For Sale: 1950 Willys Jeepster in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1950 Willys Jeepster VJ3 463 Convertible

"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 1950 Willy Jeepster VJ3 463 convertible with a title verified 39,014 actual miles. The VJ3 was a mid year production change that resulted in a bit of a facelift with a new grille featuring five horizontal chrome bars.

Exterior
We've had the pleasure of representing many Jeepsters over the years, but this is the first one in black, and it's done nicely with two stage coverage. Chrome and polished stainless components are in great condition and include a trim strip that highlights the passenger compartment at the beltline and looks stunning. The updated V-shaped grille features bold horizontal bars, and a chromed front split window surround goes nicely with the new black canvas convertible top complete with snap on side and rear curtains. Polished domed hubcaps with a red center "W" badge covers the 15-inch wheels with just a hint of black painted steel wheels underneath showing. At the back of this vehicle is an additional hanging spare white wall tire with the showy wheel cover included. Every bit of metalwork, canvas, and glass are excellent on the Jeepster and we could find no exterior imperfections save for some orange peel.

Interior
Our clean interior begins with grain vinyl cards in the black painted inner doors, tidy with a touch of utilitarian simplicity Jeeps are known for. The front seats are split and have a 70/30 configuration with smooth black grain vinyl and dramatic white piping and the rear bench is dressed in the same and equally as clean. A black steering wheel with center cap that matches the wheel coverings fronts the black painted dash with center cluster that includes a speedometer over square condition gauges and some knobs. Low pile black carpet with vinyl edges cover the floor and a heater is tucked under the dash.

Drivetrain
Under the hood we find a clean 134.2ci F-head Hurricane inline four cylinder rated at 63 horsepower and fueled via a1-barrel carburetor. It is mated to a 3-speed manual with overdrive that routes power to the Dana 23 rear axle with 4.88 gears.

Undercarriage
The hits just keep coming as the underside also presents a clean environment with dry conditions and minimal surface rust. Drum brakes are employed on all four wheels and the single exhaust runs through a stock style muffler and makes its way through the X-frame, finally finding an exit out back through the steel tailpipe. Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring up front and leaf springs on each side of the back.

Drive-Ability
They're not fast, but they are fun! Its extremely simple interior really does harken back to amusement park rides when we were eight years old when we could not be bothered with distractions. The car rolls onto the test loop and the engine delivers a smooth ride even as we note the car pulling to the left. Meanwhile, all functions operate as intended and we return to the mall to find a good spot on the showroom floor for this black beauty. 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. 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. We think this would be the ideal beach town cruiser, but obviously, that will be up to you!

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!