Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
12th February, 12:00pm
1916 Willys Overland Model 83 Tourer
Estimate £10, 000 - £12, 000
Registration No: EL 1310
Chassis No: TLH83B68545
MOT: Exempt
Long before the ubiquitous Willys Jeep had been conceived, the Willys-Overland Motor Company was a major producer of tough and reliable family automobiles - in fact from 1912 to 1918 only the mighty Ford Motor Company is thought to have produced more cars for the American market. Launched in 1915, the Model 83 was very little different to the Model 80 it succeeded, but did give the company the excuse for a major billing at the Panama Pacific Exposition - a World Fair being held in San Francisco that year. An advert of the time stated the specification as including: a 35hp engine with individually cast cylinders, five-bearing crankshaft, Stromberg carburettor, high tension Dixie magneto, thermo-siphon cooling, underslung rear springs, demountable wheel rims (plus a spare), electric starting and ignition and magnetic speedometer.
‘EL 1310’, is understood to have been imported to Europe during WWI to fulfil its role in service as a staff car for General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force. Featured in July 2024 The Automobile magazine and dated by the Vintage Car Club, it is an imposing and powerful Edwardian Tourer, with its 3. 9 litre four-cylinder side-valve engine mated to a three-speed manual transmission and a sturdy 106-inch wheelbase. The subject of recommissioning in 2023-24, the work included new brake and clutch linings, an upgrade to 12v electrics, indicators and brake lights fitted, a flush of the fuel tank, new radiator hoses and a full service. We are advised by the vendor ‘the 83 starts easily and runs well’. Weather gear with the car consists of a full tonneau cover and an excellent hood with detachable side screens. As a nod to its history as a staff car, there’s a flag mount wearing a 48-star US flag. ‘EL 1310’, is offered with an operational manual, a collection of invoices and the current V5C, there are also some spares included lots of paperwork and the VCC certificate.
