UPDATE: Turns out we discussed this back in early 2016. http://www.ewillys.com/2016/03/13/1954-wagon-tender-garner-nc-ebay/

Very cool, but not an original 1954 truck (it is listed at Barrett Jackson as a 1954, though the text suggests it was a 1955 model).

Scott Gilbert alerted me to this upcoming truck to be auctioned at Barrett Jackson.

Over the years, following a discussion with an Israeli jeep fan named Or, I’ve applied the designation of “Tender” to this style of truck. At the time, he’d sent me a copy of brochure and translated the model as a “Tender”.

Since then, I’ve been searching for an original US version of the Tender, but have not found one. So, while not beyond the realm of possibility, I highly doubt this is an original 1954 Tender for the following reasons.

The seller of this truck is describing it as a 1954 Truck and the serial number is claimed to be 55168 10001. However, as of 1954, the serial number system used was the 654 XX2 prefix system (the “X”s standing for various letters) to describe 4WD Willys trucks. It wasn’t until 1955 that Willys Motors adopted the 55168 system, but that year that prefix started with 55168 5001. At some point, there was a 55168 10001 produced, but that would have been late into the1955 year.

Consistent with a 1955 build, the 1955 55168 trucks model was defined as a cab only version of the Willys truck accompanied by the Super Hurricane engine, same as the truck herein. The “bed” of the truck could have been built from a wagon, so that might be consistent, too.

However, the speedo shown wasn’t produced until late 1956ish. The Willys emblem used on the hood and on the glove box looks more like an Aero emblem than a jeep emblem. The hockey-stick styling of the external chrome didn’t appear until 1960(?). Meanwhile, the two piece windshield was discontinued in 1960. So, there are major inconsistencies.

I’m sure there are other issues that folks can add to this list.

Here’s the listing: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1954-JEEP-WILLYS-4X4-PICKUP-225070

Here’s the Tender’s description:

“This 1954 Willys was built as a 1955 model and is Serial #0001. A piece of Willys Jeep history, this example has 2,122 original miles and is equipped with 4-wheel drive. It’s powered by a Super Hurricane 226ci 6-cylinder engine backed by a T90 3-speed manual transmission and Dana 18 transfer case. The exterior was repainted in its correct shade of tan.”