1949 Willys Jeepster

Fun, funky Jeepster in great colors. Optional Lighting 6-cylinder engine, 3-speed manual with overdrive. Newer top and side curtains. Runs and drives well, engine is silky smooth. An unusual convertible with a do anything attitude!

Willys Overland was looking to capitalize on the post-war success of their all-purpose CJ models, so what better way than to civilize the Jeep a bit, make it a little bigger, and create a street-oriented version? The Jeepster is the result, a funky 4-seater convertible that has distinct Jeep styling but with a little more space and a lot more civility. Finished in a lovely soft cream yellow, this 1949 Willys Jeepster is in just the right condition to go out and have fun without worries. It was repainted some time ago, and looking around it s clear that it was a color change from red, and perhaps green before that, but we find this combination works really well on the flab-sided bodywork. Panel fit is probably about as good as it gets with a Jeepster and we don t see any critical signs of rust or prior accident repairs, although this was not a high-dollar restoration. The flat body panels are smooth and straight, so someone did decent work during the repaint, and the splashes of chrome throughout make the Jeepster look a bit more upscale than its 4-wheel-drive siblings. We especially like the step plates that make getting into the back seat an over the gunnels experience, as well as the stylized hood ornament that stretches the entire length of the hood. The cast pieces have some light pitting, but not so that they distract from the overall look. There are also nice chrome bumpers, an accessory spotlight on the driver s side, and a metal cover for the rear-mounted spare tire. The more we look at this Jeepster, the more things there are to like.

The red vinyl interior is the perfect complement to the cream bodywork, flashy and perfectly appropriate for a vehicle that is going to spend all its time out in the sun. The interior is probably not original, but it was done some time ago and shows only minor wear, mostly on the driver s seat. There s one small tear and some wear on the piping, but again, this is a vehicle designed for fun so it s nice to not have to worry about just jumping in and having fun. The carpets have been replaced and are protected by some rubber mats, probably a good idea for a vehicle like this. Other noteworthy additions include seat belts and turn signals, neither of which were available in 1949. The center-mounted gauge panel has a cool engine-turned face and it appears that all the gauges are operational, although we re not sure we d trust the fuel gauge. There s also an accessory heater under the dash. Three-on-the-tree shifting was standard equipment and the shifter moves easily through the quadrants, and it comes with a factory Borg-Warner overdrive unit that works intermittently (solenoids getting sticky when they re hot is a common issue). There s also a newer convertible top and this Jeepster includes a full set of side curtains, just in case.

The engine is the optional 149 cubic inch Lightning inline-6, which is a little more powerful than the Hurricane four but A LOT smoother. This one fires up easily thanks to an electric fuel pump and runs like a sewing machine once it s warm. On the road, it s energetic and torquey, so the Jeepster keeps up easily with today s traffic, and it s a lot of fun to drive. The transmission shifts cleanly and the overdrive makes 60 MPH cruising a reality. The front suspension is a clever independent setup that uses a transverse leaf spring as the lower control arm, so ride quality is somewhat better than the crude CJ. The frame is robust and there are no signs of major structural rust or rot underneath, although we do not believe the body has ever been off the frame. There s a new exhaust system that has a pleasing 6-cylinder grumble to it and the drum brakes are plenty powerful for the Jeepster s modest performance. 15-inch steel wheels wear Willys-branded hubcaps and a set of thin-stripe 215/70/15 whitewall radials.

This Jeepster comes with some books and manuals, plus a brand-new reproduction cloth wiring harness that s ready to install.

Inexpensive fun was the plan, and the Jeepster delivers. With an eager six-cylinder engine and a rugged, do anything look, it should be no surprise that this neat ragtop is a popular sight in our showroom. It isn t perfect, but it is ideal for someone who wants to just jump in and go without worries, and there are a handful of small projects that would make for enjoyable Saturday afternoons. A neat little machine that will always stand out at shows. Call today!

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