Willys was founded in 1908, and for a brief shining moment, it was the second-largest automobile producer in the US after Ford Motor Company. That sturdy berth was achieved via the purchase of the Overland Company, which was trickling out a few cars a month. John Willys was able to make much of this small company in short order, raising production substantially. Alas, overly ambitious expansion plans ushered Willys into financial disrepair, a condition that became familiar to the company as its missteps accrued. Here on facebook Marketplace is a 1938 Willys pickup, ready for your vision; pick it up from Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The price is steep at $20,000, but this is an unusual find, so let’s spend five minutes with it. Thanks to Zappenduster for the tip!
According to the seller, this Willys shelters a 1941 Jeep engine underhood; that would have been a 134 cc flathead four, dressed with a single downdraft Carter carb, good for about 55 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. Nicknamed the “Go Devil”, this little workhorse powered countless vehicles ovcr a couple of decades. The seller notes that his pickup runs from a small gas tank under the hood, which means the new owner will have to sort the fuel system at the very least. The engine is mated to a manual transmission, but we’re not told what type. Typical would have been a three-speed manual. Top speed will hover around 55 mph.
No photos of the interior are provided, but this underside view is straight, if slightly rusty and crusty. The 1938 Willys came with solid front and rear axles accompanied by semi-elliptical springs – just a notch above a horse cart. Of course, countless Willys pickups have been reformed into resto-mods, with modern suspension components and much more powerful engines.
Though historical records are inconsistent, it’s said that Amos Northrup designed the Willys pickup. Unsung in the annals of automotive design, Northrup worked for Graham Paige, Will Sainte Claire, REO, Hupmobile, and others during the 1920s. He pioneered design elements including the rear-slanted radiator and enclosed rear fenders – features that were incorporated in countless vehicles for decades after. This handsome Willys is a great platform for a resto-mod build, but its price is a hindrance to its next chapter. What would you pay for this Willys pickup?
Another truck? Everybody,,,for she’s the jolly good fellow,,,,no wait, I don’t like that “fellow” thing, jolly good lady, that’s better, that nobody can deny. I always wondered what was meant by “Go Devil”? Goes like the devil? AI says it was a euphemism for “Goes like Hell”. This is practically an unheard of find, in this day and age. I’m astounded I’m even looking at one, and an ORIGINAL one, to boot. While these had little drag racing appeal, like its brethren coupe, they were incredibly popular with the 2wd pulling scene. My friends brother raced a ’38 Willys pull truck long before I knew him. Ford powered, he did remarkably well. If my plea falls on any ears, keep this truck original. It’s certainly unique, and we have enough resto-mods, but not many of these. It’s an amazing find, and once again, a tip of the hat to Ms. Rand. We all know, as the author does too, this is way too much for anyone that wants to restore it, but again, not to focus on that, what a great find. Makes you wonder just what IS in those garages and barns across this great land.
Drinking my morning cup of coffee on a “vacation day” I took. I’m very thoroughly enjoying this old Willys pickup write up from Michelle. I’d like to second what Howard said. You just don’t see these very often in stock condition. And it really makes you wonder, just whats in some of those old barns and garages across the country? This one looks very complete ( wonder where that headlight is?) And very solid and a great restoration candidate. I’m with Howard, keep it original. I’m thinking those colors are original and if they are, please keep them. I like it. Once again, thank you Michelle for a great write up and research too.
The headlight might be where the missing water pump hose is, maybe before buying new ones and ended up as ‘differed maintenance’.
Restomod? What you talkin’ ’bout, Willys?
That’s just funny, Rex Kahrs! At a car show years ago I was once corrected: “sir, it’s Will-is not Willieees”..