Willys Interlagos Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Willys Interlagos

The Willys Interlagos draws its lineage from the Alpine A108, which was a project for Jean Rédélé in Dieppe, France, leveraging Renault Dauphine running gear. In Brazil, the manufacturing licence was taken up by Willys-Overland, introducing the Interlagos to South America’s motorsport and road scenes. The name itself reflects the connection to Brazil’s most famous racing circuit, Autódromo de Interlagos, underlining the car’s motorsport ambitions. Production at Willys enhanced the model’s reputation as a nimble coupé, often seen competing in local racing series and bringing lightweight, glass-fibre construction to a new audience.

Model History

The Interlagos replaced the Alpine A106 in the evolutionary timeline, inheriting and advancing the rear-engine, glass-fibre coupé format. The car's predecessors set the standard for innovative, lightweight design, while the Interlagos adapted these ideas to local Brazilian requirements and racing regulations. There’s no direct successor from Willys in this class, as the Interlagos essentially concluded the brand’s efforts in this segment, but it paved the way for further Alpine models abroad.

Highlights of the Willys Interlagos

Unique for its combination of light glass-fibre construction and rear-engine layout sourced from Renault, the Interlagos features a motorsport-oriented character and agility, which was rare in the Brazilian market at the time. Its immediate competition success and adaptation for local production make it a culturally significant sports coupé.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

There are no well-documented factory special editions of the Willys Interlagos; however, vehicles prepared for competition or track events often received unique features or tuning by local specialists, making some examples particularly notable for collectors interested in period motorsport history.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No specific issues are highlighted in the existing resources. As with any glass-fibre-bodied vehicle from this era, attention should be paid to the condition of the body, chassis integrity, and proper maintenance of the Renault-sourced mechanicals. Rust in metal substructures and wear on unique body panels are other areas for careful inspection.

Engine, Performance, Transmission and Handling

The Interlagos benefits from the 4-cylinder engine and manual gearbox derived from the Renault Dauphine, notable for a spirited, responsive character when paired with the car’s low weight. Rear-engine placement offers distinctive handling traits, rewarding drivers who appreciate lightweight, agile sports cars from the early 1960s. The coupé version remains the most recognised, particularly due to its use in motorsport events across Brazil. These models often carry unique provenance and mechanical upgrades that further enhance their performance credentials.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Designed under inspiration from Alpine, the Interlagos showcases a glass-fibre body featuring sleek, aerodynamic lines and compact proportions. Interiors are typically minimalist, focused more on the driving experience than luxury. Depending on original owner preferences or subsequent restoration, interior materials and finishes may vary. Accessories on racing variants include competition seats and steering wheels, while civilian versions prioritise basic practicality and lightness. Unique paint colours and other period features can sometimes be found among surviving examples.

Other Relevant Features

Some Interlagos models might sport custom period accessories or components, particularly those with a motorsport history. Documentation of competition entries and race upgrades adds to a car’s uniqueness in the collector market.

Summary

The Willys Interlagos offers a unique blend of French engineering and Brazilian sports car spirit. With its roots in Alpine’s innovative design and Willys’ local adaptation, the Interlagos stands out for its light weight, racing provenance and exclusivity among classic cars. Every Interlagos listed represents a piece of automotive history where innovation meets the demands of both road and track.