Highlights

Believed to be the only example preserved in Europe and one of only 8–10 remaining worldwide
Featured in EPOCAUTO magazine in 2009, with original copy included
Extensive mechanical recommissioning, including gearbox, braking system, suspension and fuel tank
Interior completely retrimmed with all wooden panels rebuilt and headlining redone
Accompanied by the original Michigan Certificate of Title, Italian customs declaration and ASI certificate

The Appeal

Regarded as one of the highest quality and best-engineered of all pre-war American motor cars, the Willys-Knight 66D features one of the final and most refined expressions of the celebrated sleeve-valve engine: a powerplant renowned for its silence, smoothness and near-total absence of mechanical valve noise. By 1931, the Knight engine had been developed to a high degree of sophistication, and the 66D sedan, with its 4,179cc six-cylinder unit producing 87hp, offered a level of refinement that few contemporaries could match. Production ceased in 1933, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce.

This 66D sedan is believed by the vendor to be the only example preserved in Europe and one of just 8–10 remaining worldwide. Its documented history traces back to Berniece and Larry Kompus of West Bloomfield, Michigan, Larry a Medical Officer in the American Air Force, with the original Michigan Certificate of Title still accompanying the car. Imported into Italy in 1992 via a container ship, it was stored carefully in a Sicilian warehouse for over three decades, with the engine preserved with oil in the cylinders and the radiator emptied, before being acquired by the current owner in August 2024.

Since acquisition, the car has undergone extensive mechanical recommissioning by a well-known restorer near Palermo. The vendor reports that the bodywork remains very solid, while the paintwork is preserved overall with some minor imperfections near the windows, drip rails and front wings.

This is a Deluxe-specification car with rare features, including a metal-covered rear wheel and chrome bonnet louvres, adjustable in three positions. The car holds a current ASI Certificato di Rilevanza Storica e Collezionistica confirming its historic and collector status, and is registered with the Willys-Overland-Knight Registry. For anyone drawn to the engineering ingenuity of the sleeve-valve era, this is a rare opportunity with strong provenance and thorough recent mechanical attention.

Key Information

Mileage: 67,637 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
Country of registration: Italy (imported from the USA in 1992)
Technical inspection status: Revisione valid until February 2029
Technical specs: 4.2-litre (4,179cc) six-cylinder sleeve-valve petrol, three-speed manual, 87hp
Paperwork: Original Michigan Certificate of Title, Italian customs import declaration, ASI certificate (No. 559808), Italian bill of sale, records of work carried out, digital owner's manual and diagrams, and original copy of EPOCAUTO magazine feature
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The Detail

Gearbox overhauled with bearings remade and entire front end adjusted
Leaf springs restored, greased and adjusted; oil dampers and suspensions rebuilt
Braking system overhauled with new brake linings and all parts greased
All six spark plugs replaced along with spark plug and coil cables
Skinner Oil Rectifier system overhauled
Original 6-volt dynamo rebuilt; a 6-volt fuel pump added
Fuel tank redone in 2024 and treated with Tankerite
Chassis, driveshaft and rear end repainted
Five new tyres fitted (four plus spare) with inner tubes
Electrical system reported fully functional with all dashboard indicators working
Direction indicators added and homologated by the Italian motor vehicle authority
Trippe Speed Lights and Lucas horns sourced from America and fitted
Upholstery completely redone, including all wooden panels rebuilt, and roof redone
The vendor rates the interior condition as like new
Paintwork preserved overall with some imperfections near windows and drip rails, and some scratches on the front wings
The vendor states the chrome, glass and door seals are in very good condition
The vendor reports the car runs well with strong throttle response, and the cooling system never overheats
Currently 6-volt; an alternator, brackets and voltage regulator for a 12-volt conversion are included but not fitted
The vehicle is reported to be registered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano
Registered with the Willys-Overland-Knight Registry
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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