Vehicle Description
1941 Willys Coupe
The 1941-1942 Willys Americar was an ordinary but well-built
compact passenger car produced under the presidency of Joseph W.
Frazer, (later of Kaiser-Frazer), and engineered by Barney Roos.
The L-head four-cylinder engine and ladder chassis were
conventional, while the sharp-nosed body styling owed a little to
previous Hudsons and Nashes.
Straying from its original design, but still in keeping with the
theme, we have a hot rodded version with an Antiques and
Collectibles body and chassis. Put in a massive 540ci Shafiroff
built engine with a dyno proven 955.7hp, some snazzy customizing
for the interior, up to date with the latest and you will be the
belle of the hot rod drive in ball, AND no one will mess with
you!
Exterior
This Antiques and Collectibles fiberglass body is all in very nice
condition, and is all dipped in slanted brown. A big shiny hood
scoop is on to accommodate the dual quads and feed it plenty of
forced air. The teardrop style headlights are nicely inset into the
fenders and the pointy hood is flanked on the lower part of it by a
rectangular shaped vertical toothed grille. The front bumper has
been shaved for a simpler cleaner look. The back of this car has a
beautiful line as it forms the split oval rear window and
curvaceous trunk line. Inside those massive exaggerated but still
tastefully shaped fenders are 18 inch front and 20 inch rear Budnik
polished spoked wheels that appear to have been woven by a chrome
spider! These wheels are wrapped with low profile rubber
(205/50R17's in front, and 29x18-R20's on back. Smoke 'em if ya got
'em!
Interior
A swing of the doors and we are met with a totally custom interior
with cool gray molded door panels sporting blue suede insets which
show off their white stitching...don't step on these! Matte cast
aluminum billet style handles help swing the lightweight doors.
Inside we note 2 bomber style low back custom fabricated buckets.
These are draped in dark blue striped broadcloth, and have smooth
blue vinyl bolsters and "vented", (openings), uppers. Just ahead of
the buckets is the beginning of a pointed console custom molded for
this car, and housing a mouse wheel similar to Mercedes-Benz cars
for selecting various functions. A pistol grip shift lever controls
an Athe transmission. The clean and nicely designed dash is also in
blue, and has a central horizontal strip of glass which upon the
fire up reveals a digital dash. A few hidden toggles and pulls are
available for various functions and are well within reach of the
driver, just below the digital instruments which are displayed in
the center of the dash. Above a custom suede headliner insert which
is within an otherwise gray field. Black carpeting with blue
accented floor mats also in mostly black cover the floors. Noted
behind the seats is a small horizontal door access to the trunk
which has also been completely restored, and has a big subwoofer
within a custom molded plastic trunk liner.
Drivetrain
Here's the money shot, with all chromed and polished add ons to the
big 540ci V8 mill. All built by Shafiroff, this is topped by dual
QuickFuel 4-barrel carbs and a polished supercharger which throws
power rearward to a 3-speed TH400 automatic with an ATI converter.
A Ford 9-inch rear with 3.70 rear axle makes the rear wheel spin.
All looking fab under the hood, and all mechanically very sound.
Custom hinges allow the hood to gracefully close over the
protruding scoop.
Undercarriage
An award winning car as such and one would expect to see nothing
but nice underneath, and you will not be disappointed. In addition
to the black painted floor pans and shiny bolt ons we note
independent front coil over suspension. In back a shortened axle to
accommodate those large rear tires is held on by a 4 link with
coilover suspension. Power Wilwood disc brakes are on all 4
corners.
Drive-Ability
Just a beauty to look at and also to drive but careful attention
needs to be paid in respect for the massive amount of horsepower
this car produces. Just a beauty of a driver and the digital analog
looking dash is a highlight. Runs beautifully and stops on a
dime.
Mostly a shower but with performance on demand if you want it, in
spades! This cars' spoils include but are not limited to: 1st Place
Detroit Autorama March 2019 (Full Custom Rod/Coupe), Timonium
December 2018 Best Interior, 50th Street Rod Nationals Kentucky
Builder's Showcase, Goodguys Builder's Choice. A wonderful custom
build and I'd have to say worth every penny. So feast your eyes on
a truly contemporary Hot Rod build and you will quickly dispose of
all these wannabes that were slapped together ages ago and look the
part.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is 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.