The Willys-Overland Jeepster definitely goes under the “Quirky Misfire” category. I remember the first one I saw as a kid back in the early ’60s. The front end looked like a Jeep, but the rest of it, a 2-door, six passenger Phaeton convertible with no roll-up windows, would’ve fit in at my uncle’s summer place on the James River in Virginia. Teenagers (and several underage drivers) would putt around the river neighborhood in old “Beach Buggies” as we called them, to haul kids, rafts, and other stuff down to the swimming area and boat ramp. Fun times and great memories of a bygone era. Willys-Overland’s civilian Jeep “sports car” experiment only lasted three models years, 1948 – 1950, and didn’t sell very well with just a little over 19,000 units assembled at the historic Toledo, Ohio factory. Here’s a fine looking example of one of the approximately 2,960 1949 models produced (year two saw quite a drop from the 10,326 Jeepsters sold in 1948) that’s located in my little old town of Lewisville, North Carolina, population 13,400. The price has been dropped from $23,500 to $16,500 or best offer and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace.
The seller, who is selling this Jeepster for his brother-in-law, doesn’t give us a lot of details or history of the vehicle. He simply describes it as having an older restoration that’s in driver condition. It’s a looker based on the few photographs provided. Although buyers could choose from 17 paint options for the 1949 models, it seems like the majority you see today are either red or the Fiesta Yellow seen here. The paint looks very presentable and I’m not seeing any rust or body damage. The shiny chrome bumpers, trim, “continental” rear spare, and two-piece windshield and vent windows look good. Plus, the cool WO-logo hubcaps and wheel rings, and period-correct wide whitewalls complete the charming visual package. The seller says the Jeepster has a new convertible top and snap-on side curtain “windows,” but no photos are shown.
Jeepster interiors were rather simple and utilitarian (except for that large, beautiful, and somewhat ornate steering wheel.) The Fiesta Yellow paint theme is continued on the metal dash and the black upholstery with yellow piping is very eye catching. I’m not spotting any splits, tears, or overly-worn areas in the front or rear seats.
There are no photos of the Jeepster’s engine. It’s probably the World War II-proven 134-cubic-inch straight-4 “Go Devil” engine. It is rated at 63 horsepower and mated to a 3-speed three-on-the-tree manual transmission with overdrive. There are 81,000 listed on the odometer, but no mention if those are original miles or not. The seller says the “Engine runs well and the transmission shifts smoothly.” Although designed by legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens, the rear-wheel drive Jeepster was about the same price as a more practical Ford Super DeLuxe Club Convertible that came with fancier styling, roll-up windows, and a V8 engine. With such a low production number, you don’t see many of these 1949 Jeepsters at local car shows or cruise ins. This is one great-looking “Fair Weather – and Fun” set of wheels. What do you think?
Hideous looking.
It’s possible this had the “Hurricane” L-head six-cylinder engine which was introduced in 1949, and provided — at extra cost, of course — a whopping seven horsepower over the “Go-Devil” four. It was smoother….
What was not smooth was the ride. Pretty sure this used an elongated CJ-2A chassis, minus the powered front axle. I’m not sure Jeep even changed the springs. I remember getting a ride in an early Jeepster, and it bounced like a buckboard. Probably brought back fond memories to those who had driven MBs a couple of years before.
It was kind of a cool concept, but limited in appeal even today.
I like the classical phaeton styling and liken it to the turning of a caterpillar into in this case, a yellow butterfly.
remember seeing these as a kid in the late 40s n 50s. Thought they were cool back then and still look like fun. Not a great winter car but I’m too old to shovel snow so it could sit in the garage until “the sun shines”. My grandsons would enjoy the ride.
These Jeepsters got around but it’s too bad they couldn’t be just a little more in demand. Not a good proposition out west because of the weather changes. There’s a guy down in Shelby retored one; looks nearly identical to this one. Here’s one that’s more traditional red…
These are great vehicles for beach houses. Just for local runs. The 6 cylinder is quite rare and more desirable. IMO new price is in the ballpark if the mechanical are healthy.
… and the huge steering wheel is the ’50s version of (arm)power steering.
Ron, an excellent find and write up.. A friend of my parents in Ithaca NY had one in the late 50’s / early 60’s, but I do not know where it went after he passed away. Definitely a fair weather vehicle. This will make someone a great turnkey entry into the classic car world. Rare and cute enough to be a conversation starter at local shows and Cruise Ins.
helped a guy restore 1 back in the 90s. easy to work on. looked good finished.15k is about right for these. not a big following.
made 4 da guys comin back from ‘the european theater’ I kinda havea soft spot for them (willies). But…
have alota room for the 2nd gen (all 3 face lifts) when modded for multi-purpose (any: wagon, p/u, roadster, vert – C101 or Commando)
can look great (mono color is best) and B adapted as a strong competitor. I still like my 1st gen bronk better as to top-swap ability (4 varieties, quickly) & ford build (4.2 motor, D44, etc).