1927' Whippet Model 96

1927 Whippet Model 96 Americas smallest car upon its introduction in 1926, the Whippet was truly one of the most compelling vehicles of its day. Produced by Willys-Overland, the marque was to supersede the Overland as a budget automobile with a small footprint, and it was competitive in both price and performance to other cars available at the same time. The company cemented its name and reputation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where a six-cylinder model was put to the test over a 24-hour endurance run. The car averaged 52.56 mph and established a new record for stock automobiles priced under $1,000. Even more impressive was that the Whippet could be had for a far smaller price than that: $545 for a four-cylinder cabriolet and $615 $745 for the six-cylinder models! Sadly, the Whippet would only last five years, and the company closed its doors due to the Great Depression in 1931. NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY For consignment, a little known or heard of Whippet Model 96 from 1927. This car has been fully restored and is a real piece of history for the collector who is looking for the next best thing. Nice exterior, fully restored to original interior and all holding up well. Wood for the dash and simple but elegant vertical oval gauges on the wood dash. Not perfect, but a rare car that easily can be driven or shown. Exterior Like all cars of this time period, it utilizes a simple body on frame construction with attached exterior fenders and running boards under the doors. Upfront 2 large headlights with shiny bezels lead the way and flank the polished chromed radiator surround with a black insert. From this surround a rounded cowled hood extends to the front windshield which can be moved outward for airflow. Above is a blue metal visor which frames the front of a black vinyl roof covering. A square cabin with 2 doors nicely minding their gaps and the straight back of the car all bathed in blue. Here we also see a covered spare tire and a split bumper in dual curved bar format protecting the back of the rounded fenders. On either side are curved fenders arching over 19-inch black wooden spoke wheels wrapped in white wall thin tires. Interior A simple door is the opening to the interior on either side, and these panels are covered in gray broadcloth with some vertical tuck and roll and smooth surrounds. Nickel plated handles for the window cranks and a winged knob for the door actuator are within this gray broadcloth field. Inside are simple buckets with low backs, covered in more gray broadcloth tuck and roll inserts and smooth gray broadcloth surrounds bordered by piping throughout. In back in a comfy rear bench the same pattern as the buckets. Sides and headliner are also in gray broadcloth and looking good. In front is a walnut wood panel dash that has a cluster of 3 oval gauges and knobs with polished bezels and black backgrounds. A large wood rimmed steering wheel is awaiting the capable hands of the driver. Black painted wood panels cover the floor. Drivetrain The engine compartment reveals an earlier restoration with a patina green painted engine and head, surface rusted intake and exhaust manifolds, and a 134ci 4-cylinder setup with a 1-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission on back. Wiring is like new, and bolt ons are all in good condition, including the large horn on the very top of the engine! Undercarriage Underneath is all rust free, and nicely parenting in black painted metal and wood surfaces. Framing is solid, rockers and body hangers are structurally sound, and we see leaf spring suspension on all 4 corners along with mechanical drum brakes. A full restoration for the mostly unheard-of automobile from Willys Overland company pre Jeep era. It has been in storage for a while so to some degree decommissioning may have to take place so the purchaser should be ready to perform some TLC to get the car back up and road worthy. NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY