Pick of the Day: 1948 Willys Jeepster, a 2-wheel-drive classic

After World War II, Willys-Overland company sought out to design affordable passenger cars that bridged the gap between the large family station wagons and half-ton utility tucks. With automotive designer Brooks Stevens, the Ohio-based manufacturer built the Jeepster – an adventurous two-door vehicle lacking in curves.

In December 1947, before the Jeepster went into production, GM executive James Mooney described the Jeepster as “a dashing four-cylinder sports phaeton which has captured much of the elusive quality of Continental models.”

The Pick of the Day is a 1948 Willys Jeepster – a first-year model recently restored in a bold color scheme.

“With a recent resurgence in overlanding and off roading, this category of classic car has experienced a leap forward in the market value while providing you with a great platform to keep your money safe in a collectible such as this,” says the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dealer advertising the Jeepster on ClassicCars.com.  

The exterior is finished in yellow that the dealer notes is “near flawless” and accented with a black upper body and black convertible top that has plastic topping to protect against all weather conditions. With its large T-shaped grille and fenders taken from the Willys truck, automotive critics have praised the design.

Chrome features include the front and rear bumpers and the steps used to climb into the back seat of the Jeepster. This Jeepster sits on OEM steel wheels with chrome caps that are wrapped in modern Goodyear whitewall ties.

The interior is upholstered in brown vinyl seats and door panels, and the dash is sprayed in a glossy black paint matching the exterior.

“The two spoke steering wheel and shifter are off-white with chrome that separate the driver’s area from the rest of the cockpit with a little pop of color and chrome,” the dealer adds.

You’ll also find a modern Panasonic CD deck and stereo in the dash behind the steering wheel.

Power comes from a 134cid L-head 4-cylinder engine nicknamed the “Go-Devil,” which isn’t all that fitting as it only produces 63 horsepower. The engine pairs to a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission.

“Drives absolutely wonderful shifting through all gears and tracking down the road nicely,” the dealer says. “Brakes stop beautifully smooth and straight.”

The asking price for this Willys Jeepster is $30,866.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.