JEEPSTER CONVERTIBLE STOCK 4CYL OD VINTAGE JEEP ROADSTER 1948 1950 1951 OVERLAND

After WWII Jeep trademark owner, Willys, believed that the market for the military-type Jeep would be limited to farmers and foresters, therefore they began producing the "CJ" (or Civilian Jeep) to fill this growing segment. Willys began producing the Jeep Wagon and Panel Utility in 1946, and the Jeep Truck in 1947.

Seeing a gap in their product lineup, Willys developed the Jeepster to crossover from their "utilitarian" trucks to the passenger automobile market. Willys-Overland lacked the machinery to form deep-drawn fenders or complicated shapes, so the vehicle had to use a simple and slab-sided design.Industrial designer Brooks Stevens styled a line of postwar vehicles for Willys using a common platform that included the Jeep pickup and station wagon, as well as a sporty two-door open car that he envisioned as a sports car for veterans of World War II.

The Willys-Overland Jeepster ("VJ" internally) was introduced in April 1948, and produced through 1950 Some leftover models were sold under the 1951 model year.

The basic Jeepster included numerous deluxe features and interior fittings in addition to a high level of standard equipment that cost extra on other automobiles. These included, among many others, whitewall tires, chrome hubcaps, with bright trim rings, sun visors, deluxe steering wheel, wind wings, locking glovebox, cigar lighter, and contenintal tire with fabric cover. The Jeepster had Willys' World War II-proven 134.2cuin (2.2L) straight four "Go Devil " engine, and plastic side curtains.

The car was only offered with rear wheel drive. Its distinctive boxy styling and performance were praised by automotive journalists. However, the Jeepster did not catch on with the intended market. Sales were also limited by sparse advertising and an insufficient dealer network.

The Jeepster's engine gave 63hp (47kW; 64PS), which was coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission with standard overdrive. The Planadyne single transverse leaf spring independent front suspensio, entire drivetrain, front end, rear suspension, steering, and four-wheel drum brakes were from the Willys Station Wagon. The flat-topped rear fenders were taken from the Jeep truck line.