of you probably remember Gary from a previous feature article we ran awhile back entitled "Gary Collins amazing 48 flat nose Willys" . Gary's last truck named Willard was great but Gary writes "this one is truely special for sure. It has a takeoff bed that I went to Detroit to get. It was taken off a truck shortly after it was bought new and was absolutely rust free. He then handsanded, primered and painted it. Gary says the truck has a 350 Chevy, power steering and goes down the road faster than I want to go if needed. Everything is new or rebuilt and a great daily driver. It is actually a 51 but you know me and the flat nose 47-49's. I had to change the front end. Put a beautiful paint job on it $4000 and some rechromed bumpers, etc. I know it's not stock, but I love driving these so much I had to have one that is logical for the road. I have restored this Willys truck to near stock specifications as close to possible other than the V-8, power steering and a few other modifications. This is one special flat nose truck." |
So what happened to Willard? Gary says "I sold Willard to a friend in Rochester NY and I stay in touch with him pretty regularly." So what will Gary do next? I have another 51 that I'm doing now with a 231 V-6 in it. I want to finish with a beautiful flat nose and a V nose that are complete. I have also sold a couple other trucks in the past six months for others to enjoy. This is what I am doing in retirement. Retired December 1st. Beats the hell out of making beer bottles in a factory for 37 years. Gary that sounds like a wonderful retirement to us! Cheers and Thanks for all the frosty cold bottles of beer used to celebrate each of our own knuckle busting adventures. |
Editors Note - Gary plans on bringing his 51 Willys truck to the PA Jeep Show in July. Gary claims he is having the interior professionally done before the show. So if your headed to the show be sure to stop by Gary's latest ride and say hello. |