Willys 8-80, 8-80D, 8-88 & 8-88A 1930-'33

[58L-Y8]

This is peripherally related to Willys-Knights.  Perusing the Standard Catalog "Willys-Knight" topic, listed for 1930 is a Willys 8-80, 120"wheelbase, Continental engine model 14W, 245.4 ci L-head straight eight are noted as introduced in April 1930.  The model is continued into 1931 as the 8-80D, 120" wb, same body selection as the 66B, identically priced.  The 8-80D continues in 1932, is supplemented with an 8-88 (Silver Streak) on 121" wb same body selection as the first series 1932 66D but with a roadster added.  The second series 1932 66D had its body selection reduced to only two, a Custom sedan and Custom Victoria.   Finally, for 1933, the 8-88A (Streamline) reduces to only a coupe and sedan, the W-K 66E to only a sedan.

 

Being interested in the most obscure of the obscure, can someone enlighten us on these rare Willys models: do sales number exist for these and the 66B, D and E?   Its well known that W-O was hit hard by the deepening Depression, continuing these two middle-priced car series must have had some degree of positive response to continue them as long as they did.  So, if you are knowledgeable about these, please share it with us.   

[58L-Y8]

Anybody care to weigh in on these Willys models?  Someone must have knowledge of or familiarity with them?  

[Milldog 50]

I just ran across this post.  Brand new here, but a long term Willys Overland Knight Registry Member.  

 

I am very familiar with sleeve valve engines from Willys Overland line of products.  I own a '27 Willys Knight 70A cabriolet Coupe.  In addition I own the one and only known 1933 Willys  Model 8-88A.  This car has been registered to the W.O.K.R. consistently since 1975 and I am currently the 5th owner.  The Willys 8-88 was 1932 year model and there are currently about half dozen known, so still extremely rare.  My 8-88A is currently under restoration.

 

The model 66E Willys Knight was a single year production as was the Willys 8-88A.  The two vehicles were literally identical with the exception of Willys Knight having the double sleeve valve  6 cylinder 87 HP engine while the Willys had a flathead straight 8 rated at 80 HP.  The only other difference was badging and a slightly different radiator shell insert grill.

 

Attached pics are of 1933 Willys Knight 66E (brown car) and 1933 Willys 8-88A Black and white pics

 

 

[nzcarnerd]

This one was photographed in New Zealand in 1972. There is a reference to it in the WOKR gallery - Willys Overland Knight Registry - Photo Detail (wokr.org)

 

I did make enquiries recently - just out of curiosity - as to where it might be now but had no response.

 

The registration plate is no longer in the system. 

 

 

[Milldog 50]

This car I believe is a 1932 Willys Knight model 97.  This would have been the downsize Willys Knight from the Model 66D.  

[58L-Y8]

On 1/7/2021 at 9:43 AM, Milldog 50 said:

I just ran across this post.  Brand new here, but a long term Willys Overland Knight Registry Member.  

 

I am very familiar with sleeve valve engines from Willys Overland line of products.  I own a '27 Willys Knight 70A cabriolet Coupe.  In addition I own the one and only known 1933 Willys  Model 8-88A.  This car has been registered to the W.O.K.R. consistently since 1975 and I am currently the 5th owner.  The Willys 8-88 was 1932 year model and there are currently about half dozen known, so still extremely rare.  My 8-88A is currently under restoration.

 

The model 66E Willys Knight was a single year production as was the Willys 8-88A.  The two vehicles were literally identical with the exception of Willys Knight having the double sleeve valve  6 cylinder 87 HP engine while the Willys had a flathead straight 8 rated at 80 HP.  The only other difference was badging and a slightly different radiator shell insert grill.

 

Attached pics are of 1933 Willys Knight 66E (brown car) and 1933 Willys 8-88A Black and white pics

 

 

Hello Milldog 50, 

Thank you for enlarging on our knowledge of these rare, obscure Willys models. Congratulations on being the conservator of the sole surviving  1933 Willys  Model 8-88A.  Thanks also for confirming my hunch regarding the sharing between the 8-88 and Knight models.   Have the production numbers for each year and model been determined?

 

[Milldog 50]

The Willys Overland Knight Registry has all production numbers from the beginning.  The 33 model 66E Willys Knight was produced in 32 for sale as a 33 year model.  There were about 875 units manufactured.  The same is true for model 8-88A Willys.  It was manufactured in 32 and sold as 33 year model at 1012 units.

 

[58L-Y8]

Searching for something else, I found this photo taken at the 1994 Hershey of a 1930-'31 Willys 8-80D displayed on the show day.  I believe this may have been my first encounter with one of these obscure Willys models and sparked the interest to learn more about a car I had no idea was ever built.    

Added the advertisement June 2021

Edited June 9, 2021 by 58L-Y8
Added the advertisement June 2021 (see edit history)

[JeepinKate]

On 1/7/2021 at 9:43 AM, Milldog 50 said:

I just ran across this post.  Brand new here, but a long term Willys Overland Knight Registry Member.  

 

I am very familiar with sleeve valve engines from Willys Overland line of products.  I own a '27 Willys Knight 70A cabriolet Coupe.  In addition I own the one and only known 1933 Willys  Model 8-88A.  This car has been registered to the W.O.K.R. consistently since 1975 and I am currently the 5th owner.  The Willys 8-88 was 1932 year model and there are currently about half dozen known, so still extremely rare.  My 8-88A is currently under restoration.

 

The model 66E Willys Knight was a single year production as was the Willys 8-88A.  The two vehicles were literally identical with the exception of Willys Knight having the double sleeve valve  6 cylinder 87 HP engine while the Willys had a flathead straight 8 rated at 80 HP.  The only other difference was badging and a slightly different radiator shell insert grill.

 

Attached pics are of 1933 Willys Knight 66E (brown car) and 1933 Willys 8-88A Black and white pics

 

 

I have a friend with an 8-88A in his garage. He'd love to talk with you if possible 

[Cram8]

I have one of these “Unicorns” 1932-33 coup. Straight eight. I will have to check the # on the frame. It’s missing the straight eight. Neat history. Just saw this post. Good info.