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1942 WILLYS AMERICAR

OWNER: RICHARD WHITTINGTON

 

The 1942 Willys Americar (Model 442) is a rare pre-war compact car produced by Willys-Overland Motors in Toledo, Ohio, before World War II halted civilian manufacturing. [1, 2, 3]
Key Specifications
  • Engine: 2,200 cc (134 cu in) “Go-Devil” L-head inline-4 [1, 2]
  • Horsepower: ~60 hp [1]
  • Transmission: 3-speed manual [1]
  • Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive [1]
  • Wheelbase: 102.75 to 104 inches [1, 2]
  • Curb Weight: ~2,350 – 2,420 lbs [1, 2]
  • Top Speed: Around 65 mph [1]
Body Styles & Trims
  • Body Styles: 2-door coupe, 2-door pickup truck, 4-door sedan, and 3-door station wagon [1, 2]
  • Trims: Speedway, Plainsman, and DeLuxe [1]
Historical Significance
  • Short Production Run: Built for only about a month in early 1942, with roughly 7,000 units sold (following 22,000 units of the 1941 model) due to factories pivoting to war production (including the famous Willys MB Jeep).
  • Final Passenger Car: It was Willys-Overland’s last civilian passenger car model for a decade, until the introduction of the Willys Aero in 1952.
  • Hot Rod Legacy: The compact 2-door coupe variant became a legendary choice for street rods, gassers, and custom builds. Track market activity or available listings via platforms like

John North Willys who started the Willys Company pronounced his last name Willis. But people like to call his legacy of cars and Jeeps today Willys.