Willys Overland Knight Registry
Overland History
The Early Days
It was Claude E. Cox who
had designed and built the first Overlands - the first test drive being
on 12th Feb 1903. He was initially financed by the Standard Wheel
Company and operated from 671 Ohio St., Terre Haute, Indianna. Standard
Wheel lost interest after a boiler explosion at the plant in 1904 and Cox
was able to buy the fledgling company for $8,000. More money was
required and Cox was able to obtain financial backing from David M. Parry
who had made his fortune in manufacturing 2 wheel horse drawn carts.
The Overland Automobile Co. was incorporated on 31st March 1906 with Parry
having a 51% share and Cox 49%. Unfortunately a short but severe
economic depression in 1907 saw Parry’s empire badly hit, even to the extent
of him losing his house. It had been at this point that J.N.
Willys arrived on the scene having ordered 500 Overlands, sent a deposit
of $10,000 and wondering where his cars were. He found no complete
cars, just partially assembled ones, and a company that didn’t have the
money to pay the weeks wages. In a desperate and legendary 11th hour
attempt to save not only his order, but the company, he was able to raise
enough credit based on his financial friends in Elmira to keep the company
going over that crucial Thanksgiving weekend when closure seemed so imminent
and then into the following weeks.
He reorganised the company, upgraded production facilities
and built a new factory in the summer of 1908 but soon realised demand
was exceeding capacity, even though production of the then current Model
24 had totalled 465 vehicles, 10 times that of 1907.
Expansion was the order of the day and early in 1909 he acquired
the Marion Motor Car Co. of Ohio. In September he acquired the huge
and modern Pope plant in Toledo, Ohio for $285,000. This proved to
be a bargain because J.N. Willys was able to sell off a lot of surplus
material and recoup a lot of his money. On October 26th 1909, Willys
Overland as it was now called, was re-organised with the Toledo plant as
the empire capital. The Overland Model 38 was the first to be built
in Toledo. Sliding gear transmissions replaced epicyclic, an interesting
fact when you consider 1909 was the year Ford introduced the ever popular
Model T, which of course used the epicyclic transmission right through
to 1927. 1909 was also the year that Claude Cox left to follow a
career in photography, obtaining patents on new instruments and processes
with his inventive and creative mind.
By 1911, the Indianapolis facility was only used for component
assembly work. Willys Overland vehicle figures were 18,745 compared
with Ford at 34,979.
By 1912 Overland had become America’s second largest producer
of cars at 26,000 units and exceeded only by Ford. Garford and more
importantly it’s plant at Elyria had been added to the W-O empire.
The position of second place behind Ford lasted right up until 1918.
As early as 1909 there had been vehicles badged with the Willys
name as well as Overland. These vehicles were more expensive than
anything badged simply as "Overland" and by 1917 the consumer was offered
the choice of Overland, Willys or Willys
Knight depending on their budget and choice of engine - sleeve
valve or poppet valve. Even though J.N. Willys openly preferred the
Willys Knight, he could see that the cheaper poppet valved Overlands were
his "bread and butter". There were many Overland models on offer,
but the cheaper ones sold in higher volumes and this was even more evident
during the 1914-1918 war years. Sales margins were tight during the
war years, but a serious strike directly afterwards threatened to cripple
the Willys Overland empire. Whilst the Willys Knight vehicles
proved the companys excellence at precision engineering it was the Overland
line of vehicles that would put the company back on its feet.
Overlands After the War
During the period 1920 - 1926, Willys Overland produced a succession
of 4 cylinder models which were designated 4, 4A, 91 and 91A - all on 100
inch wheelbases. In 1923 another 4 cylinder model was introduced,
this time designated Model 92, but on a 106 inch wheelbase and more readily
remembered as the Bird series. Red Birds had red bodies, Black Birds
had black bodies and Blue Birds of course had blue bodies. Sometimes
all these models are known simply as the Overland Four. The goal
had been to sell the car for $500 to compete with the Ford Model T.
However the war induced increases in prices for steel and labour and so
the selling price for 1920 ended up at $845 and upwards.
Total combined production of the 4 cylinder models 4, 4A, 91, 91A
and 92 over the August 1919 to May 1926 period amounted to some 642,000
vehicles. All used the Triplex 3 point cantilever spring system consisting
of 2 quarter elliptic springs mounted at angles at both the front and rear
of the car.
The 6 cylinder Model 93 however, used conventional semi elliptic
springing.
Overlands after 1925
In June 1926 the 4 cylinder Overland Whippet was announced. Although
badging said "Overland" till Jan 1927, manuals and brochures all refered
to the new type car as an "Overland Whippet", never just "Overland".
The new Whippet was such a success that the name was soon used for
a six cylinder version with model designation of 93A. See Whippet 4 and Whippet 6 galleries for examples and information.
In 1939 the Overland name made a brief comeback. This car featured
hydraulic brakes, 102 inch wheelbase and 61 bhp @ 3600 rpm and yet was
more expensive than the Willys - a break with logic since consumers had
long been accustomed to the Willys name, rather than Overland, being used
on the more expensive vehicles. See Willys
Gallery for examples and information.
Overland Serial Numbers and Specifications
The following information extracted from the W.O.K.R. Roster (with
permission) can help with identification.
| Year |
Model
|
Build Volume or
Serial No's |
Introduction
Date |
Nominal
Price (US$) |
Cyl |
Bore x Stroke |
B.H.P. |
Wheelbase |
| 1903 |
13
|
Approx 1 or 2 |
n/a |
$595 |
1
|
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
4-5 |
66 |
| 1903 |
15
|
No more than 10 |
n/a |
$600 |
2
|
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
6-7 |
72 |
| 1904 |
15
|
n/a |
n/a |
$650 |
2
|
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
6-7 |
72 |
| 1905 |
15
|
n/a |
n/a |
$550 |
2
|
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
6-7 |
72 |
| 1905 |
16
|
n/a |
n/a |
$600 |
2
|
3 1/2 x 3 1/2 |
7-8 |
72 |
| 1905 |
17
|
n/a |
n/a |
$750 |
2
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
8-9 |
78 |
| 1905 |
18
|
n/a |
n/a |
$1550 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
15-16 |
90 |
| 1906 |
18
|
n/a |
n/a |
$985 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
15-16 |
90 |
| 1907 |
22
|
47 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
16-18 |
96 |
| 1908 |
24
|
n/a |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
20-22 |
96 |
| 1908 |
26
|
465 |
n/a |
$1550 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
20-22 |
100 |
| 1909 |
30
|
1609 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
108 |
| 1909 |
31
|
1001 |
n/a |
$1400 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
45 (?) |
110 |
| 1909 |
32
|
747 |
n/a |
$1500 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
110 |
| 1909 |
33
|
35 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| 1909 |
34
|
23 |
n/a |
$2000 |
6
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
45 |
121 |
| 1909 |
35
|
86 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| 1909 |
36
|
291 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| 1910 |
37
|
391 |
n/a |
$1000 |
4
|
3 3/4 x 4 1/2 |
25 |
102 |
| 1910 |
38
|
8476 |
n/a |
$1000 |
4
|
3 3/4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
102 |
| 1910 |
40
|
751 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
112 |
| 1910 |
41
|
1609 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
112 |
| 1910 |
42
|
2408 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
112 |
| 1911 |
37
|
Some Del. & Express. |
n/a |
$1000 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
112 |
| 1911 |
45
|
827 |
n/a |
$775 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
20 |
96 |
| 1911 |
46
|
1699 |
n/a |
$775 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
20 |
96 |
| 1911 |
47
|
711 |
n/a |
$900 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 |
20 |
102 |
| 1911 |
49
|
1812 |
n/a |
$1095 |
4
|
3 3/4 x 4 1/2 |
25 |
102 |
| 1911 |
50
|
598 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
110 |
| 1911 |
51
|
3496 |
n/a |
$1250 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
110 |
| 1911 |
52
|
1207 |
n/a |
$1600 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
118 |
| 1911 |
53
|
41 |
n/a |
$1600 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
118 |
| 1911 |
54
|
651 |
n/a |
$1600 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
118 |
| 1911 |
55
|
109 |
n/a |
$1300 |
4
|
4 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
112 |
| 1911 |
56
|
801 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a
|
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| 1912 |
58
|
1 - 251 |
Fall 1911 |
$850 |
4
|
3 3/4 x 4 1/2 |
25 |
96 |
| 1912 |
59
|
1 - 13257 |
Fall 1911 |
$900 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
106 |
| 1912 |
60
|
1 - 3003 |
Fall 1911 |
$1200 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
114 |
| 1912 |
61
|
1 - 2309 |
Fall 1911 |
$1500 |
4
|
4 3/8 x 4 1/2 |
45 |
118 |
| 1913 |
69
|
1 - 30026 |
Aug 1912 |
$985 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
110 |
| 1913 |
71
|
1 - 2965 |
Aug 1912 |
$1475 |
4
|
4 3/8 x 4 1/2 |
45 |
114 |
| 1914 |
79
|
1 - 45005 |
Aug 1913 |
$950 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
114 |
| 1915 |
80
|
1 - 20007 |
Aug 1914 |
$1075 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
114 |
| 1915 |
81
|
1 - 20406 |
Oct 1914 |
$850 |
4
|
4 x 4 1/2 |
30 |
106 |
| 1915 |
82
|
1 - 2873 |
Oct 1914 |
$1475 |
6
|
3 1/2 x 5 1/4 |
50 |
125 |
| 1916 |
75
|
1 - 25000 |
Oct 1915 |
$615 |
4
|
3 1/8 x 5 |
25 |
104 |
| 1916 |
75B
|
25001-38850 |
n/a |
n/a |
4
|
3 3/8 x 5 |
30 |
104 |
| 1916 |
83
|
1 - ? |
July 1915 |
$760 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
106 |
| 1916 |
83B
|
? - 102840 |
Jan 1916 |
$760 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
106 |
| 1916 |
86
|
1 - 11649 |
July 1915 |
$1145 |
6
|
3 1/2 x 5 1/4 |
45 |
125 |
| 1917 |
75B
|
38851 - 65694 |
n/a |
n/a |
4
|
3 3/8 x 5 |
30 |
104 |
| 1917 |
90
|
1 - 87008 |
Early 1917 |
$665 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 5 |
32 |
104, 106 |
| 1917 |
85-4, 85-4B
|
1 - 42339 |
Aug 1916 |
$850 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
112 |
| 1917 |
85-6
|
1 - 3500 |
Aug 1916 |
$985 |
6
|
3 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
116 |
| 1917 |
85-6B
|
3501 - 15304 |
n/a |
$985 |
6
|
3 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
116 |
| 1918 |
90, 90B
|
87009 - 140543 |
n/a |
$795 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 5 |
32 |
106 |
| 1918 |
85-4, 85-4B
|
42340 - 51900 |
n/a |
$930 |
4
|
4 1/8 x 4 1/2 |
35 |
112 |
| 1918 |
85-6B
|
15305 - 18686 |
n/a |
$1130 |
6
|
3 1/4 x 4 1/2 |
40 |
116 |
| 1919 |
90, 90B
|
140644 - 181209 |
n/a |
$985 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 5 |
32 |
106 |
| 1920 |
4
|
1 - 126925 |
Aug 1919 |
$845 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 4 |
27 |
100 |
| 1921 |
4
|
126926 - 174819 |
n/a |
$895 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 4 |
27 |
100 |
| 1922 |
4, 4A
|
174820 - 248443 |
Dec 1921 (4)
June 1922 (4A) |
$595 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 4 |
27@2400 |
100 |
| 1923 |
91
|
1 - 132399 |
Mar 1923 |
$525 |
4
|
3 3/8 x 4
3 1/2 x 4 |
27@2200
30@2400 |
100 |
| 1923 |
92
|
1 - 17841 |
Mar 1923 |
n/a |
4
|
3 3/8 x 4
3 1/2 x 4 |
27@2200
30@2400 |
106 |
| 1924 |
91, 91A
|
132400 - 240271 |
n/a |
$495 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
30@2400 |
100 |
| 1924 |
92
|
17842 - 27969 |
n/a |
n/a |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
30@2400 |
106 |
| 1925 |
91, 91A
|
240272 - 339655 |
Jan 1925 |
$495 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
30@2400 |
100 |
| 1925 |
92
|
27970 - 29294 |
n/a |
n/a |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
30@2400 |
106 |
| 1925 |
93
|
1 - 43700 |
Jan 1925 |
$985 |
6
|
3 x 4 |
38@2800 |
112 3/4 |
| 1926 |
91, 91-A
|
339656 - 364568 |
Jan 1926 |
$495 |
4
|
3 1/2 x 4 |
30@2400 |
100 |
| 1926 |
93
|
43701 - 87161 |
n/a |
$895 |
6
|
3 x 4 |
38@2800 |
112 3/4 |
| 1927 |
93
|
87162 - 88680 |
n/a |
$895 |
6
|
3 x 4 |
38@2800 |
112 3/4 |
Interested readers should also look through the W.O.K.R. LIBRARY
or STARTER INDEX for material that
relates to their specific vehicle.
