1941 Willys Coupe

Description

This 1941 Willys coupe is the veritable definition of overkill. The compact body has been stuffed with a blown V8, full air-ride suspension, a snug-fitting custom interior, and an outrageous paint job with hand-painted flames. If you're out to get noticed, this is definitely the right car for the job.

Second only to Ford's line of 3-window coupes in terms of 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 and electric shaver grille, there's no mistaking it for anything else on the road. The fiberglass body is by IDA and it's beautifully finished, showing expert workmanship from every angle, with doors that fit well and an open engine compartment that accommodates the oversized blower poking out the top. The bright orange paint seems to glow from within like it's radioactive or something, and the flames were done exactly right for a high-visibility hot rod. A professional buff would probably bring back its show-winning look but even as it sits, this car has a lot of presence. Shaved door handles, trick side mirrors, and simple billet 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.

There's actually more room inside than you'd expect by looking at the coupe bodywork, and the neatly trimmed buckets make it easy to spend time there. A tilt column with a leather-wrapped billet wheel is a big improvement over the original Willys' bus-style steering gear, and the dash carries a full array of easy-to-read gauges from VDO. The two-tone upholstery isn't for everyone, we understand that, but if you like the look, you'll be thrilled with how comfortable this Willys really is. A center console houses switches for the power windows and trunk, and there's a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo head unit at your fingertips. A B&M shifter manages the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, and you'll also note the speakers neatly installed on the sides of the console. The trunk has been upholstered in vivid purple carpet with finished housings for the oversized wheel tubs and 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 blown Chevy small block under the hood does best. The 355 cubic inch V8 is from Big Al's Toy Box and is fed by a Littlefield 6-71 supercharger inhales through a pair of Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetors and delivers RIGHT NOW throttle response that will take some getting used to out on the street. Seriously, this thing makes full boost 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. 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. Without a hood it's easy to service and a big radiator up front means you don't have to worry about trying to stay cool, even under load. The aforementioned TH400 3-speed automatic transmission has obviously been heavily reinforced and spins a narrowed 9-inch rear hanging on an air-ride and 4-link setup. A custom stainless exhaust system provides an awesome soundtrack, and the traditional big-n-little tire combination is provided by 215/45/17 front and 275/60/17 rear BFGoodrich radials on custom-painted Billet Specialties wheels.

Outrageously fast and tons of fun, this expertly built rod is a turn-key piece that is more than just pretty. Call today!