SOLD
1916 Willy Overland Tourer
Willys was a brand name used by Willys-Overland Motors, an American automobile company founded by John North Willys.
In 1908, John Willys, bought the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company and in 1912 renamed it Willys–Overland Motor Company. From 1912 to 1918, Willys was the second-largest producer of automobiles in the United States after Ford Motor Company.
In 1913, Willys acquired a license to build Charles Yale Knight’s sleeve-valve engine which it used in cars bearing the Willys-Knight nameplate. In the mid-1920s, Willys also acquired the F. B. Stearns Company of Cleveland and assumed continued production of the Stearns-Knight luxury car, as well.
John Willys acquired the Electric Auto-Lite Company in 1914 and in 1917 formed the Willys Corporation to act as his holding company. In 1916, it acquired the Russell Motor Car Company of Toronto, Ontario, and the Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company in Buffalo, New York, by 1917, New Process Gear, and in 1919 acquired the Duesenberg Motors Company plant in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The New Jersey plant was replaced by a new, larger facility in Indianapolis, and was to be the site of production for a new Willys Six at an adjacent site, but the depression of 1920-21 brought the Willys Corporation to its knees.
In 1929, the company built a factory that built vehicles located at what is now 6201 Randolph Street, Commerce, California. During World War II the factory built aircraft assemblies for Lockhead Hudson bombers. When the war ended, the factory resumed automobile production and was one of two locations to build the first CJ2A, as well as the Willys Aero. The factory was closed in 1954.
Willys–Overland was one of two bidders when the United States Army sought an automaker that could begin rapid production of a lightweight reconnaissance car based on a design by American Bantam.
OUR CAR
Nice old Veteran car that has great patina!
Believed to be restored about 20 years ago the Overland still presents well.
Painted in black with dark drown trim. The hood is still in good condition and comes with full wet weather curtains.
Drives nicely and pulls well in each gear.
The car has not really driven by the owner in the last 4 years but it was serviced in 2022 with considerable attention paid to the steering.
Most Veteran cars have heavy steering, but our Overland is heavier than most. At speeds above walking the steering is OK, but parking can be difficult.
In saying that the Veteran presents well and with a little TLC it will be a great Sunday and rally car.
We are extremely proud to offer this car through The Collectable Auction House.
Please contact us to arrange an inspection – you will not be disappointed!
Car is sold unregistered as it is on Historic registration.
