Willys Overland Knight Registry

(The following condensed extract from the © Whippet Model 96 Encyclopedia is reproduced with permission)

Whippet 96A History

Production of the Whippet 96A started in October 1928 in preparation for the January 1929 release.
Although it never sold in the same numbers as the earlier Model 96, it represented quite an advancement over the previous model in the following areas;

Longer Wheelbase (now 103 1/4 inches)
Advanced Body Styling (sweeping fenders, higher squarer radiator)
Engine (now 40 bhp with 3 1/8 bore x 4 3/4 inch stroke )
Top Speed (now claimed as > 60 mph)

Advertisements often featured the Finger Tip Control, whereby all functions of starting the engine, controlling the lighting system and sounding the horn are controlled from a single button in the centre of the steering wheel.
The Finger Tip Control feature was also used on 1929 Willys Knight Model 70-B.

Whippet 96A Serial Numbers

1928	USA	321001 - 336007
1929	USA	336008 - 449909
1929	Canada	C-36000 - C-48460
1930	USA	449910 - 464999
1930	Canada	C-48461 - C-53000 (approx)
1930	USA	* 465000 - 469180
1931	USA	* 469181 - 470247

* The second series of Whippet 96A was introduced in Sept 1930. The range of body styles was rationalised to just the 4 door sedan and the 2 and 4 passenger coupes. These bodies remained the same from the cowl back, but the hood was redesigned to resemble the Willys 6, with louvres in three groups in a raised panel. The head lights, radiator shell, cap & emblem were changed and a flat type horn was mounted on the headlamp bar. 1931 was the last year any vehicle would be manufactured bearing the Whippet name as the Model 96A replacement was called the Willys 77.

Whippet 96A in America

The Whippet 96A was announced in January 1929.
Advertised prices and colors (shown as Main color / Secondary color) for the Willys Overland standard set of body styles were as follows;

Touring (5 passenger)	$475	Norway Brown / Himalaya Gray
Roadster - Commercial (2 passenger)	$485	Falmouth Gray / Baird Brown
Roadster - Rumble Seat (4 passenger)	$ Unknown	Falmouth Gray / Baird Brown
Collegiate Roadster (4 passenger Deluxe)	$ Unknown	Lindburg Red with wire wheels
Coupe - Commercial (2 passenger)	$535	Falmouth Gray / Pollinger Blue
Coupe - Rumble Seat (4 passenger)	$ Unknown	Falmouth Gray / Pollinger Blue
Coach (5 passenger)	$535	Quadra Brown / Hunter Green or Duncan Blue / Pollinger Blue
Sedan (5 passenger)	$595	Castle Green / Leone Blue or Pollinger Blue / Cory Tan
Sedan - Deluxe with wire wheels	$ Unknown	Donkin Gray / Pollinger Blue

All except the Deluxe Roadster and Sedan had 19 inch Hayes wood spoked wheels as standard, but wire wheels were an option on all body styles.

USA Commercial Whippet 96A

In a sales brochure titled “Whippet for 1930”, 5 additional body styles were illustrated with a note that these body styles were specially designed and supplied by outside body builders. The line up included;

Panel Delivery - A model well adapted to the needs of practically every type of retail business. Fully enclosed, with two wide rear doors. Roomy driving compartment.
Canopy Top (Curtains) - A real all-weather service unit. Curtains at the sides and rear furnish protection against rain or snow. Suitable for grocers, laundries, bottlers, etc.
Canopy Top (Screens) - Protects contents from theft. Full screen sides and a locking upper screen end gate. Widely used by department stores, express companies, postal service, etc.
Commercial Roadster with Slip-On Box Body - Another dual purpose model. In the closed slip-on box, merchandise can be securely locked, well protected and economically transported. Much used by salesmen.
Commercial Roadster with Slip-On Express Body - Two cars in one. A smart roadster for business use, or a utility delivery unit. The slip-on body is designed to fit snugly so as to avoid rattles and squeaks.

Whippet 96A in Australia

The Whippet 96A was announced in April 1929. Local Content was claimed to be 82.6%.
Advertised prices and colors were as follows;

Tourer	£218	Wendy Blue, Light Labrada
Roadster	£228	Wendy Blue, Light Labrada
4-door Sedan	£298	Sage Green, Napoleon Grey
Utility Truck	£218	Brown, Blue
Panel Sided Van	£218	Brown, Blue
Wire Sided Van	£218	Grey, Blue
Wire Wheels	£10 10s

Holden Model 96A Body Production (Australia)

Tourer	3,466
Roadster	486
Sedan	392

There are no production figures available for the Utility Truck, Panel Sided Van or Wire Sided Van.