Willys Knight 66B, 1930 66B | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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John North Willys was president of the corporation until his death in 1935. Prior to Willys he had been president of the Overland Company. A six cylinder of the sleeve valve design powered the various models of Willys-Knight. Although other engines were used in many models the sleeve valve was the motor of choice of Mr. Willys. The company built many models, among them, Willys Six and Whippet. The acquisition of Stearns-Knight of Cleveland introduced the Falcon-Knight and Stearns-Knight models in 1925. The Willys 77's were developed to help bolster the sagging sales in 1933 and all other models were dropped. The 77 was designed as an economy car to compete with the American Austin. The 77 was renamed Overland in 1939 and later to become the Americar in 1941 and was produced until 1942.
During World War II, Willys and Ford Motors produced the Jeep. They are still being produced by Chrysler-Daimler Motors.

Source - Frick Car Museum

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Roadster
Coachwork: Griswold Motor Body Company

The Willys Knight was produced by the Willys Overland Company between 1914 and 1933. The 'Knight' made use of the sleeve valve engine technology designed by Charles Y. Knight. The engine design shed the traditional poppet valves for a set of sliding sleeves to control intake and exhaust gases. While expensive to produce, this precision engine was quiet, durable and powerful.

In an effort to add more flair to the top of the line, Willys commissioned Amos Northup to design a new body. Northup was chief of design at the Murray Corporation of America. He believed that the automobiles of the 1920's were not very attractive, and that stylish appearance and high comfort were the primary reasons that customers would purchase a car. Northup's efforts resulted in the beautiful plaid-side line of Willys Knights. He was aslo commissioned by other independent auto manufactures and produced such impressive designs as the REO Royale and Graham Blue Streak streamliner.

The car shown here is a 1930 'plaid-side' roadster model 66B equipped with the famous Knight Great Six sleeve-valve engine. The Model 66 represented the top-of-the-line for Willys Knight, and was good for a healthy 87 horsepower. This plaid-side sports the original paint scheme and colors. Note the squares on the doors which are hallmark of the plaid-side.

The Plaidside Roadster, designed by Amos Northrup, is noted for its unique 'Plaid' pattern on the bodysides. The Plaidside Roadster was accompanied in the 66B Series by a Plaidside Phaeton. This Roadster body was manufactured by Griswold Motor Body Company of Detroit, MI. Griswold produced coachwork beginning in the 1980's and the Plaidside Roadster was their last automobile body manufactured prior to their demise in 1932.

Photos grouped by event
31st Annual Ault Park Concours d'Elegance	Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance	The Frick Car and Carriage Museum - Focused on Pittsburgh	2006 17th Annual Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States

1930 Willys Knight 66B
Year	1930
Make	Willys Knight
Model	66B
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Production Years for Series	1929 - 1931
Coach Work	Griswold Motor Body Company
Price	$1,895.00

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
Engine	Sleeve valve
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Horsepower	87.00 HP (64 KW)
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol

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1930 Willys Knight 66B