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.