Rare 1925 Wills-Sainte Claire touring car from Nethercutt Collection offered as a project with historical ties to Ford legacy.
A rare 1925 Wills-Sainte Claire W-6 “Gray Goose Traveler” seven-passenger touring car, one of the most distinctive pre-war American automobiles, is being offered as a restoration project by the renowned Nethercutt Collection. The sale, taking place via Hagerty Marketplace, marks a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire a vehicle with deep historical significance and a direct connection to early Ford Motor Company history.
Founded by Childe Harold Wills, Henry Ford’s first chief engineer and metallurgist, the Wills-Sainte Claire brand represented a bold vision for advanced automotive engineering during the early 20th century. Wills famously used his $1.5 million severance from Ford to create the company in Marysville, Michigan, naming it after the nearby Sainte Claire River. The “Gray Goose Traveler” nickname refers to the company’s signature mascot and branding.
The 1925 model features a 66-horsepower inline-six engine with a 127-inch wheelbase, disc wheels, and enough room to seat seven. The car was known for its use of molybdenum steel and meticulous craftsmanship, elements that remain prized today. However, Wills’ relentless pursuit of perfection—often halting production to implement design tweaks—ultimately contributed to the company’s closure in 1927 after producing just 12,000 vehicles.
This particular example, long stored within the Nethercutt Collection, is presented as a complete project with a vast array of included parts. Cameron Richards, vice president of the museum, noted that the vehicle served as a donor car in its earlier years. Despite its current condition, it is eligible for Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) events and CARavans as a recognized Full Classic.
Collectors looking for a pre-war restoration project with authentic historical provenance and a connection to Ford’s earliest innovations will find the Wills-Sainte Claire a rare and rewarding endeavor. See it here.
