1948 Willys RUST-FREE

RESTORED! Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

1949 Willys Jeepster Chassis no. U73127 The Willys-Overland Company produced more than 335,000 Jeeps for Allied forces between 1941 and 1945. It was fortune born of adversity, since prewar sales of Willys passenger cars had been minuscule, consistently among the least of the still viable manufacturers. Hopes for a postwar car faded as material shortages and labor troubles constrained the re-emerging auto industry. The first postwar Willys product was a civilian version of the Jeep, followed, in 1946, by an innovative all-steel station wagon. When visionary designer Brooks Stevens had penned the station wagon, he also put forth a proposal for a sports roadster similar to the station wagon, both of which, not coincidentally, would use many Jeep components already in production. The result was the Jeepster, a roadster-phaeton introduced in 1948. Powered by the war-proved 134 cubic inch "Go-Devil" L-head four engine, itself a refinement of the Whippet engine of 1927, the Jeepster came standard with overdrive and had seats for five. Priced at $1,886, it was competitive. What it lacked in creature comforts (there were no roll-up windows – only side curtains) it made up for in fun. The roadster idiom was reinforced with chrome step plates on each rear fender, enabling rear-seat passengers to hike themselves up over the side. More than 10,000 Jeepsters were sold in the first year. This first-year Jeepster is a wonderful driving and cosmetically restored car, suspected to be a California native from new. In 2009 the original L-head engine was rebuilt, and three-speed overdrive transmission and clutch, brakes, suspension and steering were all restored and work perfectly. All electrical systems work perfectly as do all gauges. The rust-free body of the car was repainted in the original red colour and a new tan interior added with fresh black carpet. The brightwork was all replated and a new tan canvas top was installed with new side curtains. The car was subject to a very recent service including carb rebuild and fluid change, and is ready to be immediately enjoyed.