In the same year, Willys-Overland went into receivership but the 77 was still released on the market.
The car had a four-cylinder engine in the front with a 145cuin (2,380cc), which produced 48hp (36kW; 49PS). The wheelbase was only 100in (2,500mm) and the car was sold at a price below $500, making it the cheapest American car of its era. The car was also highly economical, delivering 25 miles per gallon.
The 77 had a top speed of 65mph, which made it a good base for equipping a racing car. A tuned-up Willys 77 achieved an average speed of 65.2mph in the 24-hour race on the Muroc Dry Lake.
When civilian auto production was discontinued in 1942, the car disappeared from the market.
Racing
The 1933-36 Willys coupés and pickups were very popular gassers.[1] The best-known would be the 1933 Model 77.[2] Only 12,800 were sold in 1933, 13,234 in 1934, 10,644 in 1935 (including a new panel delivery), and 30,825 the company's final year, making it a puzzle why it became popular: it was neither cheap nor plentiful.[3]
Notes
↑ Taylor, Thom. "Wrenchin' @Random: Why the Rare Willys Was the Go-To Gasser" in Hot Rod
↑ Taylor, "Wrenchin' @Random: Why the Rare Willys Was the Go-To Gasser" Hot Rod Network online (accessed 19 April 2017)
↑ Taylor, "Wrenchin' @Random: Why the Rare Willys Was the Go-To Gasser" Hot Rod Network online (accessed 19 April 2017)
Sources
Kimes, Beverly Rae, Clark, Henry A.: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942, 1st edition, Krause Publications Inc., Iola (Wisconsin) (1985), ISBN0-87341-045-9
Taylor, Thom. "Wrenchin' @Random: Why the Rare Willys Was the Go-To Gasser" Hot Rod Network online (accessed 19 April 2017)</ref>
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