I have a fondness for Jeepsters — they remind me somewhat of an Americanized MG T-series on the outside! This one “drove when parked” according to the ad that’s posted here on craigslist. This 1948 model complete with “continental style” spare is located in Laurens, South Carolina. The asking price is $8,500.
Despite having been stored in a semi-open area for a long time, the body shell looks pretty solid, although I doubt that the paint can be saved (unless you are a p-word fan, in which case go for it). Based on the bias-ply tires I’m guessing this is either a car that’s been in place for a l-o-n-g time or someone previously refurbished the car and wanted an original look. I’m siding with the idea of them being really old.
Surprisingly even the top looks to be in pretty good shape. Looking closer at the Jeepster I am wondering again about the paint–maybe I’m too quick to judge it.
The split windshield definitely dates the design, doesn’t it! Looking over the history of the Jeepster here, it turns out the 1948 wasn’t the most popular year. As a matter of fact, only 10,326 were produced, and a lot of those ended up being re-titled as 1949 models. Willys had to drop the price from $1,765 to $1,495 to get some more volume. If by some chance this is the original paint, it’s Fiesta Yellow.
I really can’t tell enough about the interior to see whether or not it’s original or not. However, if this is vinyl or leather, it might actually be able to be saved.
The under hood area actually looks pretty nice. The brand new battery is a little suspicious, though, and I hope it doesn’t mean that someone tried to start the engine without preparing it correctly. But even if they have, specialists such as Jeepster Jim can help you out. Is anyone else wondering what this Jeepster would look like after a good wash?
Brings back memories. One of my uncles had a Jeepster like this and a 61 vette as “ongoing projects” in the late 60’s.
Lets clarify “drove when parked”…is this an oxymoron?
Jags=coasted in and came to a quiet stop after an electrical short.
Mercedes=came to an abrupt stop after a catastrophic failure of an over-engineered part/system.
Citroen=came to a stop because it’s French.
Feel free to pile on…
Audi = Came to an abrupt stop via brick wall after sudden acceleration.
Toyota = Doesn’t know how to stop.
Mustang = Came to a stop after doing a burnout, bouncing off a curb, and spinning around into traffic.
Pinto=came to an abrupt “POP”
BMW = ran until the repo man tried to hotwire it.
BMW ran until coolant leak caused warped head
$8500 seems like crazy money for this Jeepster. The BIN on this one listed on eBay is only $6995. It’s been sitting since 1962 but it shouldn’t take much to get it running and driving. It has a rebuilt engine and new upholstery and top. It will be featured here on barnfinds soon.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/332621767492
I agree David, they are cool though. I own a 1960 Willys 4by4 utility wagon. Like this rig, slow but so fun to putz around with. With the 4 wheel drive I drive her all year long here in Wisconsin. She does have some Wisconin beauty marks, who cares. Life is so short. I am sure Rube is smiling because it is snowing here now and he has paid his dues. Thank for posting Jamie. Take care, Mike.
I would think in 1948 most men would not want to see a jeep , much less pay 1765 for one. That could purchase a vehicle with more power style no memories etc.
Actually, the postwar CJ was one “reminder” of the war experience that a lot of ex-soldiers took to eagerly. Surplus MJs were enough in demand to offer Willys a good market for the civilian version, and the Jeepster was I’m sure an effort to widen the appeal.
I do think this guy is asking too much, given that Jeepsters in general are not all that rare, especially lurking in barns. I am curious as to which engine it has, not knowing for sure whether a choice of 4- and 6-cylinder options were offered or not. I would expect either one to be the F-head version.
Saw one of these last summer her in Pa. for sale $11000 had been restored,was only driven in good weather after restoration. price on this one too high
Looks really original to me. I agree they’re asking way too much. I’d give him 3500 at the drop of a hat.
A friend of ours once owned the personal Jeepster of Mr. Kaiser, complete with original badge, showing that it was made for him.
Having owned a 48 just like this one for many years, I have to say, even when restored they are anything but fun. Brakes are nearly non-existent with a brick pedal feel, the electronic OD unit was a constant problem (you needed it to go over 35mph) the whole thing drove like a wheel-barrel — clunking, very hard ride, unsafe, and hard to steer, etc.. We bought it for the cute factor, but sold it when the cuteness wore off and it became too much trouble and a terrible driving experience in anything other than local short trips under 30mph. My guess it is the equivalent of owning a Model T (though I never have.) Very limited usability.
We replaced it with a 1969 Jeepster Commando. Much the same look and fun factor, but a far better and more contemporary driving experience (comparatively).
On the plus side, buy this for $5k, put in another $10k, and you might be able to flip it for close to $20k as that’s what minty ones are going for right now.
Had a yellow/blk top 50 Jeepster, 6 cyl.W OD, it looked about like this one, paint is soft, had to slide the seat back, made for vertically challenged persons.
Was pretty neat car, of course re-did the brakes, clutch, gas tank, etc. Always got attention even in Naples,Fl, the home of MEGA CARS. the seats were tan/yellow. Nice car drove well, loved it, sold it, wish I’d kept it, replaced it W/another veh.
Just being a $h!t disturber here, more often than not most cars had vinyl (as opposed to leather) unless they were somewhat luxury cars. Cloth is cloth and there is much variety there. Just an educational fact. I still see sales people of new lower end vehicles thinking it’s leather when they give their sales pitch. I believe they, and many others are so used to cloth or leather that they figure if it isn’t cloth it must be leather. That’s my two cents and daily 15 minutes of Fame