1949 Willys Jeepster

Tracking the design history of today's sport utility vehicle is something few will consider thinking about for the next several decades.  For many, there's nothing “sporty” about them; they're just gas-sucking behemoths that get the kids from school to soccer practice and back to the house in time for the latest microwave dinner.  Jeep, though guilty of manufacturing such uninspiring machines today, once had a very different vision of the sport utility.  As evidence we present the Jeepster, first introduced to the public on April 3, 1948, as a sporty vehicle that a growing family could have fun with. 

For consignment, a 1949 Jeepster that is a two-wheel-drive convertible designed by Brooks Stevens.  Stevens and Willys hoped that returning World War II GIs would scoop up these fun-loving drop-tops as soon as they rolled off the assembly line.  They are perhaps one of the most overlooked, but interesting vehicles in the storied off-road maker's past: a sporty automobile rather than an off-road vehicle, never offered with four-wheel drive or in any commercial guises during the four-year stint.  This open bodied car, an ever-increasing rarity as the Fifties reared its head–also has a spot in history as the last true phaeton offered by a major manufacturer.  This completely restored rust free version is a must see for any Jeep aficionado, and has been completely restored and spent 15 years in a museum.  Purchased by our consignor in 1999, museum time was over and a full mechanical restoration including a full engine rebuilt, a transmission rebuild, and no stone was left unturned on any front.  The electrics have been changed to a 12 volt system and this drop top skate has many 1st place show wins under its belt.

Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration, all rust is gone, and new steel replaces problem areas.  A beautiful red now covers these panels, which are nice and straight, and have good gaps.  The chrome is all polished and shiny with no signs of deterioration.  A nicely preserved chromed “T” bar front grille embellishment/badge sets off the standard Jeep looking front of this truck?  A chromed front split window surround goes nicely with the new tan colored convertible top complete with snap on side curtains.  This tan adds a nice contrast to the red and frames the passenger compartment perfectly.  Chromed red center badged “W” dog dish wheel covers with just a hint of cream painted steel wheels underneath showing, are wrapped with wide whites.  At the back of this vehicle is an additional hanging spare tire covered with a tan canvas sleeve.  Interestingly the rechromed rear bumper sports Willys script, which in the prior year included the Overland script as well possibly due to a lawsuit from the federal government.  Nicely chromed step-up plates aid the passengers designed for the rear of this vehicle, and are embedded right into the body.

Interior
A bit of a climb up the chromed steps in front of the rear fender, then on the top of the fender, but it will be worth it, as this is a really fun driver.  Front seats are split and have a 70/30 configuration as to seat back width.  Light saddle tan leather-like vinyl covers all the seating surfaces and is in pristine condition.  It has wider tuck and roll panels and tan piping to show it off a bit better.  The doors are painted in body matching red, and have a light saddle padded vinyl panel screwed on to them.  The metal dash, also in red, has a chromed and machine turned rectangular dash insert with the gauge cluster.  This cluster sports an 80mph speedometer and a factory AM radio is down low to the driver's left.  A nice plastic white steering wheel, complete with circular horn ring, fronts the dash.  Beautiful red carpeting is shown throughout and we note a factory heater installed for those chilly morning drives.  In back is a wide bench with overstuffed arm rests and is just as pristine as the rest of the interior. 

Drivetrain
Floating within a well sorted out and restored engine bay is the fully rebuilt Go Devil 134ci flathead inline 4-cylinder engine.  It has a blue painted block and has been treated to a new crankshaft, cam, rebore, valves, oil pump and gasket set.  A 1-barrel carburetor sits proudly to the side and a fully rebuilt and resealed 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive that can be used in 2nd and 3rd gears is bolted to the back.  Plenty of room for wrenching if need be.  Way out in the back is a Dana 23 4.88 geared ratio axle.  Our consignor notes that a new radiator, water pump, and fuel pump were also installed as well as having the fuel tank cleaned and a new sender was installed.

Undercarriage
Very clean, virtually rust free, and any repairs were made under here, it is hard to spot them.  A sturdy X frame helps with the overall structural stability with the lack of a solid top.  Transverse leaf springs up front for the suspension, and leaf springs on the rear with new shackles, and new drum brakes for all 4 corners with new shoes provide the stopping power.

Drive-Ability
As a previous consignor with one of these Willys said: “pump the sh*! of the accelerator, choke it and it will start”.  So, I used this exact procedure and it worked like a charm!  The engine rolled right over, idled very smoothly, and off we went.  It drove great, and the top down was an extra bonus.  It will not take your toupee off, but it will get you there, and supposedly the history of the Go Devil engine proves it extremely reliable and durable.  A few frowns crept up during our drive with the horn not tooting, the turn signals not signaling and the AM radio not turning on.  Flaws aside, it handled well to boot and was most definitely a fun drive that will turn heads.

A wonderful piece of automotive history, all buttoned up on the body work, undercarriage, and engine.  Not to mention the spacious and comfortable interior, this snazzy little post war pre SUV Jeepster is simply a blast…from the past.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.  This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.