1948 Willys Jeepster -- THE American Classic!!

1948 Willys Description

The Willys Jeepster was manufactured by Willys Overland from 1948 until 1950 in Toledo Ohio (my home town). Famous designer Brooke Stevens envisioned a low-priced American sports car after the end of World War II. The car is patterned upon the World War II Army Jeep, which soldiers loved. The Jeepster has a phaeton-styled open body meaning the only glass is the windshield. Side curtains and a convertible top are used to enclose the vehicle. One of the photos attached shows President Truman's inaugural parade in Washington D.C. on January 20, 1949. A close look at the background shows that the secret service agents (or other persons) were riding in Jeepsters. While the photo is not in color, it looks like the Jeepsters have the Yellow/Black color combination. The car was ahead of its times as a great warm-weather beach car. Unfortunately most people lived in cold climates at the time and the car was very cold in winter months. Less than 20,000 Jeepsters were manufactured during the vehicle's life span from 1948 to 1950.
I have owned my 1948 Jeepster for about 40 years. I purchased it from a prior owner when I lived in Washington, D.C. and moved, along with my Jeepster, to Florida in 1997. The Jeepster has been garage-kept and driven infrequently. Over the last decade, the car has been driven less than 40 miles per year. Over the most recent 30 years, miles driven has been less than 100 miles per year. Car has been maintained regularly by a mechanic. It runs well, although it has not had a long road test in many years. It has been a big hit in our local Christmas parade! Canvas was replaced a couple of years ago but is like-new. I have an original radio that I have not installed; it needs restoration. Chrome was redone. Some minor paint chips. I have a few extra hub caps; some are reproductions. Not all components are original. For example, the engine is a Kaiser flat-head 6 cylinder, and I understand that the Jeepster originally was sold with a 4 cylinder engine; Kaiser was being sold in the same time-period. Speedometer and odometer do not function properly and total mileage in the vehicle is not known. The Yellow/Black color combination is the original formula obtained from Willys Overland. I recently had gas tank cleaned, coated on the inside to prevent deterioration, and painted on the outside.
This is a great American classic which I have treasured. I am selling it only because I rarely use it and do not expect to use it as I age. I hope a new owner will continue the preservation.