1926 Willys Artillery Tractor returns to life

Every now and then, a letter lands in our inbox that perfectly captures what the pre-war hobby is all about: perseverance, ingenuity, and bringing a machine back to life. This time it comes from Paul in northeast Ohio, USA, who has spent the past several months resurrecting an exceptionally rare 1926 Willys Artillery Tractor.

Originally built at the Willys factory in Stockport, Heaton Chapel, England, this quarter-ton artillery tractor was designed to replace a team of four horses, towing light artillery together with a crew of three or four men. As Paul explains, finding parts for one of these early Willys machines is virtually impossible, making the engine rebuild a particularly demanding challenge.

The tractor began its working life under a U.S. military contract during the inter-war years, where it served as an artillery training vehicle. After its military career it found a second life with the North Carolina Civil Defense Department, remaining in service for many years before eventually being sold at an antique engine club auction. That is where Paul's family acquired it—completely dismantled.

For years, it remained nothing more than a dusty collection of parts. Only this February did Paul decide it was time to tackle the restoration. While there is still work to be done, the reward has already come: the Willys is once again running and driving under its own power.

While post-war Willys Jeeps are plentiful and well supported with spare parts, their post-First World War predecessors are a very different story. Restorations like this are therefore not only impressive achievements but also help preserve a little-known chapter of Willys history.

Many thanks to Paul for sharing his remarkable project with us. We look forward to seeing the finished tractor once the final details have been completed.

Published:

Friday July 3rd, 2026

Dr. Paul Lynn

06 September, 16:12

Enclosed is an updated photo of the 1926 artillery tractor with a new canvas top. The Ford 200 cubic inch engine now has a new head, distributor, carburetor and the bottom end babbit has been redone. At this point, it is unlikely we will find many more original Willys pieces, hence the inclusion of the more common Ford parts over the years. We have now contacted archive departments at four museums and are slowly piecing together more of the Stockport contract history. These were originally designated as a one-quarter ton infantry support and transport vehicle towing a 20 mm. gun. We did find a 20 mm. shell under one of the wooden jump seats. While it may be impossible to get this tractor one hundred percent accurately restored, it is a running and driving survivor. We are still seeking additional information regarding this vehicle.

Dr. Paul Lynn

12 July, 16:06

There are indeed some Model A engine parts, wheels and the tailgate currently being utilized. It is the difference between it running and driving or sitting for another twenty years in the barn awaiting acquisition of early Willys parts which are unobtainium in the States. Dr. Paul encourages all restorers and historians to contact him regarding period photgraphs and parts. Very few of these exist , this example survived civil defense and farmer use well into the 1950s. One hundred percent originality in its restoration is virtually impossible.

James Scott Chalmers

05 July, 13:38

The engine distinctly appears to be from a Model A Ford, so cannot be from 1926, as the first Model As were released in December 1927.
The wheels are diificult to determine but appear like those 19" wheels of the later 1930-31 Model A Fords.

1926 Willys Artillery Tractor returns to life

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