Yesterday, we covered a 1935 Pierce-Arrow, and a lot of the so-far discussion has centered around diminishing interest, as well as the future outlook, for preserving pre-war automobiles. Today, we’re going to wind it back even further and examine a 1917 Willys-Overland touring car. This barn find, or perhaps I should state it as a “garage find”, has been languishing in Richvale, California for 40+ years and is available, here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,500 or make an offer.
The Willys name, these days, is synonymous with all things Jeep but it had a long and prosperous manufacturing history prior to the “MB”, military Jeep. Commencing in 1908, John Willys acquired the Overland Automotive Company and renamed it Willys-Overland Motors in 1912. Various models ensued and W-O was quite successful, so successful that in 1917 they produced 130K cars, placing them number two behind industry behemoth, Ford Motor Campany and their outsized 622K Model Ts, et al. The seller doesn’t disclose which Willys model this example is, or much of anything beneficial about it for that matter, but it looks like a Model 90 Tourer – any input that can be provided on identification would be helpful and appreciated.
Since it has been sitting for 4o years, it’s a non-runner and no mention is made regarding its powertrain, which should be a 32 HP, 180 CI, in-line four-cylinder engine. There is, unfortunately, no description or images included that are remotely related to potential operational motivation. There is no reference made of the interior either, other than to state, “Spare fender in the backseat” and “extra wood wheels” which also look like they are keeping the fender company.
Why a fender in the backseat you ask? Well, that’s necessary because someone, or something, took a chunk out of the attached, rear passenger piece. The rest of the body looks OK, though the front bumper is missing and there’s no telling why there is, what looks like plywood, covering the grille. This Willys is advertised as being a “complete” car and if that’s the case, there may be something here with which to work – but there’s no way to know for sure. This listing sounds like a quick flip, a case where the seller doesn’t know or hasn’t followed, the necessary things like taking the time and effort to clean away the dirt and distracting detritus and then presenting this Willys, in its entirety, so prospective buyers can get a thorough look at what may be of interest to them.
This is not a Pierce-Arrow! (no kidding, right?) As others stated in the Pierce-Arrow write-up, it’s a significant, and expensive automobile. It has the cachet of its name as its draw, but the expense, and perhaps mechanical complexity of that V12 engine, not to mention the company’s long-ago demise, to serve as impediments. This Willys-Overland doesn’t have that marque notoriety but it’s a simpler car at an obviously lower price point. That said, I found a nicely restored 1917 Model 90 for $10,900, so this example may not be inexpensive enough. Whatever the case, the same obstacle still exists, finding a buyer that wants and appreciates a 100-year-old car. I say, GLWTS, how about you?
Purchased a house in the middle of Town built in 1915; been remodeling for the past 15 months. This would look awesome in the front yard!
Looks like the car George Bailey drove into the tree before diving in the river to save Clarence. I think the radiator cover is for protection. Yes, interest is defina
tly fading on these prewar cars. It’s already in CA so maybe see if the Peterson Museum has interest. If they gave it to me I’d take it, just getting it back to the East Coast would be costly. These cars are very delicate and springy. Nice find.
I will buy this car for that price.
Did you bring her home yet? Share the story when you get her running.
Looks like 3 Klaxon Horns under the hood
Days gone by
It is disappointing to see how few car people appreciate these early vehicles. My 50’s and 60’s stuff just sits, because my early stuff is so much more fun to drive and work on. The Overland was a fine car.
I identified “George Bailey’s” car as a Dodge by the flat cowl and Star of David badge on the radiator. Googled it. 1919 Dodge. So, a contemporary and similar looking car. (And we can’t see the radiator badge in this pic 😉) W-O would be a fun car to own!
It’s a shame these cars just aren’t worth much anymore. When I was a kid, coming across something like this would have been a big deal and there would have been people lined up to buy and restore it. Nowadays buying it at this price and just getting it roadworthy will leave you upside down with nobody interested in buying it. Time marches on and what’s considered desirable with it.
Seeing cars through the prism of money ultimately makes it a hollow experience. When we afe out and die, do we look back at all the money we have, or is the value of our life measured in the experience and road traveled. I know a lot of miserable people who have a lot of money. The happiest people I know value the quality of the life they live above all, foregoing money and other status norms for things more meaningful. With the correct mindset, cars like this one bring more “bang for the buck” than any other, IMO. They are relatively inexpensive to buy, and force the owner to slow down and “smell the roses” in life. Imagine driving this through the Redwoods or down the California coast. An experience that is just not the same in a newer car. How much is THAT worth ? Which will be with you when you die, … a bank account total, or that drive ?
If anybody wants further proof of Burger’s theory posed here, have a look at the film “Happy.” You can find it on YouTube. It documents four people from far-flung regions of the globe. Reveals how our outsider perception of them being miserable goes against how happy they genuinely feel about their own lives. Worth a watch. Take notes. Drive the car from the ‘teens. Cheers.
Look for Happy (2012) or you will only be offered music videos because apparently that is where the advertising dollars are.
Probably because the song by that name came out about the same time and was a huge hit. Pharrell Williams, with the Dudley Doo-Rite hats.
I have this car still sitting like the pictures shows. I have not had the time to work on it. It is up for sale , the interior is in good shape no tears in the material, I have the owners manuel and the service manual for this car. The service manual cover a lot of other willeys engines also