Willys Pick Up Coupe-Pickup 1940
General description :
The stylish cars and trucks produced by Willys in the early 1940s have long been a cornerstone of the hot-rodding and drag racing communities. While a Hemi-powered ’40 Willys “Gasser” tearing up a local drag strip is an iconic image for any historic drag racing aficionado, the same sight might make a traditional marque enthusiast squirm. Whether in coupe or light-duty pickup form, the compact dimensions and light weight of the Willys “Americar” line lent itself well to ‘rodders shoving massive V8 engines under the hood and going racing, but that popularity has made standard, uncut examples an exceedingly rare sight today.
This 1940 Willys Model 440 ½-ton Pickup is a rare survivor, restored to near-standard appearance with a few discreet and attractive personal touches. The Model 440 Coupe-Pickup was introduced for the 1940 model year, targeted at fleet managers looking for economical and inexpensive lightweight delivery vehicles. At a list price of just $535, Willys guaranteed every truck for 100,000 miles or three years. Despite the attractive figures, Willys could not compete with the might of Detroit’s major players, and sales never lived up to expectations. Considering the hard life most commercial vehicles lived, the smart and stylish little 440 Coupe-Pickup is quite scarce today. This example has been treated to a high-quality cosmetic restoration, with the all-steel body attractively finished in deep blue, highlighted with red wheels and wide-whites for the classic look. The paint is excellent, and chrome trim is in similarly fine condition.
The interior is attractively restored in natural tan upholstery accented with oatmeal square-weave carpet and body-color dash and door tops. A bit of artistic license was taken in the choice of materials, which warm up the cab without spoiling the original layout’s simplistic charm. Electronic gauges from Classic Instruments retain the classic look while adding a layer of reliability and functionality. The restoration work is very well done, with an appealing quality that encourages regular driving enjoyment.
Willys relied on its tried and true “Go-Devil” inline-four to power the entire “Americar” line from 1937-1947. The 134.2 cubic-inch four is rated at a modest 60 horsepower, but it has character in abundance. The engine bay is tidy and well detailed, showing some signs of regular use. Power goes through a 3-speed manual gearbox with a floor shifter. Useful updates to the drivetrain include a 12-volt conversion with alternator charging and a high-torque gear-reduction starter. It runs well and feels nicely sorted on the road, with outsized character and charm.
With discreet but effective updates, this rare and delightful Willys 440 Coupe Pickup is a joy to drive, and the authentic, high-quality restoration is sure to garner plenty of attention on the road, in club gatherings, or at your local Cars & Coffee.
Offers welcome and trades considered
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6820
1940 Willys Pick Up Coupe-Pickup is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $43950.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Willys Model : Pick Up Model Version : Coupe-Pickup Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1940 Sub type : Pick up Location : Missouri
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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.