(Updated 10/30 to reflect the error in engine identification – JO)
Jeeps are a hot commodity these days! I’m floored by the list prices for new models but it doesn’t seem to matter – they sell. And, it’s not only new, or newer ones, old examples like this 1949 Willys Jeepster do well too. This is actually one of the nicer examples that I have encountered – it looks great so let’s examine it in closer detail. This Lakewood, Colorado resident is available, here on craigslist for $12,400. Thanks to Gunter K for this tip!
What initially caught my attention was this Jeepster’s silver finish – I’m a sucker for color. The right colorful presentation will catch me gawking at the exterior with admiration while missing all of the other important stuff. Anyway, the presentation of this two-door convertible SUV/CUV, however you wish to refer to it, is wonderful. The whitewall tires with black steel wheels and topped by doggie bowl hubcaps lend a period authentication to the visuals. The body is in excellent condition showing no indication of rust, crash damage, or poorly performed repairs. I’ll run with the assumption that there is a canvas top that manually attaches to rear valance snaps and then to the windshield header but that’s one for an inquiry.
The interior is clearly a recent redo but it is as nicely finished as the exterior with its contrasting black vinyl upholstery. Beyond that, there is a new textured floormat, a refinished dash, and a clear instrument panel. Note the gear shift lever, it’s attached to the steering column which I found surprising. Those more familiar with the Willys marque and Jeepsters, in particular, may have known that – I was assuming a floor shift, such as employed on a traditional Jeep, would be found here.
Looking original, other than the alternator, is an in-line, four six-cylinder engine though a 64 HP, 134 CI four-cylinder engine would have been standard equipment. There was also a larger 148 CI version of the four, referred to as an “L148 Lightning”, that was offered mid-year ’49. Barn Finds Jeepster experts may be able to tell, for certain, which engine this is. The seller tells us that this Jeepster “runs good“. That previously noted column-mounted gear shift stirs a three-speed manual transmission. Four-wheel drive was not available.
Total Jeepster production was about 19K units spread over three years, ’48-’50. So, while not rare, they’re really not commonplace, especially today, 70+ years after the fact. Perhaps not a real off-roader, this Jeepster is absolutely worthy of the venerable Jeep moniker, and anyway, I wouldn’t want to mess this one up attempting off-road antics, a mud bog, or any other automotive-inspired mayhem. Considering what this Jeepster is, and how well it shows, the price seems reasonable, wouldn’t you agree?
Jeeps are hot? IDK, pretty chilly this morn, but agreed. The Jeep is one of the longest running makes, I think, and for good reason. This is not a SUV. When Brooks Stevens designed this, he had more of a sports car in mind. He knew, returning GIs would go for a sporty convertible. The man was a genius, but even his ideas fell short sometimes. The column shift, I believe was an attempt to give the middle seat passenger more room. I’m not sure what the motive was here. If you look at that gas pedal, they were horribly underpowered, and the pedal was mashed to the floor most of the time. I think it’s a neat vehicle for a short ride, but Jeeps have come a long ways from these humble beginnings, and any similarity is purely coincidental.
Very nice example. I think if I really wanted more power I’d bump up the original engine. Pretty easy to get 30 to 50 more hp out of something that its builders made for pulling stumps, not high speed cruising.
Looks like a six-cylinder, and the 148 cu-in Lightning-6 was introduced during the 1949 model year. However, this looks like it may be a 226 cu-in Super Hurricane six-cylinder, which later replaced the Lightning. If so, power output should be around 105-115 HP and about 190 ft-lb of torque, if memory serves me right. That would make this Jeepster a bit more entertaining to drive.
Good catch! The listing states as much and I entirely missed it.
JO
Try a three on the tree ,no floor shifts in any I’ve seen
You did not note that this is a two wheel drive (rear wheels) vehicle only and I have never seen one that was otherwise unless an aftermarket conversion. Strictly an around town cruiser or “sporty” vehicle but never intended for off road use…unless you consider the many sand and dirt secondary roads of the era as “off road. I was born in December of 1948 so this would have been a brand new vehicle at the time of my arrival. Would love to own it for that reason alone…and besides I like Jeeps and have had about 9 or 10 various jeeps since the late 60s-early 70s with a ’68 Jeepster and a ’73 Commando being the oldest and the ’74 CJ-5 Renegade being the first one I bought new myself.
Actually, I did, and I quote from the fourth paragraph:
“Four-wheel drive was not available“.
JO
A nice-looking Jeepster; nothing is said about a top or removable side Windows. If these are missing, good luck finding the Windows.
A working overdrive is necessary with these unless you just drive around town.
Super pretty car. Can anyone say if they came in this color? Also is the price reasonable? I can’t imagine putting it in this condition for $12k.
T-Rex ‘Jeepster’ https://youtu.be/G3PznrYmWzc