Phaeton
Chassis number: 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 the 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, was 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 that 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 was awarded the contract.

The Jeep served the army well during the Second World War. As peacetime approached, the Willys-Overland company saw potential in creating a civilian version. As early as 1942, the company began promoting its 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 vehicle's reserve. It sold for just over the estimated value, at $25,300 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan