Have you ever met a car nut who hasn’t drooled at the sight of the old 1940s Willys? I never have. In fact, this is one of the cars that, if my name was Leno, I’d have at least one of. This beauty is something right out of a Dick Tracy flick.

Willys (pronounced will-is, not will-ees) was once the second largest auto manufacturer in the country. Unfortunately, the great depression and WWII forever changed their status. And even though they produced the iconic Jeep for quite a few years, they couldn’t pull themselves out of the trouble they were in.

Fewer than 30,000 of this particular model, the Americar, were produced during the 1941-42 model years. After that, Willys hadn’t produced another car until 1952 – which flopped.

Their scarcity has caused them to be one of the more sought after cars to restomod. In addition, this car is also available as a kit car, which is a very popular option among those of us who cannot actually afford the real thing.

Photo Credit: Mecum

This brings me to my next point: I cannot verify if this is the real deal or not. A few parts force me to believe that it isn’t real. However, it is a street rod, and these cars can be chopped up any way the restorer wants them to be.

Either way, this 1941 Willys looks great. And in all reality, what the car is made of only matters if you plan to show the car as a nut and bolt restoration, or something else along those lines.

In fact, in many ways, the fiberglass kit cars often run better and are more reliable than the original ones were (if you get a kit from a reliable manufacturer).

Anyway, this beaut is well done and not gaudy like some of the others I’ve seen. She comes with a removable hard top for those sultry summer evening cruises, and a powerful 400 horsepower 468.

Photo Credit: Mecum

I must admit, I’m not a fan of yellow cars. However, this soft yellow color is okay in my book. I tend to upchuck at the sight of canary yellow, and other super bright, in your face, makes you wanna vomit types of yellows.

But, I digress, yet again…

On those extra hot days, when the removable top just won’t cool you down enough, the AC unit is sure to provide some much needed comfort. And, for ease of driving, the power steering, upgraded brakes and automatic transmission are great for city driving.

Photo Credit: Mecum

If you’re into the suicide door scene, this is right up your alley. While these doors can take a little getting used too, they are actually easier to get in and out of than “normal” style doors.

Photo Credit: Mecum

The inside of this Willys Americar is tastefully done. It is clean without a whole heck of a lot going on. It looks like there are two main components to this interior: Sexy leather and polished aluminum. I’m not sure I get the shiny metal on the inside, but hey, to each their own, right?

Photo Credit: Mecum

She’s a looker all around. As usual, I’d change some minor stuff. But, when you’re talking about a 41 Willys, the stuff you’d change doesn’t really matter. How much will this babe go for? Only time will tell. She’ll be rolling across the Mecum Auction in Austin this December, 2014.