1951 Willys-Overland Jeepster

Description

With soldiers returning to civilian life following World War II, Willys-Overland would recognize the appeal of a road-going version of their familiar and dependable platform used for wartime Jeeps. A production run of Willys Jeep models made for the public would soon follow, including one of America’s first all-metal station wagons, and the Jeepster. Styled by the legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens and available with both four- and six-cylinder engines, the four-passenger open Jeepster was the last traditional phaeton built by an American automaker. This unique design featured flat panels from the cowl back, which gave the familiar lines of early wooden cars, despite the Jeepster having an all-steel body. After its introduction in 1946, a two-wheel drive pickup truck would follow the next year before the Jeepster would follow in 1948 with numerous deluxe features and interior options offered as standard equipment. Utilizing a compact wheelbase, the Jeepster offered a short turning radius, which was extremely useful for navigating thick dense traffic and easy parking.

Highlights 

• Finished in yellow over a black vinyl interior and a black vinyl folding soft top with red piping

• Powered by a “Hurricane” 134.2 cu-in inline-four-cylinder engine 

• It is reported that the car was restored by the previous owner in 2010, as per the consignor

• During the restoration, the body was refinished in the correct shade of yellow, the interior was reupholstered in addition to overhauling the engine and suspension

• Equipped with a Borg-Warner Electric Overdrive unit

• A classic Brooks Stevens design and the last true American phaeton 

• Since May 2023, the consignor has changed the engine oil and filter, flushed the coolant, and replaced the radiator and heater hoses in preparation for the sale

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 43,000 miles at the time of cataloging, the true mileage is unknown

Features 

• Borg-Warner three-speed manual transmission with column-mounted shifter 

• Independent front-wheel suspension with transverse semi-elliptic springs  

• Fifteen-inch wheels with trim rings and oversize hubcaps 

• Dual-spoke steering wheel

• Heater

• Lap-belts

• Chrome driver’s side exterior mirror

• Rear-mounted spare tire 

• Four-wheel drum brakes

• Glove box 

• Split front bench seat

• Vent windows

• Vacuum-operated wipers

Known Imperfections 

• Inoperablerative horn, speedometer, and odometer

Included 

• Speedometer cable

• Two spare wheels

• New steering wheel and horn ring

• Various gaskets and ignition parts

• Headlights 

• 6-volt indicator lights

• Original convertible top boot 

• Paperwork documenting the restoration

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1951 Willys Jeepster has relayed that they purchased the car in 2018. The previous owner, who had restored the car in 2010, retained the car until this time.