This spectacular 1941 Willys three-window coupe is the result of an extensive, three-year custom build completed in 2006 by its previous owner. With over $100,000 invested and numerous invoices documenting the work, this is a particularly well-executed street rod combining the unmistakable styling of a prewar Willys with serious V8 performance and modern driving characteristics.

The car was built using a Street Beasts reproduction body mounted on a custom chassis supplied by Innovative Street Machines. Every aspect of the vehicle was carefully considered, from the powerful 502ci Chevrolet big-block engine and Tremec five-speed manual transmission to the independent front suspension, four-link rear axle, four-wheel power disc brakes and fully equipped interior.

The body is finished in PPG Luxury Black Heliochrome, a particularly attractive dark metallic finish that reveals subtle blue and green reflections depending on the lighting. Its flowing lines are complemented by shaved door handles, keyless entry, a custom front grille, polished aluminum wheels and exceptionally wide rear tires. The result is a remarkably clean design that preserves the character of the original Willys while giving it a distinctly contemporary hot rod appearance.

Under the hood sits a Chevrolet 502ci (8.2-liter) big-block V8, rated in the build documentation at 502 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 567 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The engine features a four-bolt-main cast-iron block, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, a hydraulic roller camshaft and aluminum cylinder heads. Additional equipment includes a Holley 850cfm four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, HEI ignition and Sanderson ceramic-coated headers.

Power is transmitted through a Tremec TKO 600 five-speed manual gearbox with a hydraulic release bearing to a Ford 9-inch rear axle featuring a 3.73:1 limited-slip differential and Strange axles. This combination provides the performance expected from a serious American hot rod while offering the additional flexibility of a five-speed transmission.

The custom chassis features 2-by-4-inch steel frame rails, Mustang II-style independent front suspension with coilovers, rack-and-pinion steering and a four-link rear suspension, also equipped with coilovers. Eleven-inch power-assisted disc brakes provide stopping power.

The staggered Billet Specialties Rat Tail wheels measure 17 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. The enormous Mickey Thompson rear tires, measuring 31 inches tall and 18 inches wide, give the car its characteristic muscular stance.

Inside, the black vinyl upholstery and carpeting create a restrained and tasteful atmosphere. The cabin features bucket seats, white-faced vintage-style instrumentation, a polished aluminum banjo steering wheel, a tilt steering column and a floor-mounted shifter. Comfort equipment includes air conditioning and heating, power windows, electric windshield wipers and a Pioneer/Boston Acoustics sound system.

Further mechanical equipment includes a Vintage Air Front Runner serpentine accessory system, polished stainless-steel air-conditioning compressor, aluminum fuel cell, electric fuel pump and Griffin aluminum radiator with dual electric cooling fans.

One of the particularly appealing aspects of this Willys is its documented construction history. The accompanying collection includes numerous invoices, detailed technical specifications and an extensive photographic album illustrating the different stages of the build, from the bare body and initial assembly through bodywork, paint, mechanical installation and final completion.

The vehicle is also accompanied by its original 2006 Certificate of Origin issued by Innovative Street Machines, identifying the Street Beasts kit body. This is an important distinction, as the car is a modern custom-built reproduction of the 1941 Willys rather than an original 1941 steel-bodied example.

With its striking appearance, substantial documented investment, powerful naturally aspirated Chevrolet V8 and five-speed manual transmission, this Willys offers an attractive combination of traditional hot rod styling, craftsmanship and performance.