1949 Willys Jeepster Concours Restoration

The Willys-Overland Jeepster was a model created by Willys-Overland Motors between 1948 and 1950, aimed at bringing a more comfortable off-roader to the civilian market. Willys were already famous for their tough Jeeps which were doing stellar service in the Military. The Jeepster entered the market as a unique and distinctive-looking automobile with its two-door convertible bodywork. Interestingly, the Jeepster is not four-wheel-drive, but only the rear wheels are driven, thus it can be considered a sort of predecessor to the modern SUV! This 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster was found nine years ago by its specialist seller and has undergone a full nut-and-bolt restoration. In fact, it is the 120th Jeepster that the specialist has restored! It comes from Florida and has a mere 15 testing miles under its wheels after the restoration. The seller states that the wait time for such a restoration on a Jeepster is currently a year and a half, so why wait that long when this example is available.

Exterior and Interior

The Jeepster’s design was penned by American industrial designer Brooks Stevens, and it was built at the Toledo plant in Ohio. That’s where this 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster started life along with nearly 20,000 others. There’s no mistaking it for anything else, with the signature Jeep front end, coupled to a two-door, convertible body. This example is finished in an eye-catching Royal Blue Metallic paintwork with black beltline. The entire car, including the frame was stripped and undercoated before painting. All in, three coats of primer, two coats of Dupont base coat and three coats of Dupont Clear coat were applied before being cleaned and buffed to the lustrous shine you see. All chrome elements have been replaced or refurbished as well, to show quality. A high-grade canvas top, side curtains and boot top has been installed too. The interior is new as well and features black leather seats, a new steering wheel, new glasses, and rubbers, and restored and calibrated gauges. All factory wiring has been redone as well, with color coating to factory specs.

Engine

This 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster is equipped with the 2.2L (134ci) 134-L ‘Go-Devil’ carbureted in-line four-cylinder engine. Output was 60hp and 105 lb ft when new, and it drove the rear wheels through a three-speed manual with overdrive. This example has had its engine blueprinted and balanced, with a re-built crank, new pistons, rings, cams, valves, valve guides, valve seals and gaskets, main bearings, plugs, plug wires and exhaust. It’s also got a new clutch, pressure plate, brake cylinders, brake lines, shock absorbers and battery, as part of a long list.