Vehicle Description
1928 Willys Whippet Truck
Willys-Overland did offer commercial trucks in their 1928 Whippet
catalog, although these trucks' bodies weren't built in-house;
Willys shipped the rolling chassis and cowl-priced at $370 that
year-to independent body makers, who modified the cowl and fitted
custom truck bodies of many styles. Among those commercial body
firms were The Shop of Siebert [Toledo, Ohio], Hercules,
Martin-Parry, the Montpelier Body Corporation [Montpelier, Ohio]
and the Anderson Body Works. Cataloged commercial body styles
included the open express pickup, open side canopy top, screen
enclosed screen side, solid side panel body and replacement trunk
bed-fitted commercial roadster with slip-on body.
Here for consignment we have a barn find that was a dream of
someone in the 1940's to restore, and it did not pan out. It's been
sitting since and now is looking for a competent owner who wants to
take on a project that is not made by any of the big three, and
when finished will have one of only a few in existence today. That
is called an investment.
Exterior
Mostly rust-free steel makes up the front fenders, cowling, and
firewall covering. There is a shiny radiator surround in front
surrounding the radiator. Some repaired steel with newer
replacements fabricated to match the body originally, make up the
exterior of the cab. There is plenty of wood framing for the cab
roof, and structural inserts for the exterior steel. On the back is
the bed structure with a wood palette of stacked wood presumably
from the bed but it is difficult to say for sure. Wood framing is
above a steel undercarriage frame. Wood spoked wheels are wrapped
by thin rubber which all need replacement.
Interior
Definitely a bright spot for this truck with original lacquered
bead and batten covering the interior cabin. This is on the back
sides and roof and looks very nicely preserved. No seat or dash,
just the metal steering wheel structure and column reaching for the
driver. The seat frame still exists and wood boxes of plenty of
anonymous sundry spare parts. A wood floor is there but missing
some inserts.
Drivetrain
Under the colored hood is a 132.4 L head 4-cylinder engine. It has
a Tillotson updraft carb of 1-barrel designation. A 3-speed manual
transmission is on back. Currently this engine does not run.
Undercarriage
The structural steel, leaf springs and mechanical drum brakes are
in amazingly good condition, with no rust. All sit on wood floor
pans and the bed is on wood beams which are attached to the
structural steel.
An interesting barn find to say the least, a rarer item not often
seen and even restored but when finished you'll be the only one at
the car show that has one. Step up and give yourself something to
do.
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.
