After the war, Willys tried to break into the civilian car market. They didn’t have the tooling to make body panels with complex curves, so they used the Jeep flat fender look. They all used the same flat four “Go Devil” engine as the military Jeeps. Willys started with a truck, a wagon, a utility wagon and finally the Jeepster. The Jeepster was their attempt at the passenger car market. Unfortunately, they were expensive and offered only in 2 wheel drive only. In 1949, if you wanted a nice convertible you could buy Ford convertible with a V8 for the same price. This Shiny red Jeepster is listed here on eBay in Vista, California with a Buy it Now price of $6,995. It’s been stored since 1962 at the second owner’s house.
After purchasing this Jeepster in 1960, the second owner had it reupholstered, the engine rebuilt, and a new top installed. The engine was turned over occasionally, so it is not stuck. The transmission linkage is not hooked up and the brakes don’t work. The fuel system will also need the usual attention. The upholstery is new, but it’s been sitting for a long time, Hopefully, it’s not crispy.
Here’s the rebuilt 4 cylinder flathead 63 horsepower 134 CID “Go Devil” engine. It was lubricated and turned occasionally, so it is not stuck.
There’s the usual surface rust underneath but no serious rust apparent.
This Jeepster certainly looks nice from here. It seems like it was being restored and was never completed. It needs tail light lenses and horn ring installed, the transmission linkage connected and the usual mechanical restoration for a vehicle sitting so long. The lenses, horn ring and many other parts are included. It doesn’t look like it will take much to get this back on the road. Hagerty lists the Jeepster in fair condition at $8,500 and a good one at $16,600 so the price looks pretty reasonable. This Jeepster looks like a project the new owner could finish and enjoy for awhile. When they are ready for a new project, they shouldn’t lose any money when they sell it. It will be interesting to see what you think.
I have always loved the look and design of these but they really are slow, rattley clunky cars to drive. Little power, terrible suspension and you need to carry an anchor to stop it. I bought one 30 years ago that had been installed on a modified S10 chassis with a V6, automatic, disc brakes, power steering, all the modern stuff but the body and interior were 90% stock. That was a great little car that went with her. I love the steps on the rear fenders to get in the back seat.
I agree, cute things, but one step up from a King Midget. Clearly designed for urban travel.You’d have to be nuts to spend any time “at speed” in this. Be a gas for running around town. With a 0-60, if lucky, time in almost 30 seconds, and a top speed (on paper) of 67mph,(57 more like it) might be best to stay off the interstate.
Interesting and surprising comment about the price vis a vis a Ford.
Knowing that, I’m surprised they sold any. If you go by strict definitions you could almost call this a phaeton given the lack of roll up windows, the Ford of course being a true convertible, “All Weather” as they used to say.
Just a quick question….where can I find the Hagerty list of vehicle values??
Thanks
Roland
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=where+can+I+find+the+Hagerty+list+of+vehicle+values
When I was in high school, in the late 60’s, a friend who was defintely the role model for Ferris Bueller got one of these from his grandfather. He drove it like Mr. Toad (look it up kids) and a ride with him was part of the entertainment on our many misadventures that high school guys inevitably dream up. It was a great cut school and go to the beach car. A canyon run in that thing was exhilarating in the way a near death experience always was.
If I had the extra $ , I’d have one of these. This one, for example.
Ugly and underpowered. Hard pass.
BTW – The founder of the company was John North Willys. His name is correctly pronounced “Willis.”
This is the Grand Daddy to my Commando!
always liked them but with in my days was a 283 or 327 small block chevy easy swap just don’t think red cuts it in my book