Restored SWB Wild Willy tribute to Steve McQueen
Status: Restored
Date: 11-May-2020
Comments: 9
I was fascinated to learn that Steve McQueen used to own a Willys Jeep; being a fan I thought it nice to replicate a few highlights, namely the colour scheme (olive drab with off-white wheels), index plates and a plaque for the dashboard.
More information about the full-size can be found here: https://www.motor1.com/photos/632174/steve-mcqueens-willys-jeep/
I decided to restore a built but never used SWB M38 Wild Willy. All the plastics were polished, all the aluminium was polished and then anodised black with stainless steel fasteners used where possible.
[Updated 29-Aug-21]
I've finally found an appropriate driver!
After a little wait and a lot of anticipation I was delighted to unwrap a Willy, painted as Steve McQueen in the film Le Mans, from @Rob (https://www.tamiyaclub.com/member.asp?id=34614). The blue eyes are, as we have come to expect from Rob, perfect.
Not to make his racing suit better per se but rather to make him look at home he was weathered and sealed with flat clear. It now looks like he has been racing for 24 hours!
Very pleased with this combination - it feels a team effort - can't thank Rob enough!
21
Finally complete with a driver.
13
Picture from link above.
11
19
15
18
15
18
15
A darker shade for the interior to add depth ...
13
all the subtle details were highlighted ...
12
with a unique plaque made for the dashboard ...
12
each item was detailed before final assembly.
15
All parts cleaned and polished ...
14
with the aluminium anodised black.
15
Only destined for the shelf ...
21
no cables required for the electrics.
17
Reproduction tyres used and lined up ...
13
as per boxart (bolts lined up to 'S' of 'TIRES').
12
20
SWB and LWB versions sat side by side.
If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
Restored LWB Wild Willy
Comments
JacquesA
Beautiful !!!! Nice job.
You, lucky man
And the car stand is awesome
simensays
Nice one!
mongoose1983
Absolutely brilliant! Oh, and that's a nice stand, too! Great ORIG stuff.
Danzo
Excellent job!
What color did you use on the driver's seat? Is that Tamiya TS-46 (light sand)?
nicherotors
Thanks for the encouragement; @Danzo, the seat is AS-15 Tan. the same as the spare wheel cover, but with a bit of weathering.
Steffen
That’s really nice, but I do miss a King of Cool style Willy behind the wheel
nicherotors
... indeed, the other two in my showroom with drivers certainly have a bit more ‘fun’ about them.
DesPrinzla
Very nice Job, well done. Choose of Color is brilliant.
IBIFTKH
Brilliant concept, and beautifully executed. The attention to detail is phenomenal. Love it.
Want to leave a comment?