Vehicle Description
1949 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 1949 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 completely restored rust free version is a must
see for any Jeep aficionado and has been completely restored and
resto-modded. Purchased and retained by the family of our consignor
since 1958, this was a family car until 1971 when it would no
longer pass inspection. Thereafter it was parked, and in 2007 a
restification was started in earnest with Ron Francis wiring,
updated suspension, a 350ci crate engine, and power steering just
to name a few niceties. We note 623 non verifiable miles on the
odometer and the electrics have been changed to a 12 volt system
and this drop top skate has the ability to wow the crowds as well
as haul home some show winner trophies.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration, all rust is gone, and
new steel replaces problem areas. A beautiful white now covers
these panels, which are nice and straight, and have good gaps. The
chrome is all polished and shiny with no signs of deterioration. A
nicely preserved chromed "T" bar front grille embellishment/badge
sets off the standard Jeep looking front of this truck? A chromed
front split window surround goes nicely with the new black colored
convertible top complete with snap on side curtains. This black
adds a nice contrast to the white and frames the passenger
compartment perfectly. Speaking of framing, a thin black band of
steel, augmented by a polished stainless delineation strip,
highlights the passenger compartment at the beltline and looks just
stunning. Chromed red center badged "W" dog dish wheel covers with
just a hint of black painted steel wheels underneath showing, are
wrapped 225/75R15 blackwall rubber. At the back of this vehicle is
an additional hanging spare tire covered with a matchy matchy
wheel,cover and tire. Interestingly, the rechromed rear bumper
sports Willys Overland script, which may well be a carryover piece
from 1948 as there was a lawsuit in 1949 causing Willys to remove
the Overland moniker. Nicely chromed 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 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. The front seats are split and have a 70/30
configuration as to seat back width. Black leather-like vinyl
covers all the seating surfaces and is in pristine condition. It
has wider tuck and roll panels to show it off a bit better and the
real highlight is the white piping running the edges of the
bolsters. The doors are painted in body matching white and have a
black padded vinyl panel screwed on to them. The metal dash, also
in white, has a rectangular dash insert with the gauge cluster.
This cluster sports updatedStewart Warner gauges and nice plastic
white steering wheel, complete with circular horn ring, fronts the
dash. Beautiful red carpeting is shown throughout and we note a
factory heater installed for those chilly morning drives. In back
is a wide bench with overstuffed arm rests and is just as pristine
as the rest of the interior.
Drivetrain
Floating within a well sorted out and restored engine bay is a
pleasant surprise in the form of a 330hp 350ci GMPPHO V8 crate
engine. It has a black painted block and is fed its liquid
dinosaursvia a Holley 4-barrel carburetor sitting proudly atop an
aluminum intake manifold. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission
sends power rearward to a 10 bolt axle courtesy of a 1987 Chevrolet
Monte Carlo. Even with the much larger than original engine, there
is plenty of room for wrenching if need be. Headers are on for the
great exhale and we note the addition of power rack and pinion
steering and power brakes with a dual reservoir master
cylinder.
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. A
Mustang II kit with coil overs is up front for the suspension, and
a Fatman Fabrications ladder bar system with coil overs is on the
rear. An upgrade to Power front disc brakes and power rear drums
provide the stopping power.
Drive-Ability
As a previous consignor with one of these Willys said: "pump the
sh*! of the accelerator, choke it and it will start". So, I used
this exact procedure and it worked like a charm! The engine rolled
right over, idled very smoothly with a menacing burble, and off we
went. It drove great, and the top down was an extra bonus. Unlike
the original, it willtake your toupee off when you press the
accelerator and with the updated suspension andbrakes handling and
stopping are on par with newer cars. A fullyfunctional driver that
is most definitely a fun drive that will turn heads. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
A wonderful piece of automotive history, all buttoned up,
modernized and upgraded 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 home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
