1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster Driving & Walkaround

1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster
The Willys-Overland Jeepster is the lesser-known stablemate to the CJ (Civilian Jeep) that Willys began offering to consumers after World War II. While the CJ was a rough and durable go-anywhere machine, Willys realized that it didn't necessarily appeal to the broadest audience. To solve this, they tapped legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens to shape a second model that, in many ways, was the first-ever crossover utility vehicle. Known as the Jeepster, this unique vehicle was only sold from 1948 until 1951 and has become known for its unique design and robust drivetrain options. This 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster is finished in Fiesta Yellow with a red interior and shows just 4,279 miles since a complete restoration was finished.
Although the Jeepster was intended as a more shapely, road-focused vehicle, the design still has many hallmarks of the CJ Jeep. This was due in large part to the manufacturing limitations that Willys faced, with its body presses unable to produce more compound curves. One look at this example, and you can tell that the restoration was done quite well, the Fiesta Yellow paint compliments the shape well, and the chrome bumpers and grille accents shine nicely. This light Fiesta Yellow paint is accented by a chrome trim line just below the top of the cabin, with a black-painted accent that rims the passenger compartment. The consignor of has enthusiastically owned it since 2002 - he purchased it following mild restoration before setting to work on getting it brought up to much higher standards. The 15-inch black steel wheels are accented with polished hub caps and beauty rings and are wrapped in Firestone whitewall tires. A rear-mounted spare features the same wheel treatment and sits wrapped in a cover that shows off the chrome hubcap. A tan convertible top sits beneath a tan canvas tonneau and is simple to install and remove.
An important aspect of the restoration project, of course, was the interior, and the condition is quite remarkable. Both front and rear bench seats are upholstered in red vinyl with cream piping, and the door cards are wrapped in matching red vinyl. The dashboard is painted to match the exterior and features a centrally mounted speedometer with instrumentation measuring volts, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A two-spoke steering wheel with a central horn ring is made of Bakelite, which resides behind the column-mounted 3-speed shifter. No roll-up windows here - just slide the side curtains into the doors and snap it into the convertible soft top.
Powering this Willys is a 134ci inline-4 known as the "Go Devil" that comes straight out of the military Jeeps of World War II. This engine utilized a flathead design and was renowned for its ease of maintenance and durability. Producing 63 horsepower, this engine was then routed through a 3-speed Borg-Warner gearbox with an overdrive unit to the rear wheels. The underpinnings were shared with the Willys Station Wagon of the time, meaning an independent front suspension and 4-wheel drum brakes. As this unit was restored to be quite faithful to the original vehicle, it retains its 6 Volt charging system with a generator (a special 6-volt battery tender is included with sale).
In its day, the Jeepster was not the sales success that Willys had hoped for, selling just 19,132 over 3 model years. That being said, it is a very recognizable car with a dedicated following thanks to its legendary dependability and unique Brooks Stevens styling. As a fun top-down cruiser, it's hard to think of a vehicle that will get more attention and questions for a very reasonable price, and the best part is you can bring the family with you.
Key Features
Nicely Restored Example in Appealing Colors
Fiesta Yellow Over Red Interior
134ci Inline-4
3-Speed Borg-Warner Transmission
Column Shifted
Chrome Bumpers
Chrome Wheel Trim and Whitewall Tires
Attractive Tan Convertible Top
Side Curtains
Centrally Mounted Gauge Cluster
Additional Information
Shop Manual
Some Restoration Invoices and Paperwork
Spare Engine Available Upon Request
6-Volt Battery Tender
This vehicle can be found here: www.parkplacel...
Park Place LTD
425 562-1000
1880 136th PL NE
Bellevue, WA 98005
www.ParkPlaceLTD.com