Vehicle Description
After getting off to a respectable start in the automobile industry
in 1903, Overland developed a reputation for its dependable,
well-built cars. All was looking rosy in 1906 when a prominent
dealer from Elmira, New York named John North Willys purchased the
company's entire annual output. He followed that with another
generous order for 500 cars, sending a $10,000 deposit. But when no
cars appeared and nothing was heard from by the factory, Willys
traveled to Indiana to investigate. He arrived to discover the
company founder had lost everything, with only enough parts to
build three cars. In return for his lost deposit, Willys took over
the firm, assembling cars in a circus tent until he had enough
money to buy a new factory! Not long after, the new Willys-Overland
company was booming, with annual production jumping to nearly 5,000
cars by 1909. Willys moved into the former Marion plant in Toledo,
Ohio, and established Overland as one of America's most successful
car companies, and by 1915, only Henry Ford sold more cars than
John North Willys. Powered by a mighty 50hp Continental inline-six,
this 1915 Overland Model 82 is one of only three known survivors of
this rare flagship model. According to its previous custodians,
this car's original owner had only driven Ford Model Ts before
purchasing this big, powerful Overland. The owner was so
intimidated by the dramatically more powerful Overland that he
parked it after just a few thousand miles. He then allegedly traded
it to a neighbor in exchange for livestock. The second owner
rarely, if ever, drove the car and subsequently stored it in their
barn. When the car was unearthed some 65 years later, it was
remarkably complete, and the Stewart odometer showed just 6,500
miles. It is believed that the 7,900 miles it shows today are
authentic. The grand and imposing Overland was sympathetically
refurbished after its extended slumber and used for occasional
tours and shows by its enthusiastic previous owners. Finished in an
attractive bright blue and black livery, the Overland's older
restoration has taken on an appealing light patina. Riding on a
125-inch wheelbase chassis and large-diameter artillery wheels,
this fantastic Model 82 makes a bold statement. It is a very
well-built machine, with interesting details including dual
rear-mounted spare tires, cast alloy step plates, cowl lamps,
nickel-plated klaxon horn, and a Biltrite running board-mounted
storage trunk. Black button-tufted leather upholstery covers the
lofty bench seats front and rear, with stitched and riveted
interior panels in the typical style of the era. Period repair
manuals, advertisements, and sales literature show the interior
restoration is faithful to original specification. The rear
compartment features a pair of folding opera seats, and a plated
robe rail, while the black canvas top provides a bit of protection
from inclement weather. While Overland used in-house engines for
its smaller models, they turned to Continental to supply the big
303 cubic-inch 'six used in this Model 82. The smooth, powerful
unit propels the Overland along with ease, thanks to its abundant
reserves of torque. The engine compartment is orderly and well
detailed, with period-correct wiring and fixtures. The technical
spec includes on-board starting and a 3-speed transaxle-style
gearbox with an H-pattern shift mechanism. The car runs and drives
respectably well, needing little to prepare for more extensive
touring events. This Model 82 is one of just a small handful of
survivors from Overland's short-lived flagship range. It is
brimming with character and would undoubtedly be a welcome and
enjoyable mount for Horseless Carriage Club of America tours and
casual driving with family and friends. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6764-1915-overland-model-82-tourer/