Kracklin Rose

1933 Steel Willys Coupe — The Kracklin’ Rose

A One-of-a-Kind Nitro-Powered Masterpiece

Few cars combine serious drag racing heritage, cutting-edge craftsmanship, and show-car presentation quite like this exceptional 1933 Steel Willys Coupe.

Built over decades with the goal of creating the ultimate Willys—not simply a beautiful car, but one engineered and finished to an extraordinary standard—the Kracklin’ Rose reflects the influence and craftsmanship of legendary builders and racers including John Buttera and Doug “Cookie” Cook.

The car is finished in stunning Candy Red paint with hand-applied 24-karat gold leaf striping, giving the classic Willys body an unmistakable presence.

Powertrain

At the heart of the car is a Duel Plug Stage 5, 426 Hemi, built by legendary gasser and drag racing figure Doug “Cookie” Cook. The engine features:

Mooneyham 12-71 supercharger
Mechanical fuel injection
Tuned for a 30-percent nitromethane mixture
Approximately 3,000 horsepower

Power is transferred through a five-speed ZF transaxle sourced from a 1974 De Tomaso Pantera, along with a custom high-performance clutch system.

This is not simply a Willys with a powerful engine. The entire car was engineered and built as a complete, cohesive machine—combining serious performance with exceptional fabrication and show-quality presentation.

Award-Winning History

The Kracklin’ Rose has earned major recognition throughout the country, including:

2008 Cleveland Autorama — Gold Cup
2008 NHRA Hot Rod Reunion, Bowling Green, KY — Best of the Best
2008 MAC Tools U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis, IN — Bob Daniels Award of Excellence
2009 Cincinnati Autorama — Squire Cup
2009 ISCA — Class Champion, Altered Street Coupe
2010 Cincinnati Autorama — Best Home Built Car
2010 Arthritis Foundation Classic Auto Show & Cruise-In, Columbus, OH — Arthritis Foundation Award
2010 ISCA — Class Champion, Altered Street Coupe

The car has also received numerous additional awards and has been featured at major events and in enthusiast publications.

The Kracklin’ Rose represents a rare combination of 1933 steel Willys history, legendary drag racing influence, cutting-edge chassis and drivetrain engineering, and award-winning show-car craftsmanship.

An extraordinary automobile for the serious collector, enthusiast, or institution looking to acquire one of the most unique and memorable Willys builds ever created.