John North Willys was a bicycle salesman who later became a bicycle manufacturer. After witnessing his first car in 1899 while on a trip to Cleveland, he returned to New York and opened his fist car dealership in Elmira, New York, selling Overland Automobile brand automobiles. In 1912, the name was changed to Willys-Overland Motor Company, and it became the second-largest automobile producer in the United States (behind Ford), a title it retained through 1918.

In 1913, the Willys Company acquired a license to build Charles Yale Knight's sleeve-valve engine. Willys automobiles employing this engine bore the Willys-Knight nameplate. The Willys-Knight nameplate was liquidated in 1929, and production ended in 1933.

In 1914, the Electric Auto-Lite Company was acquired by Mr. Willys, and in 1917, it formed the Willys Corporation to act as his holding company.

During the 1920s, Willys acquired the F.B. Stearns Company of Cleveland; the luxury automobiles that flowed their factory were now known as the Stearns-Knight.

In 1926, Willys-Overland introduced the Willys-Overland Whippet - a small and economical car that was produced through 1931. In 1936, the Willys–Overland Motor Company was reorganized as Willys–Overland Motors. This company later became associated with the 'Jeep,' a lightweight reconnaissance vehicle used during World War II.

1916 Willys-Overland Model 86

The 1916 Overland Model 86 was built in Toledo, Ohio, and was powered by a six-cylinder engine offering 45 horsepower and installed in a 125-inch wheelbase chassis. The seven-passenger tourer was the sole body style offered. Additional 1916 Overland models included the four-cylinder Model 75, Model 83, and Model 84.

by Dan Vaughan