Willys: The Complete Illustrated History 1903-1963
Willys: The Complete Illustrated History 1903-1963
ITEM E500
By Patrick R. Foster
Although there have been many Jeep books, this is the first complete history of the Willys-Overland passenger cars, civilian trucks (as well as civilian and military Jeeps) along with the corporation’s history. Illustrated with rare and unusual factory photos and period ads, the Willys-Overland saga begins in 1903 when the Standard Wheel Co. began making Overland cars. Soon after, auto dealer John North Willys was forced by circumstances to rescue the failing Overland company.
By 1916, Willys had become the second-bestselling car in the world. Prospering in the 1920s but then bankrupt a decade later, the firm crawled back from the edge in time to win the all-important “jeep” contract that ensured Willys would survive. Even after Kaiser Motors bought Willys in 1953, its products were still branded Willys until 1963 when the name was phased out. The final new Willys Jeep introduced - the Wagoneer - became a legend in its own right. Also covered are the pre-war coupes modified into high-powered racers.
Softbound, 126 pages
The highly regarded author and frequent Vintage Truck contributor Patrick Foster ably recounts the Willys story beginning with the Overland, which was manufactured by the Standard Wheel Co. from 1903 through to its demise in 1963. Foster offers refreshingly candid assessments of the people, their actions, and, of course, the products. Heavily illustrated, the book includes 16 color photographs among the 185 that enhance the book. Only two of the 123 content pages are text-only, with the rest featuring vehicle photographs, sales literature, and advertisements. Looming large over the narrative is John North Willys, who purchased the “dead broke” Overland Auto Co. in 1907. Other notables who join the story include engineer Barney Roos, business executives Joseph Frazer and Henry Kaiser, and designer Brooks Stevens. The book covers the company’s numerous vehicles, including Overland and Willys trucks; the Whippet; the Willys-Knight (featuring the distinctive Knight Sleeve Valve engine); and various Willys automobiles. You’ll enjoy reading about the legendary military and civilian versions of the Jeep, including the Jeepster and the short-lived Aero-Willys passenger automobile. Bill Tilden, identified as a co-author, died before the project began. Foster explains Tilden encouraged him to do the book, becoming its guiding spirit.
Book Review by Robert Gabrick
