Lot details Registration No: SV 7156 Chassis No: TLH8312561 Mot Expiry: Oct 2011
Long before the ubiquitous Willys Jeep had been conceived, the Willys-Overland Motor Company was a major producer of tough and reliable family automobiles - in fact from 1912 to 1918 only the mighty Ford Motor Company is thought to have produced more cars for the American market. Launched in 1915, the Model 83 was very little different to the Model 80 it succeeded, but did give the company the excuse for a major billing at the Panama Pacific Exposition - a World Fair being held in San Francisco that year. An advert of the time stated the specification as including: a 35hp engine with individually cast cylinders, five-bearing crankshaft, Stromberg carburetter, high tension Dixie magneto, thermo-siphon cooling, underslung rear springs, demountable wheel rims (plus a spare), electric starting and ignition and magnetic speedometer.
The Green and Black left-hand drive Model 83 now offered was manufactured in 1915 and acquired by the vendor in the early '90s as a sound, original vehicle. It has subsequently been treated to some light restoration, including: a professional engine overhaul; general mechanical fettling; repaint; retrim in Bedford cord and leather; the fitting of new weather equipment; the professional refurbishing of the magneto and the conversion of the whole electrical system to 12 volts. 'SV 7156' was issued with a VCC dating certificate in 1996 which confirms the year of manufacture. We understand that since its restoration, the Willys has had light annual use on VCC rallies, family weddings and local club runs, during which it has proved to be both reliable and practical. It was also employed during the recent filming of a TV programme called 'South Riding'. The vendor currently considers the coachwork, paintwork, engine, gearbox and interior trim as all "good" and is offering the venerable Willys with an original handbook, comprehensive parts list and period sales literature not to mention a MOT certificate valid until October 2011 and historic class (free) road fund licence valid until March 2012.
PLEASE NOTE: This 'original sales brochure' quoted in the catalogue is only a photocopy.
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