Straight from the factory, a 1941 Willys coupe was a sexy thing with curvaceous lines reminiscent of a larger 1940 Ford. But under the hood, it was not what men of the future would be looking for.
The Gasser Wars came, and a host of old cars with lightweight bodies would find themselves drafted. From 1933 models until the early 1940s, the bulk of Willys automobiles found themselves slaving at a drag strip.
The story of Dennis Mariani’s 1941 Willys was that of a car plundered for its body to labor long nights on the strip, but its destiny would be unlike that of its peers. Dennis worked out a deal with Don Orosco to take possession of the former drag car, then enlisted Roy Brizio Street Rods to restore the 1941 Willys to its former glory, while adding a few enhancements.
A strong foundation with a cool stance is at the heart of every iconic hot rod. Brizio’s Dan Hall completed a 102-inch wheelbase Art Morrison chassis with QA1 coilover shocks and 12-inch Wilwood disc brakes at each corner. The makeover also included rack-andpinion steering by Art Morrison, a four-link rear suspension, and 16-inch Wheel Vintiques wheels with Coker Excelsior radials.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
THE IN-BETWEENER
This Budget-Built Nova Turned Into a Pro Touring Terror.
The Shirt Off Your Back
Ed Iskenderian is credited with inventing the branded T-shirt, handing them out to promote Isky cams in the ’50s.
Sexy Thing
DENNIS MARIANI’S BRIZIO-BUILT 1941 WILLYS
ROLE MODEL
Dad’s 1931 Model A Coupe Inspires Son to Build His Dream Roadster
Pushrod Length: To Spring or Not to Spring
Pushrod Length: To Spring or Not to Spring
LABOR OF LOVE
This 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Gets Show-Winning Restoration
Does Your Mopar Need Bigger Brakes? Big Power Says Yes, You Do!
With the gentrification of old cars that began in the 1980s and continues today, many vehicles that were considered junk before are now—because of their affordability—are seeing the performance spotlight.
Get High on Cranking: Car Battery Specs StickerNumbers Explained
Car battery specs conform to standards developed by the Battery Council International (BCI) and the SAE.
Cheap Insurance
Build Fail-Safe LS Rocker Arms With This Needle Bearing Upgrade Kit.
Dress it Up
HOW TO MAKE AN LS ENGINE LOOK AND PERFORM BETTER