Autographs
John Willys Writes To Henry Ford's Early Partner In The Automotive Business Concerning Production Of "a New Six Cylinder Automobile"
JOHN N. WILLYS, John Willys Writes Concerning Production Of "a New Six Cylinder Automobile"
November 22, 1926, Typed Letter Signed "John N. Willys," on engraved "The Willys-Overland Company" letterhead, Toledo, Ohio, 10.5" x 7.25", Choice Extremely Fine. To Harold C. Wills, Henry Ford's early partner in the automotive business (Ford bought Wills out), concerning production of a new six-cylinder automobile. In part: "...No doubt you have heard rumors of a new company to market a six-cylinder Knight car. It is the intention, however, to have the assembly done in Detroit, which will only require a building suitable for assembly purposes. On that account we would not be interested in any extension along the line you mention...." There are a couple of rust marks at top; otherwise, nice and clean. Willys began his career as a bicycle manufacturer. He then moved from two-wheeled-vehicles to four, and began manufacturing Willys and Overland automobiles at a plant in Toledo, Ohio. He served as U.S. ambassador to Poland from 1930-1932. A fine association of these two important early automobile industry pioneers. Ex: EAHA Auction, June 9, 2002, Lot 211, where it sold for $632.
John Willys Writes To Henry Ford's Early Partner In The Automotive Business Concerning Production Of "a New Six Cylinder Automobile"
JOHN N. WILLYS, John Willys Writes Concerning Production Of "a New Six Cylinder Automobile"
November 22, 1926, Typed Letter Signed "John N. Willys," on engraved "The Willys-Overland Company" letterhead, Toledo, Ohio, 10.5" x 7.25", Choice Extremely Fine. To Harold C. Wills, Henry Ford's early partner in the automotive business (Ford bought Wills out), concerning production of a new six-cylinder automobile. In part: "...No doubt you have heard rumors of a new company to market a six-cylinder Knight car. It is the intention, however, to have the assembly done in Detroit, which will only require a building suitable for assembly purposes. On that account we would not be interested in any extension along the line you mention...." There are a couple of rust marks at top; otherwise, nice and clean. Willys began his career as a bicycle manufacturer. He then moved from two-wheeled-vehicles to four, and began manufacturing Willys and Overland automobiles at a plant in Toledo, Ohio. He served as U.S. ambassador to Poland from 1930-1932. A fine association of these two important early automobile industry pioneers. Ex: EAHA Auction, June 9, 2002, Lot 211, where it sold for $632.
Images
Click on thumbnails to see larger images:
Additional lots in this auction
Similar lots up for bid
Auction details
Coins-Currency-Autographs-Americana
9:00 AM PT - May 18th, 2008
offered by
Early American
P.O. Box 3507
Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
