Vehicle Description
GIs returning from the war were in love with the Jeep, but found
that once they got home and raised a family, the rugged little 'GP'
was not really a suitable family car. Willys-Overland, recognizing
the demand and wanting to keep their burgeoning off-road reputation
growing, promptly introduced the Jeepster, a somewhat more
civilized version of the military favorite. This 1st year 1948
Willys Jeepster VJ2 delivers on its promise of simplicity and
ruggedness, all with a distinctive look that is beloved around the
world.
WWII was over and Americans finally had some spending money in
their pockets after several lean years, along with a strong desire
for brand new, inexpensive passenger vehicles. The "Jeep" (a named
likely derived from a combination of WW1 slang for greenhorn
recruits and prototype vehicles, the WWII Ford GP, or the character
'Eugene the Jeep' from 'Popeye' cartoons) was a hero on
battlefields the world over, and Willys-Overland looked to
capitalize on the vehicle's go-anywhere popularity. Knowing that
they needed to soften the car's look for civilian life, Brooks
Stevens was hired by the company and subsequently designed several
models, including the popular Jeepster. Willys-Overland applied for
exclusive trademark of the Jeep, but when it came time for
production, they didn't have the money or the tooling to create
complex shapes like curved fenders and swooping lines. As a result,
the simple look comprised of straight sides and simple fenders
became a patented design of early Jeeps that still survives to this
day. For his famed Jeepster, Stevens offset design limitations by
incorporating bold, two-tone paint jobs and a phaeton-like body
atop the new CJ chassis. Despite their more user-friendly nature,
these were still tough little trucks and were used as such, so
finding clean ones today can be a challenge. This one seems to have
been used exclusively as a passenger vehicle all its life, showing
signs of use and age in the driver quality finish, but no signs of
abuse or neglect. The Pacific Blue paint contrasts neatly with the
Potomac Gray accents around the windshield, encircling the cabin,
and on the bumpers and grille, and although imperfections can be
spotted upon closer examination the curb appeal is undeniable. Fit
and finish are about what you'd get from the Willys-Overland dealer
in 1948 - average - and that's nothing to be ashamed of on a
vehicle design that just came back from battle. A Vee'd split
windshield is a wonderful throwback to a simpler era, step plates
are on either side provide rear-seat access, and a rear-mounted
spare spruces up the look further by mimicking the popular
continental kits of the era.
You can see how Willys-Overland civilized the Jeep inside, where
comfortable black vinyl bench seats replace the canvas-wrapped
buckets in the military versions. The passenger's side flips
forward for access to the back seat, just in case you have ladies
unwilling to clamor over the gunwales, and once they're back there
they'll find it comfortable for two and cozy for three. The dash is
still basic, with the gauges and controls clustered in the center,
but the shifter has moved to the steering column as was fashionable
at the time, and which also frees up a spot for a third passenger
in the middle. A beautifully restored, deluxe steering wheel
anchors the cabin with its period-perfect design, and its off-white
finish matches the decorative strip that runs the length of the
dash, whereas the metal door panels at the flanks were finished in
Potomac Gray to match the dash and exterior accents. Plush black
carpets replace the basic rubber mat that the car was born with,
and the cigar lighter and locking glove box were all factory
features. Weather protection consists of a black folding top and
snap-on side windows, since roll-up windows were not on the
features list, and although it's not all in the greatest of shape
it can still save you from the wet stuff.
The same rugged, indestructible, WWII-proven 134.2 cubic inch "Go
Devil" Inline four that brave GIs used to liberate millions from
tyranny can be found under the hood of this Jeepster. It's not a
high-horsepower screamer, but on the other hand the L-Head block
will practically run underwater with a tank full of Polish vodka,
and parts are still easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Combined
with a 3-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive and a
durable rear end with a 4:88:1 axle-ratio, it feels lively around
town and downright nimble on dirt roads where it's right at home.
Learning from their battlefield experience, the engineers put a lot
of the delicate stuff up high, including the 1-barrel carburetor
and distributor, while the original barrel-style air filter housing
is still in place atop the bright red motor. The engine bay is
fairly clean and shows neat details like the curvy exhaust
manifolds and the original generator still making six volts through
the newer battery. A single exhaust system gives it a
characteristic Jeep growl that sounds suitably industrial for the
stout little trucklet, and the correct 7.10x15 BFGoodrich whitewall
bias-plys are wrapped around upscale-looking painted steel wheels
with shiny trim rings and Willys hubcaps.
Fun, open-air motoring with unbeatable reliability and a can-do
attitude, this Jeepster is a great alternative to all the usual
post-war cruisers. Call today!
