Vehicle Description
1949 Willys Jeepster
"The Willys Jeepster was an ingenious design by Brooks Stevens,
which combined a four passenger phaeton with soft top that evoked
the appearance of the wartime Jeep. The model was introduced in May
1948 with the thinking that returning GIs would be sentimentally
attached to the appearance. Most GIs however, were looking to move
beyond the military, and sales were disappointing. The Jeepster has
an undeniable charm, though, and has nearly universal acceptance
among car enthusiasts, equally welcome in the company of hot rods
as it is at Pebble Beach. They make cheerful summer cruisers and
are simple to maintain, which make them worth the hunt." Thx
Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1949 Willys Jeepster showing 451 miles but true
miles are unknown. This is a Brooks Stevens design and other
notable automobiles designed by Stevens include the 1962 Studebaker
Gran Turismo Hawk, the Excaliburs of the 70's, and is credited with
designing the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, one version of which was
built on a Willys Jeep chassis.
Exterior
Eggshell White is just as you would image, as if a drop of yolk
entered the mix giving it a subtle undertone of yellow and it works
well on this model. The familiar Jeep grille is accented with a
center ornamental chrome piece distinguishing it from its offroad
cousins. The height of the Jeepster does that as well, much more
car like than a 4x4, and the eggshell is complemented by Merlot
paint, first on a straight edged, raised hood ornamentation and
then on the frame of the windshield spilling back over the shoulder
line and around the back in a ribbon of burgundy. With the top
down, that shoulder line extends straight back putting all riders
at essentially the same height over the body. The fenders have
edges that round the otherwise angular bends in the fenders and
15-inch wheels with moon style W stamped chrome covers live under
the fenders. There's another one mounted to the back between two
tail lights at the end of protruding assemblies. A white canvas top
with good plastic windows creates a weatherproof interior for
occupants. A few bubbles in the paint, cracking, touched up chips,
and uneven filler are some of the imperfections we note on an
overall straight and clean exterior.
Interior
Maroon door cards are neatly screwed into the eggshell door and
suggest the utilitarian roots of the brand and that material
handsomely transfers to the column stitched split bench seat which
is uniquely split 70/30, allowing backseat occupants to enter on
the passenger side. And when they do, they'll find a rear bench
that is in as equally good condition as the front. The eggshell
based steering wheel is both wrapped in a black vinyl cover and
cracked on the spokes, almost like an eggshell! The dash contains
an added old school fan and a central gauge cluster with black
faced, square dials on an aluminum panel that seems like a fading
remnant of the art deco period. Black carpet with some age covers
the floor to complete this amazing simple cockpit.
Drivetrain
A driver quality Lightning 148ci inline 6 is under the hood rated
at 72 horsepower and receiving fuel via a 1-barrel carburetor. The
transmission is a 3 speed manual with overdrive and power is sent
to a Dana 23 axle with 4.88 gears. Drum brakes are supplied front
and back.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean and dry underneath with plenty of some typical
surface rust, mostly on the substantial frame rails. Clean knuckles
and a clean gas tank are noted while a single exhaust enters a
stock style muffler before exiting out the back just under the
chrome bumper. Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring in
front and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
We don't want to liken it to a toy, this is after all a seriously
classic car. But it's as much fun as a ride at Disney and almost as
bare bones! The six cylinder comes to life and while not
overwrought with horsepower, rowing through the gears does provide
good momentum and the overdrive gear smooths out the ride. We note
the horn does not work but all other functions, and there aren't
many, work as they should. 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.
Doylestown, PA puts on the oldest annual Memorial Day parade in the
country and each year a Jeepster makes its way down Court Street
and has for decades, owned by a well known townie. And it always
elicits smiles and cheers from the adoring crowd. That's one memory
of a Jeepster. It's time to make some of your own with this
personable, interesting, and well built Willys, and this one is
worthy of your consideration.
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!
