This is the Mystery Willys that ran out of dover drag way in new york in the 60's. Bruce Caswell a friend of ours called us last Wednesday and told us that the car could be had. The gentleman that owned it had run upon hard times and needed to get rid of it. My husband made arrangements to go and look at the car on Saturday and a deal was made. The very sad part about this car is that the owner had left it sitting outside beside his barn for the last 22 years. Such a sad thing to do to such a piece of history. The car is very rough but deserves to be saved. It was owned and driven by Al DeAngelis. It held alot of records at dover and is very well known there. It was also run at Connecticut. It is a very cool piece and we feel very fortunate that we were able to purchase it. Enjoy the pictures even though they are a little sad. It's going to be fun to bring it back to life. Gasser Girl
It's sad to think the willys had to share the same fate as the caravan. Good to see you saved it! The willys that is!
This is a picture of it at home sweet home. It has the original wheels and tires on it that it raced with and also the original fiberglass parts. We also received the steel door and steel fenders that were on it.
Wow what a save ! It doesnt look to be all that bad ,the basic shape is still present . Nothing a little strength, patience and perserverance couldnt fix . It seems it went to good folks ! Good luck in her resurrection !
trick parts for the time....sportin' jack shafts on the springs and check out the backbrace on the rear.....cool find
Thank you everyone. Our plans are to put it back to the mystery willys. We spoke with al the original owner driver for over an hour lastnight. He was very excited that someone had found it and was going to save it. The steel body is in good shape alot of surface rust but not alot of rot on it. We have always heard stories like this but when your part of one it's fantastic. We are going to do alot of research before we start on it. For now it's home and under cover. Gasser Girl
This is a picture of it not long after it was first built before it was lettered up. They called it the mystery willys because it started with no lettering and everytime it pulled up to the line someone would say "who's that willys" and they would say that it was a mystery hence the name.
it was not aware that you liked Willys!!!! Well, now that we are in the know, have fun! Congrats on the discovery. I look forward to seeing progress.
Even in that shape and sitting for 22 years, it still must have made your heart jump when you rounded the corner and saw it!! That must have been an exciting day.It also looks like it was found by just the right people, a Willys freak hamber!
Wow those front ends must have been strong Its great its been found and saved, even better you have posted it here. Thanks.
One of the coolest finds Ive seen on here since I joined. Good luck with it. It is very cool even in the state its in.
The Jalopy Journal
