Willys Capeta: The Brazilian Sports Car That Never Went to the Tracks

If you are passionate about classic cars and the history of the Brazilian automobile industry, Willys Capeta is one of those models that deserves your attention. Despite its unusual name, this 1960s prototype features a bold design, interesting performances for the time and a rich history that spans decades. Let's explore in detail why the Capeta is so iconic, from its creation to its restoration, ensuring its place in the memory of national motorsports.

A context of automotive effervescence

In the 1960s and 1970s, Brazil was experiencing a period of great effervescence in the automotive sector. Companies were seeking to consolidate themselves, and there was no shortage of innovative projects. car shows These were highly anticipated events, attracting crowds curious about new developments and prototypes that demonstrated the potential of the national industry.

It was in this scenario that, in III Auto Show of 1964, in Sao Paulo, the Willys Capeta made its debut. The project was conceived by Rigoberto Soler, an engineer born in Spain and naturalized Brazilian. Soler, who was also a professor at FEI (Faculty of Industrial Engineering), had already stood out with other projects such as FEI-X3 and Brasinca 4200 GT. However, like many other prototypes of the time, the Capeta did not go beyond the prototype stage, with only one example manufactured.

The idea behind Capeta

The Capeta appeared at a time of enthusiasm for the Willys Overland of Brazil. The brand was already successful with the Interlagos, inspired by the French Alpine A108, both on the track and among enthusiasts. The goal with the Capeta was to create a competition car that would showcase Willys' ability to innovate.

The engine chosen for the Capeta was the same as the Aero Willys, a block called Hurricane. This water-cooled, inline six-cylinder engine had 2,638 cm³ and was made of cast iron. In the Aero Willys, it delivered a modest 90 horsepower and went from 0 to 100 km/h in 25 seconds, reaching a top speed of 125 km/h. However, in the Capeta, the engine was reworked, reaching 148 horses (SAE gross horsepower), with a four-speed gearbox. Thanks to fine-tuning by Willys engineers, the prototype accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds and reached a maximum speed of 180 km/h — impressive performance for the time.

Design and construction

One of the Capeta's great attractions was its design, clearly inspired by the Italian sports cars of the time. The body was made in fiberglass reinforced plastic, which helped to reduce the vehicle's overall weight. The model was a 2+2 coupe, with flowing lines and an excellent glazed area for a sports car.

Details like the air inlets on the hood and sides added a touch of aggression to the look. The Capeta also sported spoked wheels and several components taken from other Willys models, which gave the car a certain artisanal charm.

Inside, the Capeta impressed with its sophisticated finish. The seats were covered in leather, while the doors and dashboard featured rosewood appliques. The instrumentation was complete for the time, including speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter, temperature gauge, fuel level and an analogue clock. The three-spoke wooden steering wheel completed the refined look.

The fate of the prototype

After its presentation at the Auto Show, the Capeta was displayed at an exhibition in Brasília. However, its high production cost made the project unfeasible, which was shelved by Willys. The prototype ended up being stored in a company warehouse until it was donated to Paulista Museum of Mechanical Antiquities, in Caçapava, in the interior of São Paulo.

Unfortunately, after the death of Robert Lee, founder of the museum, the place remained closed for years, and the vehicles in the collection were left without maintenance. This included the Capeta, which suffered from the effects of time.

Restoration and rebirth

The rebirth of Capeta was only possible thanks to the dedication of people like the journalist and lawyer Roberto Nasser and the Ford, which at the time owned Willys. The car was restored with great care, ensuring that its original features were preserved.

Today, Capeta is part of the collection of National Automobile Museum, in Brasilia. The car was displayed at important events, such as the Brasil Classic Show, held in Araxá, Minas Gerais, where it attracted many classic car enthusiasts.

Historical value and legacy

More than just a prototype, the Willys Capeta represents a moment of great creativity and experimentation in the Brazilian automotive industry. It is a reminder that, even with limited resources, it is possible to create something innovative and remarkable. Furthermore, its history shows the importance of preserving automotive history for future generations.

If you have the opportunity to visit the National Automobile Museum, be sure to check out the Capeta up close. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of Brazilian history, kept with the care it deserves. A true treasure for lovers of classic cars and national ingenuity.