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Willys Coupe 540 V8 1940

General description : It's always great when a custom-built street rod rolls in to our RK Motors Charlotte showroom. Unlike muscle cars and sports cars, which are somewhat homogenous, custom cars are created around the cornerstones of a true enthusiast's psyche: GO FAST and LOOK GOOD. And when you build a classic around those two principles, you either go big or go home. With a big engine, big tires, big comfort and big looks, this Ridler Great 8-winning Willys literally LIVES that motto. And if you're the kind of buyer who's ready to drop jaws and polish trophies, it's the gleaming thrill ride you've been waiting for!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Known to the 2016 Detroit Autorama as 'Full Throttle', this incredible custom is a high quality fiberglass tribute that's been professionally prepped, dipped in PPG Torch Red 2-stage and finished to standards that would've been absolutely unthinkable on a pre-war assembly line. The car's lightweight body was supplied by Dennis Taylor Reproductions. And while its shape remains ultra-traditional, just the right amount of tweaks were added to provide plenty of unique personality. Full Throttle's builder always enjoyed attending the Autorama, and, circa 2003, decided he'd create a classic that could compete for hot rodding's greatest honor. 13 years, two shops and thousands of labor-intensive hours later, the car debuted to much acclaim. And today, it lights up our showroom with a mere 0.5 miles on an incredible, Ridler Great 8-winning build. That's right, this Willys isn't some out-dated has-been that won one big award and then retired to the garage to become a cool weekend driver. "Full Throttle" is a fresh, fully sorted build that's ready to hit the show circuit and win its weight in trophies!
When you build a stunning, ground-hugging street rod, it doesn't take much to make the car pop. That's why professional customs like this fully sorted coupe feature just enough high quality bolt-ons to create a classy and timeless appearance. At the front of the car, a blistered hood centers flowing 'Fuel Injection' scripts above a frenched, chrome grille and smoked '39 Ford headlights that wrap built-in turn signals in custom bezels. Behind that hood, smoked glass rides inside shaved doors and chrome profile trim. Behind that glass, a shaved trunk pops over bright taillights that back one-off, "FULL THROTTLE" branded bezels. And overall, the car is a simple, smooth classic that carries the true hallmarks of enduring design.
ENGINE
One thing you won't have to worry about in this Willys is power. Thanks to a supercharged, 540 cubic inch Dart big block, this sleek coupe scoots to the tune of a monstrous 800 horsepower! At the top of the dyno-proven mill, a polished and painted 'shot gun scoop' punches oxygen in to a massive BDS 8-71 blower. That matte supercharger, wired with chrome linkages, proven Hilborn fuel injection and custom chrome fluid lines, seems right at home between polished breathers and color-keyed 'Full Throttle' valve covers. Beneath those covers, polished Dart Pro 1 heads center Comp Gold roller rockers over Manley pushrods and Clevite lifters. At the back of those heads, an MSD Pro-Billet distributor shoots spark through proven Taylor Spiro Pro plug wires, which snake around massive chrome headers. Between those tubes, an Eagle 4340 crank spins Eagle 4340 H-beams and quality JE pistons at the sides of a buff hydraulic roller cam. Cooling is provided by a polished Be Cool radiator, which is strung in front of 11-inch SPAL puller fans and a one-off, chrome thermostat housing. Charge comes courtesy of a chrome alternator that, along with a coated Edelbrock water pump and chrome AC compressor, spins an array of chrome pulleys. Details like Mahle rings, Clevite bearings, polished hardware, body-matched fluid reservoirs and a double roller timing set ensure the color-keyed engine's $9,500 price tag was money well spent. And best of all, the whole set-up runs just fine on pump gas!
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Bottom-side, the fire-breathing engine twists torque through a cooled Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed that's built to withstand 900 horsepower. That color-keyed gearbox spins a chrome driveshaft, which is hooked to a painted, polished and fabricated axle that's finished with 3.73 gears, a posi-traction differential and 31-spline axles. That first class drivetrain rides a smoothed Dennis Taylor chassis, which is bathed in the same red hue as the car's wet-looking body. At the front of that chassis, stainless tubular control arms utilize chrome coil-over-shocks and chrome rack-and-pinion steering to ensure miles of pleasant road manners. At the back of the chassis, a chrome 4-link set-up utilizes two more chrome coil-overs to plant drag strip-worthy launches. Low-speed stops are provided by chrome, felt-lined calipers, which utilize stainless TCI lines to politely squeeze chromed, drilled and slotted rotors. With that in mind, if you're planning on driving this Willys, the pros at the RKM Performance Center can happily provide a quote for more street-worthy braking hardware. Spent gases can exit either straight out of the aforementioned headers, or through fully integrated side-pipes that wrap glasspack-style mufflers in stain-free chrome. All that muscle rolls on custom, 'Full Throttle' branded knock-offs, which spin 225/40ZR18 Sumitomo HTRZs in front of 31x18.00R20 Mickey Thompson Sportsman S/Rs. And with details like an aluminum fuel tank, chrome fluid pans, a chrome brake booster, a color-keyed oil filter, a polished flywheel shield and a polished starter, the car should fare well at any show its new owner chooses to attend!
INTERIOR
Pop the lightweight doors and you'll reveal a custom-tailored cabin that makes excellent use of genuine Cavett leather skins. Custom Cerullo bucket seats are sheathed in a cool combination of Ignition Brown and Saddle swatches. Custom Classic Instruments telemetry highlights a custom wraparound dash. A custom console plants Hurst Lightning Rods between chrome power window switches, chrome-trimmed infotainment and controls for a Vintage Air climate system. Custom side panels frame chrome door bars. Tweed carpet floats piped floor mats beneath billet foot pedals. A custom headliner hangs a second console, finished with more red-faced Classic Instruments gauges, in front of a chrome roll bar. The primary controls, a polished Billet Specialties steering wheel, an Ididit swivel drop and a tilting Ididit column, make it very easy to get very comfortable. And an up lit, 'Full Throttle' themed trunk, patterned after upscale luggage, rounds out the car's exceptional build.
AWARDS/FEATURES
* Ridler Great 8 Finalist * -- 2016 Detroit Autorama * -- Detroit, Michigan
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
* Concept renderings * Build notes * Build receipts * Build photos * Component literature * Engine specs * A cam card * Dyno results
Here's the ultimate chance to turn someone else's hard work into your benefit. This incredible Willys is a powerful and fun bruiser that combines top-notch craftsmanship with world-class pedigree. If you're a fan of horsepower, Willys or just rooms full of giant trophies, here's the main ingredient to spice up your summer outings!
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SUMMARY
* 2016 Ridler Great 8 Finalist * Build completed in February of 2016 / Driven 0.5 miles since * 540 cubic inch Dart V8 / BDS 8-71 blower / Hillborn fuel injection / 800 horsepower on pump gas * Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission * Custom Cavett leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning / Modern infotainment system * Dennis Taylor fiberglass body / PPG Torch Red paint / Custom knock-off wheels * Smoothed Dennis Taylor frame / Chromed suspension * Chromed rack-and-pinion steering / Chromed 4-wheel power disc brakes * Posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears / 31-spline axles * Sale includes: Concept renderings / Build photos / Build receipts / Dyno results

https://www.rkmotors.com/vehicles/2463/1940-willys-coupe

1940 Willys Coupe 540 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Charlotte by Donald Berard for $269900.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Willys Model : Coupe Model Version : 540 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1940 Sub type : Coupé Location : Charlotte

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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.