This replicar was created and completed in 2004, taking 2 years to build. There was no time spared for Febuary 6, 2004 was the scheduled date for Bert Straus's induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame.
The Gala event took place at the Royal York Hotel downtown Toronto were Bert and his old car were reuinited and inducted for his drag racing acomplishments.
During the duos days,1967-1971, the car had three different paint schemes. All had the penguin and the name Chilly Willy and all paint work was done by the artist Kenny Kay. Ken Kay was asked to paint the new steel bodied Willys, and agreed to do it one more time. Hurray. What an experience to see. After the war paint was laid, clear was to seal it for life.
Not only did we have Bert and Ken involved, but one member of the crew from way back when, Bob Juriedine.Who better than to have, someone who new the car already!
The engine was given to a very close friend of mine, a master engine builder and long time racer legend himself John Rossitter of John Rossitter Motorsports. John has decided to become the crewchief of
chilly Willys.
John actually raced Bert back in 1971 with his 68 E/MP camaro many times and the two were in the top three along with with Frank Elliot of Drag Supply, battling it out for the most points at the end of the year.
The Engine was put to test on the dyno at Beatty and Woods, a very famous name in the days of nostalgia era as well.  
The complete steel repair, body prep and assembly took place at Tim Z hotrods in Mississauga. This guy knows how to build a car. Take the Chilly Willy for an example.                                    
The engine,trans,and differential,16 point rollcage, steering, clutch and brake pedals, fabricated and fitted  at Altered Images in Baxter Ont.by owner Tom Britton and righthand man Ron Warren.This car came out fabulous. These are the best of the best...