UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $1000.
Not many 161s around, let alone Sears Allstate versions. Aren’t these identical to the Willys 161s?
“Yes, Sears Roebuck & Co. actually sold cars during the 1952-53 model years, and this is the larger six cylinder 161 cubic inch flathead engine that came in the higher end “Series 6” versions. Only 2,363 Allstates were sold in two years, the cars were actually rebadged Henry J sedans manufactured by Kaiser/Fraser/Willys, as were the four and six cylinder engines they came with.
This particular engine is fairly rare and has the correct “Allstate” logo cast in the head as well as an “Allstate” tag on the engine block. It turns over and runs but really needs a rebuild. It is still standard bore, complete and has almost all the engine accessories including a good water pump, bellhousing, new clutch, two correct Carter carburetors, distributor, both manifolds, oil pump and starter. About the only thing needed to drop it in the chassis (other than a rebuild) is a generator. Most everything has been recently gone through by a mechanic.”
Other than the head casting and the metal tag saying Allstate, they are identical to the Willys L-161 75 hp engine. These were used in the Sears version of the Henry J. The engine mounted lower in the chassis in the Henry J than it may have in the corresponding Willys cars, the 50-51 Jeepster, the 50-51 Willys 2WD station wagons and panels, the 1952-54 Willys Aero sedans. The Willys F-head 161 six was available from 1952 on thru 54 in those same vehicles. The front mounting plate may have to be changed for a Willys chassis, which is required to out the 4 cylinder L-134 Kaiser/Allstate engine into a Jeep chassis.
This is probably a good deal for anyone with a corresponding Willys/Kaiser/Allstate vehicle!
Did they originally come in the Willy’s Station Wagons?
Matt, as far as I know they did not. However, I could imagine someone swapping an Allstate engine into a wagon.