Vehicle Description
1948 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 1948 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 by
the previous to the current consignor, airline pilot/owner.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration, all rust is gone, and
new steel replaces problem areas. A beautiful yellow now covers
these panels, which are fairly straight, and have good gaps. 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 charcoal colored
convertible top complete with snap on side panels. The upper part
of this vehicle is also painted black to add a nice contrast to the
yellow and frame the top. Chromed red center badged "W" dog dish
wheel covers with just a hint of black painted steel wheels
underneath showing, are wrapped with wide whites. At the back of
this vehicle is an additional hanging spare tire. Interestingly the
rear bumper sports 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? 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. Saddle leather-like vinyl
covers all the seating surfaces and is in pristine condition. It
has wider tuck and roll panels and cream piping to show it off a
bit better. Doors are painted in body matching yellow, and have a
saddle padded vinyl panel screwed on to them. The metal dash, also
in yellow, has a chromed rectangular dash insert with the gauge
cluster. A nice plastic white steering wheel complete with circular
horn ring, fronts the dash. Beautiful black carpeting is shown
throughout. In back is a wide bench, this chair sans piping but has
the tuck and roll.
Drivetrain
Floating within a well sorted out and restored engine bay is the Go
Devil 134ci flathead inline 4-cylinder engine. It has a green
painted block and head so based on Willys folklore and some fact,
this car was tuned for the below 5000 ft level of altitude version,
was originally black and when restored it was changed to green as
per the restorer's whim. Stamping on the top denotes it has a .030
overbore. A 1-barrel carburetor sits proudly to the side and a
3-speed manual transmission with overdrive that can be used in 2nd
and 3rd gears. Plenty of room for wrenching if need be. On the back
is a Dana 23 4.88 gear ratio axle.
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, and drum brakes for all 4 corners.
Drive-Ability
As a previous consigner 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! Rolled right over,
idled very smoothly, and off we went. Drives 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. 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 600 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.