Willys Overland Knight Registry

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

Whippet 98A History


The Whippet 98A was the 6 cylinder, (50 bhp @ 3000 rpm) replacement for the Whippet 98 and equivalent in body styling to the 4 cylinder Whippet 96A.  The extra 9 ¼ inch wheelbase over the 4 cylinder (ie 112 ½ inches) is observable in the hood length.  Brake surface area was 200 ¼ inches, 10 square inches more than on the 96A.  Cowl lamps were included.  Advertising highlighted the 7 bearing crankshaft.  Top speed was quoted as being more than 65 mph.
Production of the Whippet 98A began on November 9th ,1928 ready for the January 1st, 1929 introduction and finished on September 30th, 1930.  Out of a total of 82,207 only 8,191 or around 10% were built in 1930.  It’s replacement was not a Whippet, but designated a Willys 6, Model 98B which appeared on the market in March 1930.  The 98B used the same stroke of 3 7/8 in, but bore was increased by 1/8 in to 3 ¼ in thus giving a new 195 cu in displacement.  Compression ratio was increased to 5.25 and gave a much improved 65 bhp.

However the Whippet 98A couldn’t be called underpowered as in a 24 hour endurance run on the Indianapolis Speedway, one averaged 56.52 mph - a record for cars of it’s class.
 
 

Whippet 98A Serial Numbers

1929 USA * 52001 - 121592
1929 Canada C-2003 - C-6874
1930 USA * 121593 - 129783

* Notes:     Vehicles with the following blocks of serial numbers were assembled in the W.O. Los Angeles plant;
                    62001 - 62300, 77001 - 77500, 91001 - 92668, 121001 - 121456, 129768 - 129783.
                    Serial Number blocks 92669 - 93000 and 118001 - 118116 were never used.
 
 

Whippet 98A in America

Advertised prices and introduction dates were as follows;
Coach (5 passenger) $695 Jan 1929
Coupe - Commercial (2 passenger) $695 Jan 1929
Coupe - Rumble Seat (4 passenger) $725 Jan 1929
Roadster (4 passenger Sport Deluxe) $850  Jan 1929
Sedan (5 passenger) $760 Jan 1929
Touring (5 passenger) $635 Feb 1929
Sedan - Deluxe 4 window  $??? After S.N. 78078
Sedan - Deluxe 6 window $850 June 28, 1929 after S.N. 108866
Landau Sedan N/A  Drawings exist, but it never reached prod’n

Whippet 98A in Australia

The Whippet 98A was announced in April 1929, with the Tourer having seats of genuine leather to the new wide-pleat design.
Advertised prices and colors were as follows;


Tourer £275 Peter Pan Blue, Sandoval Green
Roadster £283 Peter Pan Blue, Sandoval Green
4-door Sedan £360 Suburban Blue, Dune Brown
Wire Wheels  £12 12s

Holden Model 98A Body Production (Australia)

Tourer 
622
Roadster
80
Sedan 
275

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