1966 Willys Interlagos

The Berlinetta Willys Interlagos was the Renault Alpine A108, produced under license in Brazil, by Willys Overland do Brazil, from 1962 to 1966. The Renault Alpine A108, released in 1961, was designed by Giovanni Michelotti, and Jean Redele, the founder of Alpine, modified the design creating the Berlinetta version. This car is one of 744 and one of the last series produced in 1966. It is believed to be the only one in the USA. It is estimated that only 1/3 of the cars produced in Brazil are currently roadworthy. The motor was originally a 32-horsepower Renault Ventoux engine modified by Amedee Gordini reaching 70 horsepower.

The current owner acquired the car in 2005 in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, during restoration, from the fifth owner and imported the car to South Carolina in 2006. Some additional mechanical work was done in the US with the fitting of a new carburetor, an electric cooling fan to avoid overheating, and new trailing arms in the suspension.

The body of the Willys Interlagos is a monocoque made of fiberglass and the chassis is integral (sandwiched by the fiberglass) with a steel central backbone. The front and rear suspensions are independent, with coil springs, an anti-roll bar, and telescopic shocks. The rear suspension also has swinging half-axles.