ANTIQUE OFFROADER

Pat Soffe's Rock Crawling 1956 Willys is a Blast from the Past

- RYAN LEE PRICE

Building something that screams "different" and "unique" was on the forefront of Pat Soffe's mind when he conceived of this rig. His 2001 Jeep XJ had seen better days, and the decision of building a newer Jeep-and expensive proposal became out of the question. Pat says: "The first deterrent of building a new JL was the price of a new JL. Purchasing a brand-new stock-condition vehicle that would need so much additional money invested to match the capabilities of our old Jeep was just too cost prohibitive." Instead, he thought out of the box and the Willys project was born.

Hailing from St. George, Utah, Soffe is no stranger to the offroad scene. "As a kid, I learned how to drive at the age of 14 in sand rails in the desert of Southern California. Once I had a license, I was into road cars but always had a love for the offroad." He spent most of his recreational time behind the wheel of a variety of vehicles. He explains, "I've raced and ridden dirt bikes, I have experienced the thrill of off-road racing trucks in the desert, as well as short-course racing, and have owned several Jeeps throughout the years."

Inspiration comes in many forms and from many places, but Soffe's impetus for building such a wonderful beast was spurred on by his interest in the Ultimate Adventure, a sixday event of hardcore wheeling sponsored by Four Wheeler magazine. The pub doesn't just accept anyone or any Jeep but only those that are unique. Step 1: build something unique.