SP Rides: A ‘Willys Man for Life’

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BY MICHAEL KITCHENS

Name: Clayton “Creed” Fernandez
Age: 66
Occupation: Truck driver and musician
Hobbies: Drawing, playing music, building models
Year/Make/Model: 1941 Willys Coupe
Color: PPG Performance Red by Alan Yee with flame job by Undertaker Designs, graphics by Colin’s Lettering & Striping.
Engine: 1986 Chevy 355, bored 030 over, Chevy 202 iron heads, forged aluminum pistons, Crower 488/509 camshaft with 304/316 duration, Power-Plus Hurricane intake manifold, Speedway Fat Fender headers, Flowmaster Mufflers Edelbrock 600 cfm Performer carburetor, Vertex Electronic Magneto, K&N Filter, Taylor Red 8mm spark plug wires, Zirgo Electric Fan, CPP Aluminum master cylinder, aluminum valve covers, four Moroso breathers.
Transmission: Chevy Turbo 400, B&M Pro Ratchet Shifter, B&M 2800 Hole Shot torque converter.
Exterior: Americar chrome bumpers, plated overriders, ’37 deck lid handles, Willys license plate, steel hood and fenders.
Interior: IDIDIT tilt steering column, Grant Banjo Mahogany steering wheel, custom wood console, VDO gauges, Autometer Tachometer, vinyl and tan carpet by Al’s Upholstery.
Wheels: 15 4 1/2 Gasser Spokes Front, 15 x 8 1/2 Ansen Wheels Rear, 165 SR 15 and 60 R15 27 radials, disk brakes front and rear

Clayton “Creed” Fernandez has quite a bit of history with this 1941 Willys Coupe — thanks to the powerful impression the Renegade II made on him so many years ago.

Back in the ’60s, Creed would often spectate at the newly built Hawaii Raceway Park with his four brothers, all of whom were avid automotive enthusiasts. On one auspicious day at the track, Creed caught a glimpse of a Renegade II slowly pulling up to the line — and his heart began to race. Captivated by its beauty, he instantly became a fan of the ride, and would spend countless hours collecting memorabilia of it.

The fully race-modified car was an absolute beast on the track, boasting an impressive win streak for its time. Creed continued admiring the Renegade II and its owner, Earl “Safari” Char, as they tore up the strip until one fateful day in 1967, when the car inexplicably disappeared. He spent the next decade wondering what happened to the vehicle and would often hear the following replies about its whereabouts:

“They took it to the Mainland.”

“It’s in Waianae.”

“It’s in the bushes.”

“It’s all cut up.”

As fate would have it, the Willys went through several owners, but it eventually wound up in the hands of Mel Lloyd. In a chance sighting of the car at Koko Marina, Creed approached Lloyd and asked to purchase the vehicle. The owner, however, wouldn’t budge.

Thirteen years later following an accident, Creed came into a small financial settlement, which afforded him the means to purchase a Willys of his own. Determined to own the car of his dreams no matter the cost, he drove straight to Lloyd’s house. Unfortunately, he discovered that Lloyd had already passed away. After paying his condolences to Lloyd’s wife, Creed worked up the courage to inquire about the Willys. Before she agreed to sell him the car, Creed made her a promise that he would restore the vehicle and cherish it forever.

It’s a promise he has kept ever since.

He’s now owned the vehicle for the past 22 years. In that time, he has lovingly cared for and restored the vehicle to its original condition. And in honor of the car’s original owner, Creed restored the “Safari Racing Team – Renegade II” graphic work on the sides — something Char appreciates tremendously.

The car truly is an epic enthusiast story that symbolizes one man’s love of the automobile. “I’m a Willys man for life,” Creed says.

 

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