At Barn Finds, we always appreciate the input from our readers, whether it is via your comments on our articles, or your ability to spot excellent and interesting classics for us to feature. The simple fact is that without you, we don’t exist. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting this 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster. The seller claims it is a mostly original classic with no major rust issues. It runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to choose between restoration or preservation. Why not take a close look to decide what your plans would be for this affordable classic?
Willys-Overland introduced the Jeepster in 1948 to fill a perceived gap within its model range. It remained in production until 1950, with our feature Jeepster emerging from the factory in 1949. The company offered buyers fifteen paint shades on the color palette, with this Jeepster’s first owner selecting Luzon Red. It looks aged and tired, but the condition can be considered respectable for a survivor of this vintage. It would be a prime candidate for a cosmetic restoration, and the lack of significant rust makes that approach viable. The only penetrating rust worth mentioning is this small spot in the passenger-side floor. Otherwise, this baby is rock-solid. The panels are straight, and I doubt there are any trim pieces that wouldn’t sparkle if hit with a high-quality polish. The seller mentions the fit of the soft-top, which is slightly baggy. It is a custom item designed to work with the glass rear window, and the buyer could keep it stowed and only raise it during inclement weather. That would hide a shortcoming that doesn’t genuinely require addressing.
The “tidy survivor” theme continues inside this Jeepster, with the seller confirming that the original seatcovers are hiding below the existing Gary slipcovers. It is a similar story with the floor mats. The condition of both items is difficult to ascertain, but the interior is tidy and serviceable in its current form. Refreshing the painted surfaces would add little to the workload if the buyer elects to perform an exterior cosmetic restoration. However, leaving the inside of this classic untouched is a viable option. The seller confirms there are no functional issues, with the heater and factory radio working as they should.
Perhaps the Jeepster’s greatest weakness was the company’s decision not to offer a four-wheel drive derivative. Many buyers felt that it left the vehicle in a sort of “no-man’s land.” It had the rugged looks of an off-roader but lacked the abilities of those vehicles. That is the main reason why the Jeepster didn’t achieve the sales volume the company envisaged. This survivor features the 134ci “Go Devil” flathead four that sends 63hp and 106 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The Jeepster isn’t a fast vehicle and will struggle to hit 70mph with a tailwind. However, it is worth remembering that it hails from a more sedate era, and should sit on 55mph without raising a sweat. The seller confirms that this beauty runs and drives perfectly, and is ready to provide the buyer with immediate motoring fun.
The seller listed this 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster here on Craigslist in West Plains, Missouri. Their price of $8,000 makes it undeniably affordable and might be motivation for one of our loyal Barn Finds readers to pursue it further. It is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic, but if restored to a respectable level, its value should easily top $15,000. Perfection could potentially double that figure. Therefore, if the buyer adopts a hands-on approach, there is plenty of room to move before financial viability becomes a factor. So, are you tempted?
On behalf of the peanut gallery, same could be said t’other way ’round. Without BFs, WE wouldn’t exist. A collective thank you to the staff.
Having said that, I’d like to add a few things that were missed. The Jeepster was the idea of Brooks Stevens, and never had any intention of being an off road vehicle. If I remember, Stevens was trying to offer what service folks saw overseas. It was the last US car to offer a phaeton body. With Willys riding high of the war efforts, it would have seemed like a great idea. Not so. Again, folks recognized a CJ, and wanted a Jeep for that purpose. This didn’t do much well. It was underpowered, handled/stopped poorly, no heat to speak of and were pricey. At about $1500 new, $300 more than a CJ, and did half as much. With only 19,000 sold ’48-’51, even though the 6 was offered, it was considered a flop. The name lay dormant until 1967 when Kaiser introduced the Commando seen here previously, and was a much improved vehicle. These here are always a great find, but you won’t ever see one north of Phoenix.
Now, fast forward to today, a great find. Remember, just because it has O/D, doesn’t mean even 70 all day long. It doesn’t have the low end power to hold that speed, but at double nickel, it does reduce RPMs to a reasonable limit. Just be ready to shift into “direct” at the slightest incline. Ask me how I know,,, I get that with my Jeep and the underpowered semis I drove. Doesn’t have the power to hold 5th sometimes,,,so you wind along in 4th or direct for a while, an automatic does the same thing.The 4cyl. will deliver so-so mileage, it’s no Toyotie, but got many a GI home, and will do the same for you.
I know, no post would be complete without my mention of the automatic. Face it, folks that want a Jeep, won’t go for this, and the ones that want it for nostalgia purposes, can’t drive it, much less figure out the O/D. Sorry, I say like in 1949, this has limited appeal as is.
Dirve it fast, for long, and that 4 cylinder is blown apart. But as a summer car, at the lake, or the beach, to drive into town to get groceries, to a friend’s for dinner, to take the kids for ice cream, you can not do better. And, with that saggy top up, or off, you do not want to do 70 mph anyway.
I saw one at the Kingman street drags that had been built into a pro street car and I would love to have it.
As a former Jeepster owner I’d recommend the six cyl. ones that were available for the ’50-’51 models. They would happily cruise at 60 mph all day in overdrive on two-lane highways.
mention it & it shows up.
Buy, use as intended (DN & last
few sentences of HA) above.
Enjoy.
Repeat for smiles for miles ~
Got 4 or 5 of them in my small town still Way north of phoenix). I’ve been offered one for half this price, but I checked sales for decent ones and they are readily available at reasonable prices. I was actually shocked at how many nice ones available for cheap.
I helped my father-in-law restore one of these it was a 1948 Jeepster , was Great fun to restore and drive however after it was done he couldn’t even give it away ….sad !!