A ‘ground up’ restoration in 1971 included Robert rebuilding a few panels, the mechanical’s were in good condition. Robert mentioned replacing a selection of brake parts but I suspect if he were to write out a list it would be as long as my arm.. It was painted in Roberts back yard and the hood was made out of BMW fabric by a 23 year old fellow who was taught his trade by his grandfather. The original hood bows were retained. Robert is ‘on the net’ so I am hoping to update this page soon and include an Email address.
1926 WHIPPET 96 ROADSTER
John N. Willys Company – Willys Overland – was one of the largest manufacturers of automobiles in the United States in the early part of the twentieth century, producing the Willys Knight, The Americar and the Whippet. The company reached peak production in the mid 1920’s.
The Whippet 96 Roadster was produced from 1926 to 1928 and was advertised as “The Car of Youth”, specifically designed and priced to appeal to the younger set. Smartly styled, the 1926 Whippet roadster was a two-seater with a rear “rumble seat” that could comfortably accommodate two more passengers.
A four cylinder model capable of reaching 55 miles per hour, the Whippet 96 roadster was first introduced to the public in June of 1926. The car had innovative technical features for the time such as four wheel brakes, water pump cooling and pressurized lubrication, a roomy yet compact body, low center of gravity and economy of operation.
The car achieved immediate popularity and the export market was quickly probed with Australia a prime target. The Roadster, which sold for up to $525 US was marketed in England for $240 UK and $199 Australian. The deluxe model was for export only and sold for $250 UK and $220 Australian.
Strangely enough, the 1926 model, though advertised as a Whippet and stated as such in the car’s manual, did not have the Whippet name on the vehicle itself. The hub caps and radiator were marked “Overland”. This was changed in the 1927 model when the new six cylinder automobile was introduced as the Whippet 93A.
The last of the Whippet 96 models were produced in 1928 with final production ending in December of that year.
Hello Robert
would you have a photo of a Whippet with the ‘dicky’ seat open please? (just to look at) My Dad used to drive us around Ipswich in the early ‘fifties. My sister and I sat in the seat. Thank you.