1950 Willys Jeepster

The 'GP' had proven its worth, potential, and durability to American soldiers fighting in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945 they produced more than 335,000 Jeeps for Allied forces. After World War II, most automobile manufacturers picked up where they left off in 1941/42, however, Willys-Overland resumed civilian production with a series of (General Purpose or GP) Jeep-based vehicles. The first post-war passenger Willys-Overland product was a civilian version of the Jeep, followed by a Station Wagon, introduced in 1946 wearing an all-steel body painted to resemble a timber-framed 'Woodie.' Power was from a four-cylinder side-valve engine displacing 134.2 cubic inches. A more up-market six-cylinder Station Sedan was introduced in January 1948 together with the open-top two-door Jeepster, which had been penned in wartime by the American industrial designer, Brooks Stevens, inspired by the original military Jeep. It was a sporty vehicle with the unmistakable Jeep front end, and the cut-down upper edges on the doors inspired by the roadsters from the United Kingdom. The 134 cubic-inch inline 'Go-Devil' L-head four-cylinder engine, itself a refinement of the Whippet engine of 1927, offered 63 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed transmission with optional overdrive, four-wheel drum brakes, and a single transverse leaf-spring suspension. It was well equipped but somewhat expensive and only available with two-wheel drive. First offered in 1948, the Willys-Overland VJ, or commonly known as the Jeepster, wore a design penned by Brooks Stevens during the war and was built using the same chassis as the Jeep station wagon.

The Jeepster lacked creature comforts such as roll-up windows, but made up for in fun and 'miles of smiles.' There were step plates on each rear fender, enabling rear-seat passengers to enter the vehicle up over the sides.

For 1949, both an F-head version of the four and an L-head six were offered, the latter enlarged to 161 cubic inches and itself given an F-head for 1950. Exterior updates included a slightly pointed grille with horizontal chrome bars. By this point in history, many automakers were introducing new models with various body styles and configurations, resulting in the market becoming saturated. Sales of the Jeepster continued to decline resulting in production coming to an end at the close of 1950, with some leftover cars sold in 1951. The 'Jeep' idea and its fundamental purpose continued to live on with Willy's successor Kaiser Jeep Cooperation introducing a new four-wheel-drive Jeepster in 1967.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2020