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Willys Coupe 540CI Merlin 1941

General description : Description
This 1941 Willys coupe is the veritable definition of fantastic overkill, and the result of a wild dream and open-checkbook professional build. The compact body has been stuffed with a built-up 540 Merlin aluminum engine, a snug-fitting custom leather interior, and an outrageous high-impact yellow paint job that blinds any that dare stare too close. If you're out to get noticed, this is definitely the right streetrod for the job.
Second only to Ford's line of 3-window coupes in terms of hotrod popularity, the 1941 Willys has the right look for the pro-street makeover. The body seems to be just barely big enough to contain the mechanicals within, and with those teardrop-shaped headlights, '37 Ford taillights, and electric shaver chrome grille, there's no mistaking it for anything else on the road. The fiberglass Outlaw body is beautifully finished, showing expert workmanship from every angle, with doors that fit flush and a giant hood that accommodates the horsepower monster that lies beneath. The Boyd's Yellow Chromobase paint seems to glow from within like it's radioactive or something, and it was expertly applied to the point that we've yet to find an imperfection to speak of – its simply that nice. Shaved door handles, smoke-tinted windows, trick side mirrors, and simple integrated taillights are the kinds of little details that add up to a big effect on the overall look. It's easy to see why these are so popular, and why we had to clean up a drool streak that followed this beauty into our photo booth.
There's actually more room inside than you'd expect by looking at the coupe bodywork, and the deeply bolstered, custom leather buckets make it easy to spend time there. A polished tilt column with a leather-wrapped billet wheel is a big improvement over the original Willys' bus-style steering gear, and the custom-sculpted, paint-matched dash carries a full array digital/analog AutoMeter gauges. Cool modern-art vents manage the airflow from the Vintage Air A/C system, whose controls are neatly integrated into the custom middle console that anchors the cabin. Inside that simply stunning middle console are more vents for the A/C, switches for the power windows, and the ignition, while built right above it is a custom roll-bar style platform that houses the B&M shifter. Wow! Those door panels are simply elegant, the taut headliner houses an Alpine AM/FM/CD/AUX stereo, and out back the trunk has been upholstered to match the cabin with neat bindings on and an embroidered "Willys" script on the bulkhead. Despite the massive wheel tubs, there's actually a decent amount of storage in there if you'd care to take a long trip in this slick coupe.
Better bring your liquid-cooled gas card with you when you go, because making big horsepower is what the neck-breaking 540 V8 Merlin under the hood does best. The all-aluminum block is augmented with Brodix heads and inhales through the dual-bazooka air cleaner, Holley carb, and custom polished intake to deliver RIGHT NOW throttle response that will take some getting used to out on the street. Seriously, this thing makes insane power well before you can get your foot on the floor, so make sure it's pointed where you want it to go before you stomp on the loud pedal. With only 2k miles on the build and insane attention to detail, it's also beautiful to look at, with lots of chrome and polished aluminum plus a compact accessory drive system that puts all the components in exactly the right place for the Willys' engine bay. The A/C uses R134a refrigerant, so it's easy to service, and a big radiator up front means you don't have to worry about using it to stay cool. The TH400 transmission has obviously been heavily reinforced with a 3k stall convertor and spins a narrowed Corvette rear end out back. Everything is chromed or painted bright yellow underneath, including the custom tube chassis from Mark Williams, Fatman front end, and coilovers and power disc brakes at each corner. A custom stainless dual exhaust provides an awesome soundtrack, and the traditional big-n-little tire combination comes via Boyd Coddington rims wrapped with 215/45/17 front and 295/45/20 rear BFGoodrich radials.
Outrageously fast and tons of fun, this expertly built rod is a turn-key piece that is more than just pretty. Call today!

Features : Power Windows , Power Brakes , Remote Door Openers , Defrost , Seatbelts , Four Wheel Disc Brakes , Coil-Over Suspension , Tilt Wheel , Leather Seats , Heat , Air Conditioning , CD Player , AM/FM Radio ,

1941 Willys Coupe 540CI Merlin is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas by Streetside Classics - Dallas/Fort Worth for $119995.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Willys Model : Coupe Model Version : 540CI Merlin Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1941 Sub type : Coupé Location : Dallas/Fort Worth Vehicle Registration : Undefined

119995 $

Seller Information

Streetside Classics - Dallas/Fort Worth

Streetside Classics - Dallas/Fort Worth
(817) 764-8000
Contact Seller

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Willys Coupe

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About Willys
The Willys-Overland Company, later known simply as Willys, was an American automobile manufacturer that played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of the story of Willys:

Early Years:
Founding: The company was founded by John North Willys in 1908 in Toledo, Ohio, initially as the Willys-Overland Motor Company. John Willys acquired the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company, which produced the Overland automobile.
Early Success: Willys-Overland experienced success in the early 1910s, producing vehicles like the Overland Model 79, which was a popular car due to its affordability and reliability.
World War I:
Military Contracts: During World War I, Willys-Overland secured significant contracts to supply vehicles for the war effort. The company's production capabilities were crucial for the military, producing trucks and automobiles for various purposes.
Introduction of the Jeep:
WWII Contribution: In the build-up to World War II, Willys-Overland, along with other automakers, responded to the U.S. Army's request for a lightweight, all-terrain reconnaissance vehicle. The company developed the Willys MB, which became the iconic Jeep.
Jeep Legacy: The Jeep, with its ruggedness, versatility, and reliability, played a crucial role in World War II. Its success led to the establishment of the Jeep brand, known for producing off-road vehicles that gained popularity in both military and civilian applications.
Post-War Period:
Civilian Jeep Models: After the war, Willys introduced civilian versions of the Jeep, like the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series, which were adapted from the wartime Willys MB. These vehicles became popular for off-road and recreational use.
Willys' Evolution and Later Years:
Ownership Changes: Willys-Overland faced financial difficulties and changed ownership several times in the post-war years, eventually becoming the Kaiser-Jeep Corporation after being acquired by Kaiser Motors in the 1950s.
End of Willys: In 1970, the American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Kaiser-Jeep. The Willys nameplate gradually faded away as AMC focused on the Jeep brand. Later, Chrysler acquired AMC in the 1980s and continued the production and development of Jeep vehicles.
Legacy:
Willys' legacy is primarily associated with its contribution to the automotive industry through the creation of the Jeep, a vehicle that transformed mobility during World War II and became an iconic brand in its own right. The Jeep's reputation for durability, versatility, and off-road capability originated from the innovations and success of Willys-Overland during wartime.