Ca. 1897 John North Willys 'Willys Special'

[Jesse McCauley]

Ca. 1897 John North Willys “Willys Special” from Canandaigua, NY.

John N. Willys (pronounced “Willis”) started a small bicycle shop in his hometown but went on to revolutionize the automotive industry and left a legacy which has evolved to what most people know now simply as Jeep.

I have kept this bicycle to myself too long out of a sense of vulnerability for a man I admire a great deal and mourn as an underdog whose name does not command the respect in American-History books as it should. I am excited introduce you to one of my very favorite people and one of my favorite discoveries.

 

[stezell]

Very cool find Jesse! Willys had a huge impact on military transportation.

 

[Jesse McCauley]

In case anyone is curious about any of the particulars of this bike -

 

[cr250mark]

Sweeeeeeeet . !!!’

Rats , saddle , wheels , bars , badge and original paint tall Frame
Just a Holy Smokes to ya !!
Forgot the chain lol

mark

 

[IngoMike]

"Spectacular"!!, as quoted by Mirtha Jung in Blow!

 

[The Admiral]

Such a cool piece of history! I did my undergrad about a half hour from Canandaigua

 

[Jesse McCauley]

@cr250mark @IngoMike @The Admiral
Thanks guys! This is really one of my favorite machines which is why I guess I have been a little bashful about showing it.

I wish we could somehow let Mr. Willys know that there are people like us 125 years later that still appreciate some of his earliest entrepreneurial efforts.
I wonder if he had any love for the bicycle by the end of his career?

Worth noting John N. Willys was only inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2008, better late than never I suppose.
John N. Willys - Automotive Hall of Fame

 

[Jesse McCauley]

I want to bump this bike up to ask folks to check their catalog stashes for any catalogs or catalog information for the Willys bicycle line. I do have a wanted post as well but need all the help I can get.
Many thanks!