Description
The Saga of the Willys Aero: From Second Fiddle to the Jeep to Proudly Wearing the Ford Badge
by Mark L. James
This story is about an obscure American compact car that was developed by Willys-Overland Motors, Inc. in the early 1950s. Few people know that this remarkable little car was not only built from 1952 to 1971 but it also helped launch the Brazilian auto industry! One reason for the car’s anonymity is that it was overshadowed by its big brother the Jeep, which was also developed by Willys-Overland. Another reason was the odd name that Willys-Overland chose for it. The convention regarding identifying a U.S. vehicle is to list its model year, manufacturer and model name in that order. For example, the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. When Willys-Overland launched its new line of passenger cars, however, it named them the Aero Willys. As a result, all of the Willys Aero automobiles are confusingly known as the Aero Willys models. Perhaps this was done to distinguish the new model from the four-wheel-drive Willys Jeep.
- 8.5″ x 11″ Soft Cover
- 96 Pages
- B/W & Color Images
About the Author:
Mark L. James is an avid driver, exhibitor, and collector of postwar classic cars. He is a Life Member of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), the Society of Automotive Historians, and the Kaiser Frazer Owners Club International. Mark is an AACA Senior Master Judge and has exhibited his cars in numerous Concours d’Elegance events throughout the country. He is also the author of books on the Studebaker Golden Hawk and the Studebaker Gran Turismo. His most recent book is A History of Hudson and its Nine Most Fabulous Cars.
