Vehicle Description
1927 Whippet Model 96
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
America's smallest car upon its introduction in 1926, the Whippet
was truly one of the most compelling vehicles of its day. Produced
by Willys-Overland, the marque was to supersede the Overland as a
budget automobile with a small footprint, and it was competitive in
both price and performance to other cars available at the same
time. The company cemented its name and reputation at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway where a six-cylinder model was put to
the test over a 24-hour endurance run. The car averaged 52.56 mph
and established a new record for stock automobiles priced under
$1,000. Even more impressive was that the Whippet could be had for
a far smaller price than that: $545 for a four-cylinder cabriolet
and $615-$745 for the six-cylinder models! Sadly, the Whippet would
only last five years, and the company closed its doors due to the
Great Depression in 1931.
For consignment, a little known or heard of Whippet Model 96 from
1927. This car has been fully restored and is a real piece of
history for the collector who is looking for the next best thing.
Nice exterior, fully restored to original interior and all holding
up well. Wood for the dash and simple but elegant vertical oval
gauges on the wood dash. Not perfect, but a rare car that easily
can be driven or shown.
Exterior
Like all cars of this time period, it utilizes a simple body on
frame construction with attached exterior fenders and running
boards under the doors. Upfront 2 large headlights with shiny
bezels lead the way and flank the polished chromed radiator
surround with a black insert. From this surround a rounded cowled
hood extends to the front windshield which can be moved outward for
airflow. Above is a blue metal visor which frames the front of a
black vinyl roof covering. A square cabin with 2 doors nicely
minding their gaps and the straight back of the car all bathed in
blue. Here we also see a covered spare tire and a split bumper in
dual curved bar format protecting the back of the rounded fenders.
On either side are curved fenders arching over 19-inch black wooden
spoke wheels wrapped in white wall thin tires.
Interior
A simple door is the opening to the interior on either side, and
these panels are covered in gray broadcloth with some vertical tuck
and roll and smooth surrounds. Nickel plated handles for the window
cranks and a winged knob for the door actuator are within this gray
broadcloth field. Inside are simple buckets with low backs, covered
in more gray broadcloth tuck and roll inserts and smooth gray
broadcloth surrounds bordered by piping throughout. In back in a
comfy rear bench the same pattern as the buckets. Sides and
headliner are also in gray broadcloth and looking good. In front is
a walnut wood panel dash that has a cluster of 3 oval gauges and
knobs with polished bezels and black backgrounds. A large wood
rimmed steering wheel is awaiting the capable hands of the driver.
Black painted wood panels cover the floor.
Drivetrain
The engine compartment reveals an earlier restoration with a patina
green painted engine and head, surface rusted intake and exhaust
manifolds, and a 134ci 4-cylinder setup with a 1-barrel carburetor
and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. Wiring is like new, and
bolt ons are all in good condition, including the large horn on the
very top of the engine!
Undercarriage
Underneath is all rust free, and nicely parenting in black painted
metal and wood surfaces. Framing is solid, rockers and body hangers
are structurally sound, and we see leaf spring suspension on all 4
corners along with mechanical drum brakes.
A full restoration for the mostly unheard-of automobile from Willys
Overland company pre Jeep era. It has been in storage for a while
so to some degree "decommissioning" may have to take place so the
purchaser should be ready to perform some TLC to get the car back
up and road worthy.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.