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 Dan Vaughan

SUV

The Willys-Overland company attempted to stay in business in the postwar era by making civilian derivatives of its famed wartime Jeep. They began with the de-militarized CJ-2A and followed that with the industry's first steel-bodied station wagon. The Jaunty Jeepster was introduced in 1948.

The Jeepster was available for only two years and was built on the same platform as the Jeep Station Wagon. This example is brightly-trimmed and has rear-wheel drive, plus seating for five passengers. This touring car comes with a folding top and plastic side curtains. The engine is an inline L-head four-cylinder unit displacing 134.2 cubic inches and delivering 63 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drums.

by Dan Vaughan

SUV
Chassis number: 10825
Engine number: 48935

In the spring of 1948, the Jeepster was introduced, powered by a Go Devil inline four-cylinder engine that offered 63 horsepower. It wore a design courtesy of Brooks Stevens who designed the Jeepster to use the same chassis as the Jeep station wagon. In 1949, a six-cylinder engine was introduced as an option. Both the four and six-cylinder engine was backed by a three-speed manual transmission with an optional overdrive unit. In 1950, the Jeepster was updated with a newly designed grille, a new center-gauge dashboard, and a new wraparound rear bumper.

Just 1,778 examples of the Jeepster were powered by the Lightning six-cylinder engine in 1950. This particular example has a 134.2 cubic-inch four-cylinder engine offering 63 horsepower. It is finished in two-tone red and black with a red cloth interior with vinyl accents. It is equipped with snap-in side curtains, a folding white fabric topic, rear-mounted spare tire, whitewall tires, dual fog lamps, as well as dual spot lamps.

by Dan Vaughan

SUV
Chassis number: 673VJ11214

This 1950 Willys Jeepster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $25,000 - $35,000. It is powered by a 148.5 cubic-inch L-head 'Lightning Six' cylinder engine capable of producing just over 70 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drum brakes.

The Willys vehicle aided service greatly during The Second World War. Its versatility and toughness helped it traverse various types of terrain. By the close of the war, 362,841 examples of the Willys MB military vehicles had been created. Ford had created 277,896 of the Willys-designed General Purpose Willys (GPW).

After the war, Willys decided to resume civilian production. Many returning servicemen were eager to purchase one as they knew first-hand the vehicle's capabilities. A two-door Jeepster, designed by Brooks Stevens, was introduced in 1948 and shared a chassis with the Jeep station wagon. For 1950, there were minimal improvements such as to the front end, a new center-gauge dashboard design, and a wraparound rear bumper. It was offered with either a four- or six-cylinder engine and optional overdrive.

This example shown is one of only 1778 examples fitted with the six-cylinder engine. It has spent much of its life in Texas. It has been treated to a full restoration in the early 2000s. At the auction, the car found a new owner selling it for $44,000.

by Dan Vaughan

SUV
Chassis number: 673VJ 1064
Engine number: 1S 12038

This Jeepster is finished in black with a black and red interior. It rides on tall whitewall tires, chrome bumper guards, Willy's wheel discs, and a top piped in red to match the interior. The car has a lightweight open bodywork, a six-cylinder engine, and a short-ratio three-speed gearbox.

In the mid-2000s, the car was treated to a restoration that is reported to have cost approximately $60,000.

In 2010, this Willys Jeepster was offered for sale at Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $37,400, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

SUV
Chassis number: 1S14274

Willys built 19,132 original VJ-Series Jeepsters between 1948 and 1951 including 5,836 for 1950/51. This particular Willys Jeepster is one of 1,776 built for the 1950/51 with the 6-cylinder engine. Power was from the first-generation 'Lightning' L-head 'six' with 72 horsepower. It was given a restoration by its current owner in 2008 and original accessories include a Motorola radio, a working Willys spotlight, and a 1951 Colorado license plate.

This 1951 Willys Jeepster Phaeton has a three-speed manual transmission, leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan