Now up for grabs on eBay is this 1941 Willys, definitely not a wagon, offered by a private seller who’s owned it for about a decade. According to the listing, this project is ready for someone with the time and motivation to bring it back to life. The seller notes that it’s equipped with an eight-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission, but the current motor is cracked. Fortunately, a replacement engine is included in the sale, giving the next owner a strong starting point for getting it running again.
The Willys name carries a lot of history, particularly among enthusiasts who appreciate early American utility vehicles and hot rod builds. This 1941 model was built before the brand became synonymous with military Jeeps, giving it a distinctive prewar identity that appeals to both restorers and custom builders alike. With a clean title, rear-wheel drive, and an 8-cylinder setup, it sounds like this one has already been part of a performance-oriented build at some point.
The seller describes the car as a project that needs a new wiring harness, but it appears much of the foundation is already in place. He also mentions a set of custom one-off headers, which he calls “pretty cool looking,” suggesting that some thoughtful fabrication work has already gone into the vehicle. For anyone who’s been looking for a Willys project that doesn’t start from bare bones, that’s a good sign.
After nearly ten years of ownership, the seller admits he just doesn’t see himself getting around to finishing it, a story that’ll sound familiar to many enthusiasts with too many projects and not enough time. The inclusion of an extra engine and the seller’s willingness to share details (including a phone number for serious inquiries) make it clear he’d like to see it go to someone who will finish what’s been started.
Located in South Carolina, this Willys represents a solid opportunity for anyone who wants a rare prewar body style that can go in a variety of directions — from period restoration to street rod build.
Would you restore this 1941 Willys to its original form or finish it as a one-of-a-kind custom?
If I squint really hard, I still don’t see a wagon. Sure looks like a two door coupe!
I just turn my brain off and talk about the car when I’m not super familiar with the time period or model. There are plenty of vehicles out there with model names that make absolutely no sense, so I didn’t think to question what was listed, since they had it several times in the ad. I know it’s not a wagon in bodystyle, but it wouldn’t be the first time a manufacturer put something completely random. I’m updating it now though!
Why did you do that? Can’t remember what “that” was.
Grandson at. 4 yrs :”my brain was turned off.”
Are there others besides you wo with brain switches?
I just turned my brain off on this one and followed with the seller said. These 40s vehicles always have something weird, so I didn’t even think about it, obviously I know that’s not the body style, but some weird call out to something else? I just didn’t think. I’m constantly educating myself about cars beyond American performance, trucks, and Porsches, these ones always get me in trouble :D I squinted too hard I guess
Don’t worry too much Liz. If that’s all they have to worry about, things must be pretty good!
I have heard many different vehicles referred to as wagons. How’s yer ole wagon goin’ cobber? It was an Austin Healey, I think!
Not much left of the wagon. But a good looking gasser!
I just turned my brain off on this one and followed with the seller said. These 40s vehicles always have something weird, so I didn’t even think about it, obviously I know that’s not the body style, but some weird call out to something else? I just didn’t think. I’m constantly educating myself about cars beyond American performance, trucks, and Porsches, these ones always get me in trouble :D
Those headers look awful.
It’s not a tight or complicated application.
It looks like someone’s completely unnecessary attempt at equal-length primaries.
I think that the headers were meant to be “show car art”. Kind of looks like a trace off of an oscilloscope or heart monitor. Then again, maybe they just look awful.
I think they look like balloon art. Kinda cool
They kinda look like balloon art, kinda cool
Seller has no reserve. Might be in for quite the surprise if he doesn’t pull it down right before it ends.
It looks like a fiberglass body, being sold on a bill of sale. Someone really needs to look this over well in person to see how much work it really needs.
It’s being sold on a “no reserve” auction. It might be a good deal for someone who understands what they are getting themselves into.
Steve R
Hopefully whomever bids on it pays close attention to how Swiss-cheesed that frame is.
Uh where’s the wagon?!! Like Jack, all I see is a coupe. First thing I’d do would be to lower the front end so that it can be safely
driven on the street. Those nose high front ends may be fine for the strip, but they don’t turn corners all that well. And if done right, it would make a great Stone, Woods, & Cook tribute car.
If you buy this car, I hope your wife or significant other has a decent sense of humor. Otherwise, you’ll be in the dog house 🏡 for sure!
Ken, I’m glad you mentioned those cats. I had the SWC model kit way back when I was a kid. Brings back good memories.
41 Willys. Gotta be the one of if not the best, coolest pre-war car made.
Pre-war for the US only. The Allies had been fighting the Nazis for two or three years before Pearl Harbour dragged the last of the reluctant isolationists into the fray.
Wagon???
Why did you do that? Can’t remember what “that” was.
Grandson at. 4 yrs :”my brain was turned off.”
Are there others besides you wo with brain switches?
Huh???
Love this Gasser! Just add a money tree 🌳 and it’s rolling again. Congrats and good luck to the winner.
“…rare pre-war body style”? “…restore…to it’s original form”? It’s fiberglass.
Well…. At least it has a cracked Hemi?
Owner says it comes with a hemi block 356
Yuk!
That header setup should play a nice tune! Kind of looks like a,French horn got stepped on. So what does a Hemi brass instrument sound like?
I would keep it a gasser. Even though I’m not a drag racer. It would be cool to drive around Reno at Hot August Nights! Right now the bidding is sitting at a reasonable figure.
I work at a track, I’ve never seen a newly created “gasser” like this ever make a run, occasionally you’ll see one cruising the pits when there is a big race, but that’s as close as they ever get to the business end of the track. Cars like this are built for show and to draw attention at a coffee and cars.
Steve R
Steve R: You might want to check out the Southwest Gasser Association. They run competition meets for all the old gassers like these, Tri Fives, old Ford’s, etc. and they’re not just for fun, these guys and girls are serious drag racers.
I know some gassers actually run and are popular in parts of the country, however, where I live there are only a few vintage gassers that run occasionally, but not modern builds like this one. To me, there is a big difference between the two. There is a local Pro Gas association, but no gassers built in this style run with them, it’s an index class with no electronics, they will let anyone run, except dragsters, who is willing to join the association.
If you are interested in some YouTube content, check out HotRodHoarders channel. He’s worked for several magazine and did a lot of work for Coker.
Steve R
I had an all steel of course, 1942 Studebaker Champion coupe for awhile. It was out in the open and lots of people stopped to try and by it. I kept raising the price hoping no one would but eventually someone paid up and I sold it ( I had 4 kids in school and could always use the extra money. It looked pretty much the same as these and it weighed VERY little.
Obviously, there’s a multitude of keyboard commandos who don’t realize that Willys was also in the wagon and pickup business. These kind of “dragsters” were around as common fare in the ’60’s (Mazmanian, Stone Woods Cook, etc.). Hell, even AMT made a double dragster model kit of them. And, those tuned headers DID add horsepower. So, y’all put that in your pipes and smoke it.
You’ll have to pass the pipe first, Mal.
Bub: those were the days!
Steve R: Again, check out Southwest Gasser Association. These are not nostalgia drags. They run timed, heads up classes.depending on the set up and are miles away from Pro Gas.
I can watch the Southeast Gasser Association from Knoxville on YouTube for hours! I love these old Willys Coupe’s second to the 48 Anglia.
If I was 20 years younger I would be a bidder on this! I guess I missed what size the hemi was..but it doesn’t matter…it’s a Hemi!!! The look would be what it’s all about to me!
I couldn’t agree more (except that it would be more like 30 years for me) These are the coolest cars on the planet!
Sold on 10/28/2025 for a high bid of $15,800.
Steve R
Color me surprised. It’s coo,l but I didn’t think that it would go for that kind of money because it’s a long way from being finished.