1941 Willys Americar Speedway Coupe

From 1912 through 1918, the Toledo-based Willys-Overland Company was America's second-largest producer of automobiles. As the Great Depression took its toll on the economy, the Willys-Overland was soon bankrupt and struggling to stay afloat in the midst of an economy that would claim many independent car companies. W-O found salvation in the Willys 77, a small four-cylinder car that found much success selling for as little as $395.

The 1941 Willys Americar vehicles were slightly longer than the earlier models but still a relatively small automobiles. The slightly updated 1942 models would be the last Willys passenger cars built until 1952. During World War II, W-O produced military Jeeps, powered by the durable Willys four-cylinder engine. The 'Civilian Jeep' of 1945 retained the military version's 4WD and set an example for all off-road sport-utility vehicles to come.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, many of the lightweight, pre-WWII Willys Coupes were converted to 'Gasser' drag cars. Their popularity was so great, that they were eventually reproduced in fiberglass.

This is a rare factory-stock Willys Americar Coupe that was stored for many years before its just-completed restoration. The owner found the car through a want-ad, placed in a magazine catering to hot-rodders.