1941 Willys 441 Coupe
"The 1941 Willys Americar vehicles were slightly longer than the earlier models but still a relatively small automobile. The slightly updated 1942 models would be the last Willys passenger cars built until 1952. During World War II, Willys-Overland 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 offroad sport utility vehicles to come." Thanks to the 40-42 Willys Coupe Facebook group, which currently has nearly 22,000 members.
For consignment, a 1941 Willys 441 coupe with a full street rod treatment. Tubbed rear, shaved handles, flush mounted lights, air ride suspension, a fiberglass body, and some neon flash underneath. The paint reflects like a mirror finish and no stone has been unturned on the top side of this high end build.
Exterior
The distinctive shark nose and bottom feeding grille is flanked by single headlights with teardrop bezels that immediately contrast with the inky black paint which is immediately impressive on this fiberglass body. It is miles deep and like Jed Clampett's fortune, it's like a vat of crude oil, black gold. The black goes on forever in spectacular two stage coverage interrupted on the side only by a dynamic multi-hue painted spear that blips in the center like a heartbeat, then trails off to a point in the front. While we're at the side, there's no denying the wild shape of the Willys, surging forward with canted fenders, a rounded cab, a raked stance, and of course, the shark nose pointing forward. Small side mirrors adorn the car along with billet style wiper arms, while slit style tail lights barely make an appearance and do not disrupt the enormous black dome in back, topped by a split rear window with, yep, black trim. 15-inch Weld wheels act as shoes and the rears hold 33x19.5x15 meats. Save for a scratch and some rock chips on the front face of the rear fenders, the exterior is flawless. Purple neon lights illuminate under the car for show time shenanigans.
Interior
A tri colored leather graphic stripe spans the doors and flows to the back walls, all on a background of gray leather. A Willys "W" is cleverly stitched in the seat inserts of the tall bucket seats in gray leather with headrests and armrests on the inside. A wings style steering wheel is a familiar mod and fronts a glossy black dashboard filled with gold rimmed retro style VDO gauges for an attractive presentation. The center of the inky dash has a small A/C control panel, an AM/FM/CD player, and a digital monitor for the Air Ride suspension. A Lokar shifter rises from the floor, showing some patina on the shaft, and electric window toggles fall just behind it. Low pile gray carpet covers the floor with matching mats and the headliner is taut and gray. The trunk houses the inner fender wells and a bottle of nitrous, lined with the same gray carpet and stitched leather walls. The inside of the trunk lid is also dressed with gray leather fill pieces.
Drivetrain
A spectacular looking engine awaits as we open the hood and reveal the 350ci, fuel injected V8 with etched aluminum valve covers and dress up panels. Accessories are polished metal as well and headers begin the exhaust process. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission sets the car in motion by sending power to the Ford 9" rear. Disc brakes are in the front and drums are in the rear.
Undercarriage
The boxed tube frame is painted purple on the underside that can best be described as driver quality. There's some surface rust around and some chipping purple paint, but not a build up of grease and grime or leaks are to be found. The dual exhaust flows into a pair of mufflers and then heads out the sides via chrome tips. Suspension consists of airbags at both ends with ladder bars augmenting the rear. The rear axle has been narrowed and the fat tires take up serious real estate in the back of the car.
Drive-Ability
Fuel injection does its job by starting the engine on demand and the small block puts out some sweet notes to the sides. The staggered tires provide straight tracking going forward and turn-ins can be sharp as the big boys in back make the circle. Braking is adequate and acceleration is respectable for this lightweight street rod. Our horn does not blow and the air from the A/C is cool but not cold. Beyond that, all functions operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This one caught my eye in the loading zone of our facility. I mean, I look at every car coming in, but this one stood out. It has incredible presence and represents a stunning build. The underside presents opportunities for further refinement if that's the route you take, but there's no harm in leaving it as is. This one proves that basic black, done right, is a great choice, and it looks fantastic on the unique Willys coupe body. So load up the truck and head to town, Morgantown, that is, and get you some of this black gold!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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