A Willys In the Family

            Back in 1966 Virgil Jones and Robert Jones found an old fixer upper that they bought from the original owner. The 1920 Willys Overland Four Touring Car had been parked in an old carriage house for so long that a tree had grown up, blocking it in. Virgil, an electrical engineer by trade, and his son, Robert, a mechanical engineer, cut down the tree and wheeled the Willys away.

            The pair tinkered with the car on and off for about 18 years until, finally, in 1984, they got it running for the first time. Twenty years later, in 2004, they finally got it all together and in show quality shape.

            Now Virgil’s granddaughter and Robert’s niece, Michelle Marino from Amelia, OH has taken possession of the Willys. Along with her husband Frank they are taking on the task of showing and caring for this classic car. According to Frank, “It’s her car, it was in her family. I’m just a caretaker.”

            Michelle said that they are thinking about putting the car in the Packard museum. “Someplace where we know it will be taken care of and also where it will be appreciated.”

            In the meantime, keep an eye out for this classic.