You want it all. And you want it now. Here's your car. One of the
all-time favorites in the worlds of drag racing, customs, street
rods, and collectors, the 1941 Willys Coupe, has been built to a
show-winning, state-of-the-art level, and is now offered for the
first time at MaxMotive. A collaboration of top professionals
pooled their talents to produce an award winning custom rod. The
top organizations in the sport, including ISCA, Goodguys, and NSRA
have all recognized and awarded this thoughtfully designed and
well-executed build. The original owner's goal was to create a
design that is "timeless, not trendy." The goal was achieved, then
surpassed, with a level of refinement and integrated design
befitting a high-end luxury automobile. For example, the designers
took the classic Willys logo, stylized it, and created an oval-type
theme seen throughout the car. A pattern in the upholstery work
under the deck lid replicates the shape of the engine cover. Fine
details like this are known as "Easter Eggs" in the world of
design. The best of the best of the leading manufacturers employ
this technique, whereby a new owner is surprised and delighted by
new discoveries with his/her car months after taking it home.
That's the kind of thought that went into this build. Clayton
Custom Cars produced the gorgeous body, and Jeff Volker of Volker's
Auto Body in Youngwood PA took it from there. In front, behold the
Alumicraft grille and the nosed hood, that's laid down and back.
The truck lid is decked with radiused corners. Suicide doors with
shaved door handles are also radiused. To accommodate the hefty big
block, the firewall is recessed and the A-pillar area is reworked
for a seamless fit. Semi-tubs make room for the massive rear
rolling stock. To be a crowd pleaser, a car needs a killer paint
job. This one delivers with an expert application of PPG
basecoat/clearcoat Vertigo Blue (inspired by Aston Martin) and
Cappuccino Frost (an elegant Buick shade). Then Thad Cunningham of
Icon Custom Paint in Duncansville PA worked his artistry with the
tasteful pattern design and pinstriping. This Willys brings the
hardware too. Prorides/RPM in Warrendale PA coordinated the
project. One engineering challenge on a custom like this is the
exhaust system. It also provides a barometer for the overall
quality of the build. This one starts with custom-fabbed headers
with right-sized 2�-inch primaries. They dump into custom pipes
with SPD F1 Flex Joints, and DEI header and exchange wrap provides
protection. The exhaust exits through the body. The engine
compartment presents a great custom show car look with a
hand-formed sheet metal cover. Underneath, though, is a hot rodding
staple, the venerable big block Chevrolet. This one is 502 cubic
inches of attitude that you'll feel the moment you fire it up. It
effortlessly pumps out 502 horsepower with a very responsive 565
lb/ft of torque. A Powermaster starter gets things going. Billet
Specialties' Tru Trac pulley system drives everything up front,
including air conditioning and power steering. A Bowler-built 4L80E
automatic with a Street Bandit shifter assure effortless cruising.
Even the third member is state-of-the-art. A Currie 9 Plus Nodular
Ford rear with 4.11 gears puts the power to the pavement. The
interior showcases the characteristic refinement of the car, with
credit going to Paul Trapizona and Wicked Stitches of Sewickley PA.
Full grain Austrian Leather buckets in just the right shade of
charcoal lends a timeless air of elegance, appropriately
complimented by Mercedes Benz carpeting. Those beautiful seats are
heated too. You take control with a Billet Specialties "Rival"
steering wheel on an Ididit tilt column with molded mount. Ahead of
you are the perfect gauges from Classic Instruments' Traditional
Silver Series. Now let's talk tunes. A Clarion Marine AM/FM/CD
Multimedia Controller commands components from JL Audio, including
a 300/2 full range amplifier, 500/1 Subwoofer amp, ZR component
speakers, and 10W1 subwoofers. A Vintage Air Super Gen II air
conditioning system optimizes the environment. A project of this
caliber requires a tremendous investment of time whether you can do
the work yourself or you're having it done. A huge advantage here
is that this ambitious project is complete, it's tested and sorted
out, and it's ready for you to enjoy right away. Build Team
- Built by Prorides/RPM Warrendale PA
- Curt Ukasik - Designer/Builder
- Martin Carlin - Project Assistant
- Josh Hart, Justin Wilson - Fabricators
- Steve Barrett - 12 Volt and Fiberglass
- Body
- Manufacturer - Clayton Custom Cars Inc.
- Body Work - Jeff Volker, Walt Natskakula
- Paint - Jeff Volker, Volker's Auto Body, Youngwood PA
- Graphics and Pinstriping - Thad Cunningham, Icon Signs and
Kustom Paint
- Glass - Ron Brandstadter, Superior Auto Glass
- Interior
- Upholstery - Paul Trapizona, Wicked Stitches
- Wiring - Ron Francis
- Accents - Clayton Machine Works
This build was completed with the best available products from:
Billet Specialties, PPG Paints, Currie, Paul Yaffe Originals,
IDIDIT, Vintage Air, BFGoodrich, ARP, Air Ride Technologies,
Alumicraft, Clarion, JL Audio, Be Cool, Flowmaster, Wilwood
