1927 WHIPPET MODEL 96

The Whippet marque was introduced by Willys/Overland in July of 1926 and was the Overland's successor. It was also America's smallest car at that time. And also noted for its swiftness, hence the name. In comparison to the equivalent four-cylinder Overland, the Whippet was 200 pounds lighter and rested on a wheelbase that was a quarter inch longer. The engine was more advanced, smaller, and produced the same amount of power. It featured advantages such as full-pressure oiling and pump-circulated cooling. It was a very durable and sturdy engine that would eventually be used in the Jeep vehicles more than a decade later. 

It is powered by a four-cylinder L-head engine that displaces 134.2 cubic-inches and produces 30 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The 100-inch wheelbase is held in place by a solid front axle and live rear axle, both with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
 
The Whippet vehicles quickly became a very successful, popular and high selling vehicle. The selling price when introduced was under $1000. In 1928 a six-cylinder engine was added to the line up which increased the vehicles versatility and allowed it to cater to a wider demographic of buyers. In 1928 they were the third-best-selling marque and lost out to Essex by a small margin in 1929.

With the advent of the depression sales slumped, however, and so Willys concentrated on other projects and the Whippet went off the market. But for a few years it was a huge success!