Built by Pete Dening, this stunning, big block-powered 1941 Willys had a killer start to the new millennium. With its striking blue-green paint, widened rear guards, custom four-link and epic stance, it knocked everyone for six at Summernats 13 in 2000, snagging a spot in the Top 10 as well as winning Top Closed Hot Rod, Top Engineered Hot Rod, 2nd Top Bodywork and 2nd Undercarriage. It then went on to star on the December 2000 cover of Street Machine – the first pre-’48 car to do so!

First published in the February 2025 issue of Street Machine

But after that initial success, the Willys all but disappeared. In 2001, not long after its starring role on the SM cover, Pete sold it to Rob Palamara, and the car only occasionally broke cover during his 23 years of ownership.

In mid-2024, Rob finally succumbed to a couple of decades’ of incessant nagging from current Drag Challenge 235 Aspirated champion Louis Younis, agreeing to sell the Willys to him.

Fortunately, the car Pete built a quarter of a century ago still looks like a million dollars, so we thought it was time to grab all three owners to find out more about its journey so far.

PETE DENING

Great car, Pete! What made you choose a Willys to build?

I saw it advertised and thought, “I’d like to have that.” There was nothing else like it around at the time. It was just a floppy body, so we had to do everything – build a chassis, steel it out. We had to make everything. Ian Eliason from Lilow Auto Tech custom-built the narrowed, A-arm front end so the front wheels could turn.

How long did it take to build?

I was lucky. I was in between jobs, so I was able to spend 12 months on it full-time. Even then, we only just got it done the night before we went to Summernats.

Apart from Summernats 13, did you show it much?

At first, yes. After Summernats, I took it to the Hot Car Titles and won about six awards, plus the Street Rod Nationals at Hawkesbury Showground. It was there that I won one of Boyd Coddington’s Top 10 picks. The trophy was billet, of course; it was one of the best trophies I ever got. But I got a bit over taking it to shows, so I just started driving it to rod runs.

Why did you sell it?

To finance the next build! I’ve built something like a dozen cars – it’s my hobby. There’s been a number of ’32s; one of them was on the cover of Cruzin. I also did about five Model As and a ’35 three-window, and a few cars for other people. As soon as I’ve finished one build, I’m always keen to get into the next. But each build would chew up all my money, so I couldn’t afford to keep them. Rob hit me up at a rod run, so I sold it to him.

Did you see it around much?

Just at the occasional rod run. Rob actually told me at the time that he wasn’t going to show it, because he didn’t build it. Then I saw it at the Hot Rod Nationals at Sydney a year or so ago, and it still looked shit-hot. Mind you, I didn’t regret selling it – I’ve never regretted selling any of them. I like to move on and get my mind on the next build.

ROB PALAMARA

What did you do with the Willys during your years of ownership, Rob?

I mainly just took it on local hot rod runs. I think I did about 4500km in it all up. I ran it at Eastern Creek; it went pretty straight and good for a big engine, and ran consistent 11s. I also drove it to Summernats in 2014. Not trailering it was pretty special, even though I didn’t get it judged. It looks great at a distance – but up close you can see it really needs a respray.

Did you change much?

I rebuilt the rear end, added a Truetrac, 4:11s, billet axles and straightened the housing to get it to drive straight. I also tricked up the trans and went to a 3500rpm converter. The engine got a new ICE ignition system and new Demon carby, and it was dyno tuned at Gerry’s Automotive in Seven Hills.

How did Louis come to buy it from you?

Louis had been at me for 20 years to buy it! It got to the point where it was time to change, as I’d owned it since 2001. I’m good friends with Louis and his father; they’re good people. I wouldn’t have sold it to Louis if I thought he was just going to flip it – it’s gone to a better home.

Louis eventually wore you down, eh?

He certainly picked his moment. I’m downsizing a bit, as I’ve got a few cars, including a ’57 with a blown small-block, plus a few bikes and a couple of unfinished projects.

LOUIS YOUNIS

So, Louis, you finally got Rob to give in?

It’s his own fault. He was looking to sell his ’57 and rang asking if I knew anybody who might be interested. I realised this was my opportunity, so I asked if he’d sell the Willys instead. I didn’t even drive it before doing the deal – I wanted to move quick before Rob changed his mind, and 48 hours later, it was in my garage. I was blown away; I never thought I’d ever own a car like this.

You bought it without driving it?

Rob’s an absolute gentleman; he told me absolutely everything. He gave me a box full of receipts for all the stuff he’d done, plus all the original receipts from Pete. Besides, where am I going to find another one?

What is it about this particular car for you?

I went to Wintersun 17 or 18 years ago, and Rob had it there. He took my dad, Tony, for a run! It was such a high-end car; it just floored me. It’s got the stance, the looks – the fact it’s a big-block is just icing on the cake! Actually, I saw it and my Nova at Wintersun that same year – they’re now parked next to each other in the garage!

It still looks fantastic!

It’s a credit to Pete for building it, but it’s a massive credit to Rob for preserving it so well for so long. My plan is to do the same. I want my kids to be able to look at it in 10 or 15 years and know that that’s the car.

What are your plans for the car now you finally have it in your garage?

Definitely drive it. When I bought it, I caught an Uber to Rob’s house and drove it home. I’ve already taken it on a couple of short trips, and I must’ve taken the kids for 20 laps around the block. I reckon I put more kays on it in 24 hours than it’s done in the past 20 years! I’ll probably add a few small tweaks, just to put my touch on it.

Such as?

It’s due for a bit of a birthday. I wouldn’t change the colour, but I’d love to put an 8/71 blower and twin fours on it. Maybe also swap the front wheels for some 10-spokes. I have the forward-flipping bonnet, but I prefer the look without it, so I’ll most probably run it that way most of the time. But I feel so blessed. When I was a young fella, I dreamed about having something like this, and now I do. I don’t know how to explain what a good feeling that is.

1941 Willys Coupe