Vehicle Description
1950 Willys Jeepster VJ3 463 Convertible
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 1950 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.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a full restoration, all rust is gone, and new
steel replaces problem areas. A nicely aged pale yellow now covers
these panels, which are fairly straight, and have good gaps but
does present with its fair share of scuffs, dings, scrapes, chipoff
and battle scars. The fenders are machine bent and are also looking
good. The chrome is all rust free but appears slightly faded in its
shine. A nicely preserved chromed "T" bar front grille sets off the
standard jeep looking front of this truck. A chromed front split
window surround goes nicely with black frame that also runs along
the sills. The like new black canvas convertible top is complete
with a plastic rear window and even has its side curtains, so this
can be a year round cruiser. Chromed red center badged "W" dog dish
wheel covers with just a hint of yellow painted steel wheels
underneath showing, are wrapped with wide whites. At the back of
this vehicle is an additional hanging spare tire on a simplified
"continental" bumper. Interestingly, the silver rear bumper does
not sport the Willys Overlander script, which prior to the end of
the run they were stopped by a lawsuit form the federal government
by being sued over the use of Overlander. Ball styled tail lights
with a turret bezel are on either side of the spare.
Interior
The front seats are black vinyl with white piping. These are in
good shape and are in an 80/20 split bench configuration. This
setup allows the passengers bound for the rear bench easier access
as this Jeepster has no exterior step to climb in. The doors are
painted in body matching yellow and have utilitarian black painted
textured melamine wood riveted panels. The metal dash has yellow
paint and a black edging on the top. The face has a standard issue
W badged gauge cluster and it resides in the center of the dash
along with some pulls and toggles. To thedriver's left an
aftermarket stereo has been inserted. A large bakelite steering
wheel fronts the dash and has a W badge in its center. Black
carpeting floods the floppers and is fairly clean.
Drivetrain
Floating within a lightly patina engine bay is the factory 134ci
inline 4 cylinder mill. A 1-barrel carburetor sits proudly under
the oil bath air cleaner and a 3-speed manual transmission with
overdrive is on back. Way in the back is a Dana 23 4.88 geared
ratio axle.
Undercarriage
Some light to moderate surface rust peppers the undercarriage which
is still strong and structurally sound. The X frame is rust free
and we see transverse leaf springs for the front, and leaf springs
for the rear. Drum braking is on all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
As a previous consignor with one of these Willys said: "pump the
xxxx out of the accelerator, choke it and it will start". So, I
used this exact procedure and 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 with ease as factory original Go-Devil 4-cylinder
purred beautifully. It handled well to boot and was most definitely
a fun driver that will turn heads.
A wonderful piece of automotive history, all buttoned up on the
body work and fully restored at an earlier time. 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.
