Willys Jeepster VJ2, 1948 Jeepster VJ2 | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

Phaeton
Chassis Num: 46376922

This 1948 Willys Jeepster Phaeton was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. There are two doors, a convertible top, and seating for four. It is a rust-free, fully restored example, finished in original color of yellow. Power is from the L-head engine that produces around 70 horsepower. There are four-wheel drum brakes and a three-speed manual gearbox.

The name 'Jeep' is generally accepted to have evolved from Ford. The general purpose vehicle, or 'GP' for short, were later formed into 'Jeep.' The Willys marque transformed this into their trademark.

In 1908, John North Willys purchased the Overland Automotive Company which was based in Indianapolis, Indiana. As production and sales increased, a new facility was needed. The Pope Toledo automobile manufacturing plate, located in Toledo, Ohio, provided the adequate space required.

In 1912, the Willys-Overland Company was formed and began producing the Willys-Knight series automobile. During the Great Depression, the company fell on hard times. It was reorganized and became Willys-Overland Motors Inc. in 1936.

Over 135 companies were invited to submit designs for a new military all-purpose vehicle which could be used by the army to traverse the toughest terrain. Only three companies answered the challenge: Ford, American Bantam, and Willys-Overland. An initial contract with American Bantan was awarded and 70 Jeeps were created. They proved to be unable to meet the standards and rigorous demands the army was searching for, so they accepted prototypes from the other two companies. Willys-Overland created the best example and were awarded the contract.

The Jeep served the army well during the Second World War. As peace time approached, the Willys-Overland company saw potential in creating a civilian version. As early as 1942, the company began promoting their versatile Jeep stating it was suitable for both work and recreation.

In 1948 the 2T and 4T model Jeepsters were introduced. They were designed by Brooks Stevens and given a two-door configuration. The cars shared the same chassis as the Jeep station wagon.

On auction day this 1948 Willys Jeepster found an interested buyer and one willing to satisfy the vehicles reserve. It sold for just over the estimated value, at $25,300 including buyer's premium.

1948 Willys Jeepster VJ2
Year	1948
Make	Willys
Model	Jeepster VJ2
Body Style	Phaeton
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Price	$1,760.00
Weight	2470 lbs \| 1120.4 kg
Combined MPG	0.00

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number	46376922

Engine [Optional Engines]
Engine Configuration	I
	L-Head
Cylinders	4
	Solid valve lifters
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	134.20 CU IN. \| 2199.5 cc. \| 2.2 L.
Horsepower	63.00 HP (46.4 KW) @ 4000.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio	39.2 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	28.6 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	6.48:1
Main Bearings	3
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	Carter WA1-613S 1-barrel carburetor
Block	Cast-iron
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears	3
Transmission	Manual
	with Overdrive

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1948 Willys Jeepster VJ2