Look at any old school drag racing pictures and you are likely to see a few prewar Willys coupes. Compact, lightweight, and good looking, these cars were tailor made for drag racing. When the supply of original cars dried up, racers just switched to using fiberglass bodies and kept on blasting down the track. Seeing an unmolested original that wasn’t used up as a gas sipper during World War II or as a drag car in the sixties is a rare event on par with being abducted by aliens. Minus, of course, the probing. Thus the reappearance of this stock 1941 Willys coupe, amazingly discovered for us by Reader Levi Andrus, is quite the shocker. The price for this rusty craigslist discovery is an even bigger shocker. You can add this rarity to your collection for a cool $37,500, and it can be picked up in Portland, Oregon.
Yes, the price floors me to. Yet I cannot sit here and say that I have ever seen a stock Willys coupe of this vintage. Four door sedans and pickups I have come across though. Called the Americar, these vehicles were smaller than the average car of the day. Powered by a 134 cubic inch four cylinder engine putting out just 63 horsepower, these thrifty coupes were claimed to get up to 34 miles per gallon of gas. With war and gas rationing looming, you can see why Willys sold 28,935 cars that year.
Most likely this model was called a Speedway Coupe. Selling for $634 according to the Encyclopedia of American Cars, buyers got a pretty Spartan car for their money. You could buy a Plymouth coupe for just $51 more, or a Ford coupe for a mere $40 extra. Probably good reasons why Willys placed 16th in sales in 1941.
Somehow this car escaped all of the perils of World War II and, later, the torches of hot rodders. What it didn’t escape was the tin worm. The seller tells us that he bought it from a gentleman who stored it under a lean-to since the early seventies. This must have been a pretty leaky lean-to, and it didn’t help that nobody bothered to close the cowl vent during that time. Rust has wreaked havoc at the bottom of the doors, the corners of the front floor, and 1,000 other places. I am surprised the glass didn’t rust as well. Maybe the bumpers and the grill were completely digested. We just don’t know.
Inside, the dash is not too bad. It even has a factory Willys radio. The seller tells us that these are there own brand of unobtanium, and that a large offer has been turned down for the radio alone. Everything else looks stock and intact. Looks are deceiving though. You cannot see the rust in the door hinge area that the seller honestly reports in the ad. The problems that we can see are mainly limited to the metal windshield surrounds and a small portion of the dash.
As you can also see from the picture above, the rust damage is more extensive in the back glass surrounds. Just how far the damage goes is hard to tell. If limited to the surrounds, replacing them would be very difficult. They not only curve around into a sort of oval shape, but the metal itself is somewhat curved as well to make them more rigid.
Rust damage continues with some places in the trunk pan and there is metal missing all around the trunk itself. This picture also reveals the dents in the roof and the “oil canning” that likely resulted from someone trying to repair the dent. According to the seller, there are rust pinholes in this area from water pooling in the dented sheet metal.
Believe it or not, the seller has successfully brought this formerly stuck engine back to life. Through soaking and coaxing, the car has managed to make it around his garage area. Quite an amazing feat for a car that has sat for so long. We are also assured that the missing air filter comes with the car.
If you are still reading this after seeing all of this car’s warts, then the picture above might be the show stopper for you. Remember when I told you the cowl had been left open since Nixon waved goodbye? The picture above shows the aftermath of the former owner’s laziness. Yes, that is the back side of the dash you see. The damage is evidently so severe that the seller suggests you find another Willys of this vintage in a less desirable body style to cut the firewall out of. Then you are to transplant that firewall into this coupe. The only detail left would be answering for this crime when you see Saint Peter.
All and all, this one is tough to write about. On one hand, this is an obviously rare car that should be saved. The seller has worked hard to write a very detailed ad that is rich with pictures showing the problem areas. Anyone this honest should receive one of those medals Obama gave Biden. On the other hand, the price is staggering when you factor in how much money and time it would take to restore this car. Never mind the bill from the master metal man you would have to support in the style of Michelangelo working on the Sistine Chapel.
As much as I would like to see this one back on the road as a perfectly restored car, I just don’t see how it could ever happen. What do you think should be done with this Willys?
I love this old Willys. Oh, yet another sad story where a leaking lean-to roof contributed to the dilapidated condition of a classic car.
Awesome write up Jeff!
Anyone else LOL at Big Boy in the first picture?
That Big Boy statue is worth a lot! When they closed most of the Big Boy’s they sold all the kitchens for big bucks. They got down to 3 restaurants left open. They were told they could not change the buildings since they were on the preservation list they can never be modified or torn down. So they kept them open and scheduled opening new ones. They couldn’t afford to buy back the original Big Boy statues nor replicate them affordably. New ones have one smaller statue. I live 10 miles from 2 of the 3 original ones.
Big Boy is probably a repop. Somebody’s making them and a lot of them. Biggest giveaway is the smirk the repop has on his mug. saw one at a flea mkt for 375. Still a great conversation piece!
I go to one of the originals about once or twice a month for Cruise nite and a Super BigBoy and Root Beer float
@ Balstic, I know the Big Boy in Burbank with the car cruise, been there and had a good time.
I am in Norcal and see a local guy in the north Sacramento area has one of these Willy’s coupe in Red, has been his daily driver for decades, it disappeared for a few years and I did see it come out of hiding within the last year. He drove past me and it sounds good, my guess is he has a built SBC under the hood. Always liked the look of the Willy’s, they just scream Hot Rod me!
CalCarDude, I’ve always liked the Willie’s Gassers. It just seems I’m a day late and a dollar short in acquiring one. I’ve finally reached the point in my life where I have the time, desire and a little money but I’m just short. So I am a spectator once more, at least I have the time. No 9 to 5 anymore. I do like having the original Bob’s near me, always liked the Gogi architecture around.
I see plenty o’ rust, all right, and also see what appear to be lots of brackets and holes provided for bumpers, trim, etc. Wonder if those come with the car? If not, the buyer would certainly have to do as the seller suggests and find a parts car.
Seems like crazy money to me. On the other hand, I can’t recall seeing a single Willys of this style since the mid-1950s that hadn’t been turned into a gasser or street rod. Overall, I think the selling price will end up being considerably South of the ask….
Sure hope the next owner restores it. It will be a labor of love, but that’s as it should be, as far as I’m concerned.
thats insane this thing beyond most artistists
How much and for what?? Sorry seller…
Crackpipe pricing.
It appears as though the seller has a ton of experience with cars of this vintage, based on what is in the background of photos. What that says, I’m not sure. Thoughts of what the car might be worth to the seller if it were in much better condition elude me.
Yes it’s rare but it was nothing but a cheep little car in its day. And rare doesn’t always mean valuable. I think it’s nothing but a pile of junk that is going to take thousands of hour/ dollars to restore it. Besides is there really a need for a 60’s style gasser would it even be good enough to meet the standards of 2018. In the 60’s every one wanted one in 2018 who but a few baby boomers wants one. $3k that’s it’s worth but as they say there’s a sucker born every day. The seller should be ashamed of himself for asking this price, speaks volumes about his integrity.JMHO.
Ok, hold on, pal, it’s hardly a pile of junk. The fact that it escaped being turned into a gasser is miraculous in it’s own right. Fact is, I can’t recall ever seeing a stock one. I agree, interest is waning for gassers, and drag racing as a whole, but a ’41 Willys coupe is as iconic as it gets, and to call it a pile of junk kind of shows where you’re at, sorry. Future gasser or not, it’s an incredible find.
Hi man, ( just what does your handle mean?) I apologize, I didn’t mean to rip on you. Obviously, we are in the same boat. Seller, who by the looks of it, has at least one more Willys gasser in background, wants top buck and we’d never spend that kind of money, but that’s the wonder of America, ( Canada included) someone, who has deep pockets, and judging by what some of these folks shell out on TV, price is not a concern. We’re mostly “arm chair collectors” here anyway, and to me, it’s just fun seeing this stuff come up. Like you say, originally, these were just cheap cars, and not many made it after the war and while it would be neat to see one restored to original, clearly the seller is targeting the drag race crowd, where money flows like there’s no tomorrow.
WoW! Are you serious? I tell you what, find me 50 of them just like it for $3k each and I’ll pay you $15k cash for each of them! You have no idea of what you’re saying! Not trying to be rude or an ass but this car is worth
$25-$30k easily! You may not think so, I know SO! I have 4 ALL STEEL cars and only have 45 years of experience building, buying, collecting and on rare occasion, selling one! I sold a pro street all steel car with a bliwn heni in it, primered black for;
$120k and I sold it the first day 3 hrs after posting it.
Hey,,,excuse me, nobody here is a dumaxx. We’re here for the fun of it and quite frankly, it’s people like you that price these things out of reach. People with money just trade these things among themselves( judging by the garage, this seller isn’t on Social Security), and that’s how America works today. Just because we didn’t have parents ( or grandparents) that gave us a wad of cash when they died, doesn’t mean we’re a dumaxx.
Featured right here on Barn Finds as the Estate find it was at. Looks like a pretty good flip for the buyer but I do understand he paid a good price for it. Lots of pictures were posted from the estate….looked bad then and only a little cleaner now. It’s not to far down the road from where the sale was.
They do look good any way, whether a mild hot rod or a strip car, even stock there is something about these old coupes that catches the eye. Sometimes the ears too. Too bad this one was neglected for so many years though.
I’ve seen worse restored. Given what it could be worth restored original or as a gasser it will have value. The fact it is original all steal plays an important part in value no matter how it is restored. However, as a gasser, it would have less value given the fact it has no racing history or background. Keeping in mind the rarity of 1941 willies all steel car.
I wonder what shape the other one in the garage us in the background.
I like it all original even though a new dodge hemi is so tempting to make a true outlaw body ….paint it black with steel rims and baby moons and put the body back stock. One could keep the dash and orig radio … who needs it with blue tooth speakers and a phone these days hidden with some guages possibly tucked under the dash with a flip plate to hide and unhide .
Either way a cool ride potential 👍👀
This was originally a four door that my friend converted into a suicide 2 door by moving the B pillar back and extending the door by 8 inches. He fitted a SBC but was then decided to sell it and spend the cash on restoring his 1930 Ford A to Gold Medal standard, which he did very successfully. A very clever man who also occasionally paints front covers for “Hemmings” magazine.
I wouldn’t mind seeing this guys hunting grounds. Notice the blue one in the garage, the chopped coupe across the grounds.
This one is going to take a lot of time, work and $$ to make it right again.
If you love the look that much, you could always buy a fiberglass body and build one, take the rest of the cash and put it in the gas tank and drive it. My buddy’s dad has a fiberglass body car, rolling chassis (minus engine and trans) he wants mid teens for? Can’t remember. Drop any v8 and transmission and finish it up and there ya go. driving with the look you wanted. $37500? Ouch!
Sniff glue much?
Is there a new format for stories today or is my computer messing with me?
A friend of mine had one of these that he was busy converting from a 4 door to a 2 door by moving the B posts back and elongating the doors by 8 inches. He fitted a SBC before selling it on unfinished, in order to finish restoring a 1930 Ford A. Stupid bogger. Give me the Willys any day before the Ford, and I’m a Ford guy.
While we’re talking about awards I nominate Howard A for a large trophy for honesty. “Arm chair collectors” do seem to abound here………not a bad thing unless you bank on their opinions over fact.
This kind of car is a tough one even for a guy like me completely immersed in the hot rod hobby for over 5 decades. Just not enough of them trade in the marketplace to get a handle on the number of buyers that will stand in line with bags full of hundred dollar bills to get one. The “steel is real” crowd couldn’t care less about the glass ones, they only want what this car has to offer……..except for how they value the amount of rust. I lived in the NW until a couple years ago, and there are others out there. I knew of three real deal ones in the Seattle area, one a former gasser the other two mostly stock. There were probably more, but hoarded away from most.
If there were someone in that area who had the deep pockets necessary, and just “had to have it”, there are a few high quality metal men in that region. My choice is a guy who lives about half way between Seattle and Portland named Al Swedberg. He’s semi retired now so might not want to take on this size project, not because he couldn’t handle it……he could in spades…..but because it might seem more tedium than a string of smaller expressions of his profound skills.
The seller obviously has experience with this kind of car, but also might be suffering from some of the same minor delusions that woody owners suffer. A decade or so ago, their preferences in vintage vehicles sold for crazy big money in the “home equity = cash machine” period. Not so any longer, woodies have dropped roughly half in market value, and I suspect these, even as rare as they are, have as well. Too bad we won’t be able to see what this might really sell for.
Bought one of these in 1959 for $100. Completely stock, actually a pretty nice little driver, used it as a family car til 1968. My wife put more miles on it than I did. Probably not a “Speedway Four” as they came with a floor shift trans, this one has the column shift.
Remember the days, .but not all Willys were turned into gasses, many just received transplant street V8’s and trannys, and then came glass and who knew what chassis, some were butt ugly.
I know I was never good enough to bring this auto even to safe presentable level.
At that price shown I contacted some who have these all steel put away, OLY-SEA-TAC WA area that are one he’ll of a lot better shape but modified valve trains.
If this guy gets asking, watch for some dandy ones for sale in that area.
Price here? Rediculous!
My Aunt is sitting on an original 40 coupe. Before my Uncle passed away years ago he had some insane offers on it but refused to sell because he knew what was going to happen to it. How many original non-cut cars are left out there? I’d bet not many.
10 days later and still for sale.
Maybe open to realistic offers?.
I’d say maybe something in the high teens to low 20’s if you did an inspection and had to have it…cash offer?
I saw this car at an estate sale in West Seattle where this seller out bid me on a silent bid. There was a higher bidder from MY state that ended up retracting his bid after they did a Facetime walk around with a smart phone. It had been in the backyard under a tarp for a very long time causing the metal to deteriorate, there was a lean to nearby but this car had not moved nor been under it in many years, the roof had a 2′ wide dent where water collected and rotted the roof too. The car is salvagable with a great deal of money. I feel fortunate to have been outbid in hindsight.
Thanks for posting that comment. Always nice to get a viewpoint from someone who has actually seen one of the BF listings. Brings a dose of reality.
Some of us would be curious as to how much of a “Home Run” the seller is trying for, after expenses, with this one. As others have hinted at, the profit appears to be in finding/buying/selling this car (and a high percentage of others) rather than restoring/selling it. WAY faster, too.
The 37 to 42 Willy’s coupe is the worlds meanest looking car is why it owns the title king of bad and why will always demand very large money of course all steel .