Vehicle Description
1950 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 1950 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 restored example is now rust free and sits upon
a late model Buick chassis and is a must see for any Jeep
aficionado.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a full restoration, all rust is gone, and new
steel replaces problem areas. A beautiful beige now covers these
panels, which are fairly straight, and have good gaps. Taking over
for the fenders is a deep dark hue of denim blue which accentuates
the beige nicely. Chrome is all polished and shiny with no signs of
deterioration and the bumpers are finished in silver. A nicely
preserved chromed "T" bar front grille sets off the standard jeep
looking front of this truck? A chromed front split window surround
goes nicely with dark beige frame and the new tan colored
convertible top is complete with a plastic rear window. The upper
part of this vehicle is also painted dark beige to add a nice
contrast to the beige and blue and frames the top. Chromed blue and
red center badged "W" dog dish wheel covers with just a hint of
black painted steel wheels underneath showing, are wrapped with
thin whites. At the back of this vehicle is an additional hanging
spare tire. Interestingly, the silver rear bumper does not sport
the 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? Nice black 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 black 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. The front seats are now dark blue cloth high
back buckets with body hugging smooth bolsters and tuck and roll
inserts and in back is the original bench seat covered in blue
vinyl. Doors are painted in body matching beige, and have a blue
padded vinyl panel screwed on to them. The metal dash has been
wrapped in padded blue vinyl for not only the top but also the face
and has a late model black rectangular dash insert with the gauge
cluster. A late model tan steering column with a blue padded wheel
and tan wrapped rim fronts the dash. Beautiful sandy tan carpeting
is shown throughout and looks just fab.
Drivetrain
Floating within a lightly patinaed engine bay is the 3.8 liter V6
courtesy of the fine folks at Buick. It is finished in traditional
blue with chrome accenting for the air cleaner. A bevy of hoses and
wires grace this engine bay and we note that a 12-volt conversion
was performed as well as the addition of electric windshield
wipers. A 2-barrel carburetor sits proudly under the chrome air
cleaner and a 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 350 automatic transmission
is on the back. Way in 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 late model Buick frame from
either a G-body or A-body helps with the overall structural
stability with the lack of a solid top. Independent coil springs up
front for the suspension and leaf springs on the rear, meanwhile
power disc and drum brakes are installed respectively. A stock
style single exhaust handles the exhale from the Buick mill and
looks nearly new.
Drive-Ability
As a previous consigner with one of these Willys said: "pump the
xxxx! out of the accelerator, choke it and it will start". So, I
used this exact procedure, but it was unnecessary thanks to the
electronic ignition and automatic choke. The engine 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 with ease as the Buick mill makes much more
power than the original Go-Devil 4-cylinder. 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 and fully updated on the undercarriage and driveline. 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 650 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.
