1949 JEEPSTER, FULLY RESTORED, $33K INVESTED

1949 WILLYS – OVERLAND VJ3 JEEPSTER

The words “Jeep” and ‘sports car” have rarely been spoken in the same breath, et alone applied to the same vehicle, et beginning in 1948, illys-Overland did just that in an effort to soften its Jeep line’s work-truck image and broaden its customer base by offering a sporty rear-wheel-drive phaeton—the Jeepster.

“It’s the new Jeepster. America’s greatest value in sports cars!” announced a 1949 brochure. It played up the vehicle’s dual personality for city and country driving, outing its “delightfully quick steering response; balanced weight distribution; exceptional (81⁄ 8- inch) road clearance; short body overhang; independent front suspension; airplane-type shocks,” and more. The copy also addressed the Jeepster’s “amazing gasoline economy! Owners report up to 30 miles or more per gallon.”

Standard was a 134-cu. in. “Go-Devil” L-head four-cylinder engine, acked by a Borg-Warner T-96 three-speed manual transmission, verdrive (standard in early 1949, ptional later in the year) and a 4.88:1-geared Dana/Spicer 23 rear axle.

Attached to the 104-inch-wheelbase chassis was a Willys Planadyne independent front suspension system and longitudinal leaf springs with a solid axle in the read. Bendix 9.9-inch drum brakes were used at the four wheels.

Designer Brooks Stevens bought the first one off the assembly line. By 1949, he Brooks Stevens designed Jeepster was in its sophomore model year. (Of the 19,132 total units built from 1949-1951, 949 was the rarest year, ith only 2,960 produced.) The advertising touted “A distinctly personal car…this dashing car is truly different.” Sales literature abounded with pictures of young people in Jeepsters going to football games or taking long rides in the country.

This Beautiful Example is finished in Stunning Fiesta Yellow with Exquisite Tan Ostrich Style Delux Interior. It underwent a recent restoration including exterior, nterior, op, rightwork, nd mechanics. Total investment exceeds $33,000.

Options include:

This Beautiful Jeepster was stated to be the last American production touring car. It is in Excellent Overall Condition and garners all the “oohs and aahs” anytime out.