Guest Al Brass Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Most people here seem to say Willy's, as belonging to Willy but I once read a statement from a nephew of John North Willys that claimed the family name was pronounced "Willis". Has anyone got an opinion ? Regards Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poci1957 Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 I have also seen the reference to "Willis" but in my area "Willie's" is recognized. Of course most around here also refer to the German sports car as a "Porsh" rather than "Pors-sha" and the British one as a "Jag-wire" rather than "Jag-u-are" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 By most accounts, J. N. Willys pronounced his surname ""Willis," although "Willies" is usually used for his products (I've had two Jeepsters, now down to one, since 1981.) The issue on another thread referred to the (misspelled in the other thread) Wills Sainte Claire automobiles of Mr. C. H. Wills, whose parents were apparently fans of Byron and who thus named their son "Childe Harold." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capngrog Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 21 minutes ago, poci1957 said: I have also seen the reference to "Willis" but in my area "Willie's" is recognized. Of course most around here also refer to the German sports car as a "Porsh" rather than "Pors-sha" and the British one as a "Jag-wire" rather than "Jag-u-are" And the Brits pronounce it "Jag-you-uh". I'm SO confused?! Cheers, Grog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victorialynn2 Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 49 minutes ago, Grimy said: By most accounts, J. N. Willys pronounced his surname ""Willis," although "Willies" is usually used for his products (I've had two Jeepsters, now down to one, since 1981.) The issue on another thread referred to the (misspelled in the other thread) Wills Sainte Claire automobiles of Mr. C. H. Wills, whose parents were apparently fans of Byron and who thus named their son "Childe Harold." I just realized you also have a '48 Jeepster. I would love to see pics. Have you seen pics of my fathers? It was in the process of being restored. Good body/paint, rebuilt engine, NIB side curtains and top but not all the mechanical parts are connected and the interior is in good shape but not in the vehicle. We may have spoke on this before, but there's been so much to keep track of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Hi VL, we did exchange a little info back and forth a few months ago. I'll send some photos from the other computer. George 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zipdang Posted May 25, 2017 Share Posted May 25, 2017 Heard of an interview with the original Mr. Willys, and if I remember correctly, he said that he didn't care how people pronounced his name if they had money in their pockets! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billorn Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 I don't care how you say it but for god's sake stop putting the apostorphe in there when you write it!!!!! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Amen billorn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 I don't think there can be any debate: The company itself pronounced it "Willis." The alternative would be an unusual use of English. You can even hear the correct pronunciation, "Willis," on YouTube videos made by the company itself. Thank goodness that audio tape had been invented to preserve history! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Al Brass Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 6 minutes ago, billorn said: I don't care how you say it but for god's sake stop putting the apostorphe in there when you write it!!!!! What's an apostorphe? Should it be apostrophe perhaps? Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billorn Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 At least I know how to say and write "Willys". 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted May 26, 2017 Share Posted May 26, 2017 Blown Chrysler HEMI powered Coupe, or Jeep it is a Willys. Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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