1940 Willys Coupe One Wild Willys
PHOTOS BY JAN VAN DER WALT
The Legacy of the 1940 Willys
The 1940 Willys holds a special place in automotive history. Willys-Overland Motors introduced the model as part of their lineup during a transformative era in car design. Known for its distinctive split grille—a feature unique to the 1940 model—the Willys coupe became a favorite among hot rodders and drag racers in the post-war era. Its lightweight body and simple, robust design made it an ideal candidate for customization and high-performance modifications. Today, all-steel 1940 Willys coupes are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, especially in South Africa, where they are exceedingly rare.
Alwyn's Pro Street Transformation
Alwyn, a dedicated enthusiast, embarked on this journey at the age of 31. Stripping the Willys down to its bones, he sandblasted away the years of neglect, meticulously repairing each panel. The body was sprayed in a stunning custom purple with a red pearl over a blue base, courtesy of Henk Spannenberg. The chassis was strengthened with extra durable components to handle the brutal force of powerful launches.
Under the hood lies a beastly low-compression 454 Big Block Chevy, featuring a Scat forged crank, Manley conrods, DSS Racing pistons, and a 6:71 Dyers Blower. Built with ARP bolts throughout, this monster engine, crafted by Alwyn himself, boasts two Carter 750cfm carbs. The power is channeled through a reinforced 3-speed 400R Chevy gearbox to a custom narrowed Ford Galaxie LS 9" diff. The front suspension is Jaguar XJ6 Mk2 with 4-pot rotors and calipers, while the rear sports Audi calipers, BMW rotors, and a Nissan Langley brake booster and master cylinder tucked under the floor.
Rolling Thunder and Personal Upgrades
Rolling on Centerline wheels, the Willys features Mickey Thompson 33x19.5x15 drag tires at the rear and modified VW Beetle Lite (Smith Wheels) solids with 26x7.5x15 Beetle tires at the front. In 2002, I was fortunate enough to acquire this incredible ride from Alwyn and began a series of upgrades to enhance its performance and style.
A custom 4-core aluminum radiator with dual transmission coolers now graces the front, complemented by an additional engine oil cooler with a fan at the rear. Bern van Gass crafted air scoops for both the radiator and oil cooler, while also respraying the block and various engine components in matching purple and the chassis in silver.
Firing up with a Redicon starter, the Willys features Autometer Sport Comp gauges, including three retrofitted units for essential information. A gasser-style steering wheel adds a slick touch, and new purple Taylor plug wires replace the old blue ones. A custom hexagon-shaped overflow bottle and Aero-spec braided hoses with A/N fittings ensure top-notch plumbing, with individually insulated lines to prevent heat build-up. The front grille, headlight surrounds, valve covers, dipstick, mirror stalks, door handles, and various small items have been rechromed, while button-head stainless steel nuts and bolts add a polished finish.
Inside, Hyundai seats and side panels have been upgraded to black calf leather, with Dynamat and fresh carpets enhancing comfort. Teardrop tail lights have been swapped for Willys LEDs, creating an 8-ball pool theme. Blacked-out pedals, side kick plates, and gear shift surround complete the look, while ceramic-coated exhaust headers and FX tips deliver the final touch.
Creature Comforts? Who Needs 'Em?
Creature comforts like air conditioning, a radio, power steering, electric windows, heated seats, and on-board navigation are absent, staying true to the Pro Street ethos. This all-steel 1940 Willys coupe, with its unique split grille, is a rare treasure in South Africa and a wild ride that's sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
It is an awesome ''WILD'' ride & a head-turner of note!!
