Vehicle Description
A 1948 Willys Jeepster is already quite distinctive in its own
right. But when those vintage looks are punctuated with an
out-of-this-world custom Cosmic exterior scheme, a comfortable
interior, and a small-block V8 upgrade under the long hood, the
distinction goes off the charts. About as unique as you'll ever
find in the already-quirky vintage Jeep world, this '48 Jeepster is
a one-of-a-kind ride that wants all the attention.
You're looking at a lot of firsts. After all, the Jeepster is the
original SUV/crossover. While all Jeepsters are a rare sight these
days, you get the distinction of a 1948 model - it's first year
ever. So, the history has appeal even before you check out the
details. But the details are great too: the unique exterior color
scheme - a custom vinyl wrap called 'Cosmic' - the roadster
profile, the roll cage, and wide-fendered stance, all work together
to create one of the most unique rides we've ever seen. And this
wasn't just some throw together afterthought either, in fact, the
Jeepster was once just a standard little red Willys with plenty of
curb appeal. But that wasn't quite enough for the eclectic taste of
the current owner, so he took the paint and body down to sheetmetal
to get rid of any trouble areas accrued through the years, and then
was wrapped in the vinyl aesthetic you see today. That
transformation included the covering of the iconic waterfall
grille, a big chrome front bumper, dual step plates at each side,
and those proper Jeep fender flares that all give this classic car
distinction. The presentation isn't a show-piece by any
conventional means, in that you might find an imperfection or two,
but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and whether you plan to
genuinely show this Jeepster or not, it's going to draw a crowd
everywhere it goes and just show itself off by simply being. The
steel body underneath is very solid, the split-windshield up front
is in great shape as well, and with fresh headlights and custom LED
taillights out back, its ready for the road. And it's a true
roadster all the way, with no top included, so plan your trips
accordingly because this is a fair-weather cruiser!
Inside you get more vintage style with twin high-back bucket seats
covered in modern red-and-black seat covers, a matching rear bench,
and large middle console. The door panels were wrapped in black
vinyl and match the seats, black spray-in bedliner covers the
floors, and they too are further protected with Jeep logo floor
mats that finish things off nicely inside. The dash is full of
upgrades as well, including a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel that
anchors the cabin, an array of aftermarket gauges and digital
speedometer that keep an eye on the motor under the hood, and some
bright chrome accents that liven things up inside. There aren't
many amenities, in keeping with the original Willys spirit, but you
do get a set of seatbelts fore and aft, a good-working heater, and
a modern AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit in the center of the dash that
powers updated speakers in the cabin - like any good beach cruiser
should have. The shifter in the floor manages the automatic
transmission below, while out back there's even a decent bit of
storage space protected under the lid of a tonneau cover. It's not
a Bentley, but it's plenty comfortable and offers a great place to
be on a sunny day.
There's no replacement for displacement, so you'll love to lift the
hood and see a Chevy small-block V8. This 283 cubic-inch unit is
more than double the size of the original motor offered in the
Jeepster, and this one has been topped with an Edelbrock 600CFM
4-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake, and an updated ignition
system and alternator for added performance and dependability.
Finned valve covers and a matching 'blower-style' open-element air
cleaner top the block, which has been painted Chevy Orange to help
it pop out of the otherwise black engine bay. The motor exhales
with a sweet tune as stock headers feed a dual exhaust system,
providing plenty of rumble if you ever want to scare some
beachgoers. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission snaps smoothly
through all the gears and means you can just sit back and enjoy the
V8 and its soundtrack. Finishing the look is a set of staggered
Prime 5-spoke rims wrapped in 185/55/15 front and 295/50/15 rear
blackwall performance radials.
Distinction, upgrades, and affordability - this little Jeepster has
it all. So, it's time to stand out for all the right reasons. Call
now!
