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 neared-also has a spot in
history as the last true phaeton offered by a major manufacturer.
While having undergone a prior restoration, I'll agree with our
consignor and say this is an above average driver quality
classic.
Exterior
The beneficiary of an older restoration, all rust is gone, and all
problem areas have been attended to. Red now covers these panels,
which are fairly straight, and have good gaps only showing a few
notable scratches on the driver's door and rear fender. Chrome is
rust free but is showing signs of crazing and haziness. A nicely
preserved chromed "T" bar front grille embellishment sets off the
standard Jeep looking front of this car? A black window surround as
well as a black above the belt line painted bodywork goes nicely
with the white convertible which has a slightly hazed over rear
window. Chromed wire spoke wheel covers with just a hint of black
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 Overland script, which
prior to the end of the run they were stopped by a lawsuit from the
federal government by being sued over the use of Overland?
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 later model white vinyl bucket
style seats with minor soiling and a vinyl bench seat brings up the
rear. Doors are painted the same as the body and have a white
cardboard like panel screwed on to them. The metal dash, also in
red, 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 and remains tear free.
Drivetrain
Floating within a well sorted out engine bay is the Lightning 148ci
flathead inline 6-cylinder engine making 72hp. It is black, so
based on Willys folklore and some fact, this car was tuned for the
below 5000 ft level of altitude version. 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. Bringing up the rear is a Dana 23 4.88 geared
axle assembly.
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.
Drivability
Having been on the driving end of a few Jeepsters in the past I'm
familiar with the starting procedures. Choke out, pump gas, depress
the starter pedal. With all of this completed it 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 Lightning
engine proves it extremely reliable and durable. It handled well to
boot and was most definitely a fun drive that will turn heads. We
did notice that on a few occasions the transmission would pop out
of second gear.
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.
