Like fashion, the collector car market is cyclical. And, like fashion staples, there are some cars that never go out of style. For instance, you just can't go wrong with a comfortable pair of jeans. And likewise, you'll always be admired when you pull up in a ground pounding Willys. Back in 1941, at a small automaker that was about to go through its second bankruptcy, no one would have guessed that, 71 years later, we'd be looking at a bright yellow Americar thinking it's one of the coolest street rods we've ever seen. But alas great design endures, and when great design is mixed with modern technology, it's a sure-fire bet for success! Featuring an impressive roster of components, a supple leather interior and an awesome 355 cubic inch, 560 horsepower V8, this do-anything custom is poised to draw big attention and take home very big trophies. It's also completely sorted, scary fast, and amazingly comfortable. So, forget all that nonsensical talk about boring coupes and trendy roadsters owning the next cruise season, this first class Willys is your go-to piece for dominating the strip and stopping the show!
Okay, so it's not really an Americar, and naturally, that paint isn't a traditional single-stage that's going to dull and wash off in four years. Instead, this Willys is a high quality fiberglass tribute that's been prepped, dipped in R-M Diamont Yellow and finished to a much higher standard than anything that rolled off a pre-war assembly line. The car is actually titled as a 2002 model, but its build wasn't completed until 2008. And while its shape is ultra-traditional, some new tweaks were added to provide a unique personality. Take a look at our high resolution photos and you'll see that every panel is as flat as Kansas, with a shine that's only found on five-figure hot rods. Some trick pinstriping runs along the body's horizontal lines to separate the upper and lower halves of the car. And even though there's no mistaking a Willys, this coupe has an identity all its own thanks to careful workmanship and excellent attention to detail.
It's hard to find any well-done street rod that doesn't turn heads and inspire stares. But this car, with its excellent stance, vivid paint and well-planned detailing, makes most custom builds seem amateur and second-rate. Up front an electric tilt nose hangs a fresh chrome grille between original-style, chrome-trimmed headlights. At the top of the car a contoured hood, which fits around the big engine's finned hood scoop like a well-tailored glove, leads the eye to a full array of like-new glass that's sealed in fresh black silicone. At the sides of the car, shaved doors and small chrome mirrors hang over polished side-exit exhaust pipes that look almost as good as they sound. And out back, a shaved trunk, traditional Willys tail lights and a retractable license plate add a healthy dose of modern function to some of the best automotive form ever created. Overall, this custom is simple, smooth and classic, carrying the true hallmarks of a timeless and enduring design!
One thing you won't have to worry about in this Willys is power. Thanks to a blown 355 cubic inch V8, which belts out roughly 560 horses, this sleek coupe is more than just some pretty parking lot poseur! At the top of the car's professionally built engine a pair of 780 Webers mix air from a polished intake with a steady stream of high octane dinosaurs which travel through high quality braided lines and a chrome pressure gauge. At the base of those carburetors a polished Weiand blower rides between chrome valve covers, which are fitted with both matching breathers and matching looms, and a traditional points distributor that's snapped to yellow Taylor plug wires. Cooling is provided by a heavy duty aluminum radiator which is sandwiched between a chrome cap, a chrome overflow tank and a large diameter puller fan. Exhaust is handled by a pair of coated long tube headers which look great next to the block's subdued black paint. And charging is provided by a chrome alternator that, along with a chrome AC compressor, spins between a nice set of chrome pulleys and a sturdy set of chrome brackets. Aesthetically, this Willys clean engine bay is a very impressive showpiece that's basically a sea of first rate hardware from its chrome power steering reservoir and trick dipsticks all the way to its chrome brake booster and fully finished hood. And overall, the car displays a first-rate level of workmanship that conveys a high quality, tailored demeanor.
Behind that killer Chevrolet small block a 2,800 RPM stall converter engages a rugged Turbo-Hydramatic 700R4 4-speed which, like the motor itself, is eager to shred some tires and scorch some pavement. Power from that proven transmission flows to a familiar Ford nine inch rear end which spins big 3.50 gears. That first class drivetrain is held off the ground by a Bad Boys Willys mandrel bent chassis which, along with the suspension, has been bathed in a pleasant shade of black paint that provides a perfect contrast to the car's bright yellow exterior. And speaking of suspension, the front of this Willys utilizes tubular control arms that are equipped with modern power steering and modern coil over shocks to provide a pleasant ride with a vintage feel. And the back of the car combines a traditional four link system with two more modern coil over shocks to provide drag strip worthy launches. Serious stops to counter the car's serious speed are provided by a power four wheel disc brake system. Exhaust duties are handled by neatly packaged stainless side pipes which growl through high quality MBRP mufflers. And keeping all this muscle rolling down the road is a slick set of 15 inch Weld Racing Rodlite wheels which wear 165R15 Kumho radials up front and 29x18.50 Hoosier Pro Street radials in the rear. With a beefy drivetrain that's been reliably built to be both tough and fun to drive, this '41 Willys is the real deal. And with its clean floors and super impressive hardware, it will fare well at any show you chose to attend!
Hit the remote to pop this car's forward-opening doors and you'll reveal one of the most beautifully finished cabins this side of a Rolls-Royce. With acres of tan leather, custom tweed, and high-end carpets, you won't want to leave the driver's seat because, frankly, this cockpit is nicer than your living room. Auto Meter supplied the retro-looking gauges that are arrayed across the dash, while a custom console was fabricated to hold a remote controlled JVC CD player, billet power window switches and the controls for a Vintage Air climate system. Look a little closer and you'll see that those beautifully sculpted door panels, which feature small billet handles, match the headliner and cargo hold. The primary controls, a half-wrapped billet steering wheel, a Lokar shifter and a polished tilt steering column, make it very easy to get very comfortable. And a fully finished trunk, which props a large Infinity amplifier above completely custom panels, provides enough space to stow a good amount of car show essentials.
The sale of this bright yellow Willys, which has already won multiple Best of Show awards, includes a receipt and cam card for its engine build.
The Willys Americar is an icon, no doubt about that; and this custom puts a highly unique spin on a familiar face. The car's workmanship is outstanding, and I can't imagine what it would cost to build something like this from the ground up. If you're looking for a fully-sorted cruiser that's aesthetically exhilarating and blindingly fast, this Willys offers a great twist on a proven design!
At RK Motors Charlotte, our primary goal is to offer a buying experience unrivaled by anyone in the classic car industry. The core of that experience is a screening process we call the RKM Performance Center Seal of Approval. Performed by one of the ASE certified master mechanics in the RKM Performance Center, this 80+ point checklist ensures that every vehicle we offer meets our stringent standards.
While the Seal of Approval covers the basics, many customers want to take their cars to the next level. So, we created the RKM Performance Center Test & Tune and the RKM Performance Center Certification. From general functionality to comprehensive tuning and testing, these service packages let our customers tailor their buying experience.
When you visit our website, /Sales, you'll see that every car carries three prices and each of those prices correspond a service package. Regardless if you are new to the classic car world or an experienced collector, our three-tiered pricing system allows for an honest and open sales environment. Simply put €“ no one in the industry works harder than RK Motors Charlotte to make sure your dream purchase is just that.
Visit /Sales for complete pricing information on this car.
Year: 1980 or older
Miles: 0 - 4 999
