Vehicle Description
Fun, funky Jeepster in great colors. Optional 'Lighting' 6-cylinder
engine, 3-speed manual with overdrive. Newer top and side curtains.
Runs and drives well, engine is silky smooth. An unusual
convertible with a do anything attitude!Willys Overland was looking
to capitalize on the post-war success of their all-purpose CJ
models, so what better way than to civilize the Jeep a bit, make it
a little bigger, and create a street-oriented version? The Jeepster
is the result, a funky 4-seater convertible that has distinct Jeep
styling but with a little more space and a lot more civility.
Finished in a lovely soft cream yellow, this 1949 Willys Jeepster
is in just the right condition to go out and have fun without
worries. It was repainted some time ago, and looking around it's
clear that it was a color change from red, and perhaps green before
that, but we find this combination works really well on the
flab-sided bodywork. Panel fit is probably about as good as it gets
with a Jeepster and we don't see any critical signs of rust or
prior accident repairs, although this was not a high-dollar
restoration. The flat body panels are smooth and straight, so
someone did decent work during the repaint, and the splashes of
chrome throughout make the Jeepster look a bit more upscale than
its 4-wheel-drive siblings. We especially like the step plates that
make getting into the back seat an 'over the gunnels' experience,
as well as the stylized hood ornament that stretches the entire
length of the hood. The cast pieces have some light pitting, but
not so that they distract from the overall look. There are also
nice chrome bumpers, an accessory spotlight on the driver's side,
and a metal cover for the rear-mounted spare tire. The more we look
at this Jeepster, the more things there are to like.The red vinyl
interior is the perfect complement to the cream bodywork, flashy
and perfectly appropriate for a vehicle that is going to spend all
its time out in the sun. The interior is probably not original, but
it was done some time ago and shows only minor wear, mostly on the
driver's seat. There's one small tear and some wear on the piping,
but again, this is a vehicle designed for fun so it's nice to not
have to worry about just jumping in and having fun. The carpets
have been replaced and are protected by some rubber mats, probably
a good idea for a vehicle like this. Other noteworthy additions
include seat belts and turn signals, neither of which were
available in 1949. The center-mounted gauge panel has a cool
engine-turned face and it appears that all the gauges are
operational, although we're not sure we'd trust the fuel gauge.
There's also an accessory heater under the dash. Three-on-the-tree
shifting was standard equipment and the shifter moves easily
through the quadrants, and it comes with a factory Borg-Warner
overdrive unit that works intermittently (solenoids getting sticky
when they're hot is a common issue). There's also a newer
convertible top and this Jeepster includes a full set of side
curtains, just in case. The engine is the optional 149 cubic inch
'Lightning' inline-6, which is a little more powerful than the
'Hurricane' four but A LOT smoother. This one fires up easily
thanks to an electric fuel pump and runs like a sewing machine once
it's warm. On the road, it's energetic and torquey, so the Jeepster
keeps up easily with today's traffic, and it's a lot of fun to
drive. The transmission shifts cleanly and the overdrive makes 60
MPH cruising a reality. The front suspension is a clever
independent setup that uses a transverse leaf spring as the lower
control arm, so ride quality is somewhat better than the crude CJ.
The frame is robust and there are no signs of major structural rust
or rot underneath, although we do not believe the body has ever
been off the frame. There's a new exhaust system that has a
pleasing 6-cylinder grumble to it and the drum brakes are plenty
powerful for the Jeepster's modest performance. 15-inch steel
wheels wear Willys-branded hubcaps and a set of thin-stripe
215/70/15 whitewall radials.This Jeepster comes with some books and
manuals, plus a brand-new reproduction cloth wiring harness that's
ready to install.Inexpensive fun was the plan, and the Jeepster
delivers. With an eager six-cylinder engine and a rugged, do
anything look, it should be no surprise that this neat ragtop is a
popular sight in our showroom. It isn't perfect, but it is ideal
for someone who wants to just jump in and go without worries, and
there are a handful of small projects that would make for enjoyable
Saturday afternoons. A neat little machine that will always stand
out at shows. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and
welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
