This is a very high quality older restoration of the incredibly
rare 1949 Jeepster with the 6-cylinder and overdrive. The engine is
incredibly quiet and smooth indicating that it is a recent rebuild.
This is a consignment from a prominent 65 car collection. The owner
spent years looking for this model! He's enjoyed it on hill-climbs
and other events. This example was formerly under the ownership of
a member of the RM Sotheby's staff and was purportedly restored by
RM, considered one of the best restoration facilities in the world.
Our consignment client and friend has a 65 car collection and added
the Jeepster on February 2009. Car Highlights -a rare 1949, 6
cylinder Jeepster with the optional overdrive -only 653 Jeepsters
of this kind ever manufactured -original older restoration
-terrific rebuild of the rare 6-cylinder Technical Specifications -
L48 Lightening 6 cylinder - 72 HP at 4000 RPM - Carter WA1-645S
single barrel carburetor - Borg-Warner synchromesh three-speed
manual with the optional overdrive - Hydraulic four-wheel drum
brakes with 9.9-inch drums - Front engine rear wheel drive -
Suspension: (Front): Independent upper A-arms, Single transverse
leaf spring (Rear): Semi elliptic leaf springs, Torsional
stabilizer bar The Willys-Overland (W-O) Jeepster has an exclusive
following among collectors, some 70 years after its original
production. It was produced from 1948 to 1950, with leftover models
being retitled year to year until 1951. They were marketed as one
of the earliest crossover vehicles. Of the 19,132 total Jeepsters
produced, 2,960 units were badged as 1949's, and out of those, only
653 had the 6 cylinder engine option. This engine, a 4 main bearing
iron block with solid lifters, is an extremely rare L48 Lightening
6 cylinder with a Carter WA1-645S single barrel carburetor. The
transmission is a Borg-Warner synchromesh three-speed manual with
the rare optional overdrive; this offers a 70 percent gear
reduction. The L head L148 Lightening was later replaced in 1950 by
the better known F134 Hurricane, making the L148 in this vehicle,
the rarest engine offered for any Jeepster. The Jeepster features
body-on-frame construction. This particular Jeepster is finished in
a factory "Fiesta Yellow" with white wall tires and stunning chrome
work-including name badging on both sides of the hood. The rear
bumper is a simple one-piece chrome design with the inscription
"Willys Overland" centered between two chrome bolts. This is a
significant feature, since in 1950, the word 'Overland' was removed
from the rear bumper because of a legal battle with government. The
correct canvas top is in excellent condition as are the side
curtains. The standard interior of the Jeepster features metal
doors with a partial door panel and a split-bench seat. The rear
and front passenger seats both fold down providing ample cargo
room. The rear bench can accommodate three adult passengers fairly
comfortably. Of note, the windshield wipers are vacuum-operated and
the switch is found in the centre of the dash just below the
windshield split; in the same place as a W-O logo. Advertising for
the Jeepster at the time touted that: "You'll drive the Jeepster
for the sheer joy of driving, of going somewhere, with laughter in
your heart and a song on your lips." After experiencing this
vehicle, how could one disagree? If you've been looking for the
6-cylinder Jeepster don't wait. You know how hard they are to find.
Call Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at
[email protected].