I was just reading an article in the new Hot Rod on why the Willys model 77 was such a big hit in the gasser ranks before the '37-'42 Willys of corse. With it being a rare little car with only selling 12,820 cars in 1933 coupes, sedans, and pickups included.13,234 in 1934 Only 10,644 in 1935 with the introduction of the panel delivery truck, and 30,825 in the Willys Overland Motor Comapanys final year. This leads me to wonder where most 33-36 Willys Gassers the 36' body with '33 or '34 fiberglass noses? and with the make being so rare ,compared to other others, how did so many end up in junkyards only to become one of the most iconic "Go-To" cars to build a gasser out of.
This '36 Willys owned by C.J. "Pappy" Hart and driven by his wife Peggy was said to be the car that started the trend with it's 2,200 pound shell and 365 cubic inch Caddy engine.
Wondering, did you get those production numbers from the article? Pickups weren't produced until late '35 after the intro of the Panel Delivery. The production numbers differ from the original Willys-Overland parts book, I haven't seen the Hot Rod article yet.
Light weight, cheap, had the correct wheelbase to be legal for the gas classes and American made which was also required.
The Jalopy Journal
