1948 Willys Jeepster--SOLD (Florida) - $0

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1948 Willys Overland Jeepster • Limited three-year-only production • Brooks Stevens’ design • A quintessential coastline cruiser 134.2 cid inline L-head four-cylinder engine rated at 63 HP, single-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, transverse leaf-spring suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 104” When U.S. servicemen returned home after World War II, the market for civilian cars was at a demand like never seen before. Hoping to cash in on this phenomenon was Willys Overland, who manufactured the famous Jeep. With the Jeep’s wartime success it was only natural that a civilian model would be built and sold Stateside. Introduced in 1948, the Jeepster offered top down fun and room for four passengers. Unfortunately, it also sold for $100 more than a Chevrolet convertible that had roll-up windows, which made it hard for many people to put a Jeepster in their driveway. The Jeepster soldiered on, but after only three years in production it was terminated making it a very rare car today. This first year Jeepster from 1948 that has been cosmetically restored and has been treated to a coat of brilliant Campus Red paint, a stock color option on the Jeepster. The Jeepster’s wonderfully designed body was actually the work of Brooks Stevens, but also used a good degree of off-the-shelf parts such as pick-up truck rear fenders with a small skirt welded in for style. This Jeepster also carries the optional step plates allowing easy access for rear seat passengers. The interior has also been refurbished in a two-tone pleated white and red vinyl that looks great. Simplicity was the order of the day with the Jeepster and a single center-mounted gauge pod houses all instrumentation while a three-speed column mounted shifter makes driving a snap. This Jeepster was recently fitted with a new convertible top in classic white and has an excellent fit and finish. Power for this Jeepster comes from the 134 cubic-inch “Go Devil” inline-four that had proven itself on the battlefields all over Europe. The engine was recently serviced with new belts and hoses while the brakes were also reconditioned. This Jeepster rides on a set of Coker wide whitewall radial tires that carry a period-correct appearance. There could hardly be anything better than cruising the coastline in a wonderful Jeepster.