1949 Willys Jeepster

1949 Willys Jeepster For consignment, a 1949 Willys Jeepster showing 451 miles but true miles are unknown. This is a Brooks Stevens design and other notable automobiles designed by Stevens include the 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk, the Excaliburs of the 70s, and is credited with designing the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, one version of which was built on a Willys Jeep chassis. Exterior Eggshell White is just as you would image, as if a drop of yolk entered the mix giving it a subtle undertone of yellow and it works well on this model. The familiar Jeep grille is accented with a center ornamental chrome piece distinguishing it from its offroad cousins. The height of the Jeepster does that as well, much more car like than a 4x4, and the eggshell is complemented by Merlot paint, first on a straight edged, raised hood ornamentation and then on the frame of the windshield spilling back over the shoulder line and around the back in a ribbon of burgundy. With the top down, that shoulder line extends straight back putting all riders at essentially the same height over the body. The fenders have edges that round the otherwise angular bends in the fenders and 15-inch wheels with moon style W stamped chrome covers live under the fenders. Theres another one mounted to the back between two tail lights at the end of protruding assemblies. A white canvas top with good plastic windows creates a weatherproof interior for occupants. A few bubbles in the paint, cracking, touched up chips, and uneven filler are some of the imperfections we note on an overall straight and clean exterior. Interior Maroon door cards are neatly screwed into the eggshell door and suggest the utilitarian roots of the brand and that material handsomely transfers to the column stitched split bench seat which is uniquely split 70/30, allowing backseat occupants to enter on the passenger side. And when they do, theyll find a rear bench that is in as equally good condition as the front. The eggshell based steering wheel is both wrapped in a black vinyl cover and cracked on the spokes, almost like an eggshell! The dash contains an added old school fan and a central gauge cluster with black faced, square dials on an aluminum panel that seems like a fading remnant of the art deco period. Black carpet with some age covers the floor to complete this amazing simple cockpit. Drivetrain A driver quality Lightning 148ci inline 6 is under the hood rated at 72 horsepower and receiving fuel via a 1-barrel carburetor. The transmission is a 3 speed manual with overdrive and power is sent to a Dana 23 axle with 4.88 gears. Drum brakes are supplied front and back. Undercarriage Relatively clean and dry underneath with plenty of some typical surface rust, mostly on the substantial frame rails. Clean knuckles and a clean gas tank are noted while a single exhaust enters a stock style muffler before exiting out the back just under the chrome bumper. Suspension consists of a transverse leaf spring in front and leaf springs in the back. Drive-Ability We dont want to liken it to a toy, this is after all a seriously classic car. But its as much fun as a ride at Disney and almost as bare bones! The six cylinder comes to life and while not overwrought with horsepower, rowing through the gears does provide good momentum and the overdrive gear smooths out the ride. We note the horn does not work but all other functions, and there arent many, work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. Doylestown, PA puts on the oldest annual Memorial Day parade in the country and each year a Jeepster makes its way down Court Street and has for decades, owned by a well known townie. And it always elicits smiles and cheers from the adoring crowd. Thats one memory of a Jeepster. Its time to make some of your own with this personable, interesting, and well built Willys, and this one is worthy of your consideration. Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (thats more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!