The 1933 Willys, released at the height of the Great Depression, would likely be a mere footnote in automotive history had drag racers not found it a fitting modified for the Gasser wars of the 1960s, which resulted in the subsequent attraction it has had for street rodders. The car offered may be considered one of the ultimate expressions of that reuse. This car was originally constructed by noted fabricator Lil’ John Buttera under the direction of Joe Hrudka, of Mr. Gasket Company fame. Following that, owner John Mai further modified it into a car he called ‘Perseverance’, adding many hand-fabricated billet pieces. Shown in competition, it reached the Great 8 in the Ridler Award competition at the 2007 Detroit Autorama. Beginning in steel, this Willys has had the top chopped 2.5 inches, its deck lid lengthened 2 inches and the fenders widened 2 inches. Along with being bobbed at the rear, the decklid and trunk areas are custom fill-fitted, and a Pied front end with a one-off Dan Fink custom stainless steel grille is added as well. There is a curved windshield, late-model Jaguar headlights and handle-less suicide doors that use remote access, as do the hood, trunk and windows. Once completed, the body was refinished in an orange metallic paint. When the hood is open, it reveals a bay full of one-off billet pieces, including engine covers, valve covers and oil pan, and even includes 12-point one-off bolts. Power comes from a Lingenfelter-built 350 CI aluminum block V-8 engine with a Street and Performance reworked Corvette tuned port injectors, a Comp Cams camshaft and valve train and unique stainless steel billet one-off injector stacks with Hilborn injection. The transmission uses a Buttera-built aluminum clutch housing, which hosts a special 3-disc Hays clutch with a custom-made vertical hydraulic cylinder actuator. Indeed, the car itself rides on a custom Indy-car style Buttera-designed aluminum suspension with 4-wheel disc brakes that use one-off stainless steel billet brake rotors and the undercarriage is further detailed by the custom stainless-steel exhaust, hangers, rear collector and inserts. Inside is a custom-fitted Cream Eagle leather interior using Cinnamon suede accents, with the hand-fabricated dash filled with custom gauges, special window moldings, interior trim and center console. The custom steering wheel is patterned after this car’s special wheel design, and the shift lever, pedals and door handles are all unique to this build. There is matching trunk detail as well. Finally, a set of exclusive ten-spoke wheels equipped with a hidden Schrader valve under each hub completes the look. The Willys here is a special car that will be able to hold its own in any setting, with a legacy of construction and honors few others could attain. It is indeed the fitting culmination of what this unique American two-door model can become.
