1940 Willys Swoopster Street Rod - LS7-Powered

Just because the factory didn't build a particular body style hasn't stopped street rodders and customizers from making their own versions. That's the case with this 1940 Willys roadster/coupe street rod known as the Swoopster. Dennis Taylor Reproductions in Arkansas built a handful of these fiberglass Willys replicas with removable hardtops. This show-quality, fully custom built 1940 model sparkles from top to bottom with only 1,440 careful miles since it was completed. The lightweight, short-wheelbase car has more than enough horsepower thanks to a modern Corvette LS7 engine. The luxury interior is fully leather trimmed and the dash is filled with digital gauges. The one-off alloy wheels are a small example of the high level of detailing found throughout this unique street rod. - A Corvette LS7 7.0-liter V-8 powers this Willys roadster/coupe. The seller estimates horsepower at nearly 700. The engine and entire drivetrain have 1,440 miles of use since completion of the build. Cold start is quick and simple with a smooth idle and no smoke. The GM 4L80E Compushift Automotive four-speed automatic overdrive transmission shifts perfectly and does not leak. The photos below depict a show-quality undercarriage with no evidence of leaks or weeping. The exhaust is routed through polished Magnaflow mufflers that exit via a central exhaust tip mounted between the split rear bumpers. Willys didn't offer a convertible, much less one with a removable hardtop, but that didn't stop Dennis Taylor Reproductions from designing and fabricating a fiberglass version. Body proportions have been tweaked to give a sleeker look, but one that's still recognizable as a Willys. The doors are rear hinged or suicide but with dead locks that activate at 10 mph. The Black Cherry paint has a micro-flake component for added sparkle in the sun or under car show lights. The custom front and rear bumpers are split and follow the body contours. - the overall paint condition as very high quality with the exception of a crack repair inside the lower edge of the driver's door (it doesn't show when the door is closed) and a rock chip on the lower front passenger's side fender. The removable hardtop is fiberglass like the body. All glass and seals are reported to be excellent.- never having driven the car in the rain - Maroon leather covers the entire interior including the sculpted door panels and the headliner of the removable hardtop. Both seats are fully powered enhanced. A custom dashboard with a billet insert is filled with trick digital gauges and outlets for the air-conditioning system. A modern audio system is mounted in the lower section of the dash. The tilt steering column has a billet steering wheel with a handsome burl wood rim. The trunk is fully carpeted and powered operated. - Dennis Taylor Reproductions built the custom rectangular steel chassis, which uses Mustang II-style front suspension with polished billet upper and lower A-arms and a four-link rear suspension. Fully adjustable QA1 coilover shock absorbers are used on all four corners, as are Wilwood disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors. The wild looking rear end is a custom fabricated racecar style housing with a 9-inch positraction unit. The unique billet wheels are one-offs built especially for this car. The tires are Toyo Proxes that are approximately four years old with excellent tread. I have owned this 1940 Willys Swoopster roadster/hardtop street rod for about two years and is selling it because he likes to rotate his collectible cars inventory.