1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster



  • This Vehicle Has Sold


Visit our Store

Vehicle Information

VIN: XXXXXXXXXXU100326
Stock #: C2737
  • Body Style SUV
  • Exterior Color Fiesta Yellow
  • Interior Color Red
  • Mileage 4,279
  • Engine 4 Cyl - 134 L
  • Transmission Manual / Rear Wheel Drive
  • Fuel Type Gasoline

Dealer Comments

1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster
The Willys-Overland Jeepster is the lesser-known stablemate to the CJ (Civilian Jeep) that Willys began offering to consumers after World War II. While the CJ was a rough and durable go-anywhere machine, Willys realized that it didn't necessarily appeal to the broadest audience. To solve this, they tapped legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens to shape a second model that, in many ways, was the first-ever crossover utility vehicle. Known as the Jeepster, this unique vehicle was only sold from 1948 until 1951 and has become known for its unique design and robust drivetrain options. This 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster is finished in Fiesta Yellow with a red interior and shows just 4,279 miles since a complete restoration was finished.
Although the Jeepster was intended as a more shapely, road-focused vehicle, the design still has many hallmarks of the CJ Jeep. This was due in large part to the manufacturing limitations that Willys faced, with its body presses unable to produce more compound curves. One look at this example, and you can tell that the restoration was done quite well, the Fiesta Yellow paint compliments the shape well, and the chrome bumpers and grille accents shine nicely. This light Fiesta Yellow paint is accented by a chrome trim line just below the top of the cabin, with a black-painted accent that rims the passenger compartment. The consignor of has enthusiastically owned it since 2002 - he purchased it following mild restoration before setting to work on getting it brought up to much higher standards. The 15-inch black steel wheels are accented with polished hub caps and beauty rings and are wrapped in Firestone whitewall tires. A rear-mounted spare features the same wheel treatment and sits wrapped in a cover that shows off the chrome hubcap. A tan convertible top sits beneath a tan canvas tonneau and is simple to install and remove.
An important aspect of the restoration project, of course, was the interior, and the condition is quite remarkable. Both front and rear bench seats are upholstered in red vinyl with cream piping, and the door cards are wrapped in matching red vinyl. The dashboard is painted to match the exterior and features a centrally mounted speedometer with instrumentation measuring volts, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. A two-spoke steering wheel with a central horn ring is made of Bakelite, which resides behind the column-mounted 3-speed shifter. No roll-up windows here - just slide the side curtains into the doors and snap it into the convertible soft top.
Powering this Willys is a 134ci inline-4 known as the "Go Devil" that comes straight out of the military Jeeps of World War II. This engine utilized a flathead design and was renowned for its ease of maintenance and durability. Producing 63 horsepower, this engine was then routed through a 3-speed Borg-Warner gearbox with an overdrive unit to the rear wheels. The underpinnings were shared with the Willys Station Wagon of the time, meaning an independent front suspension and 4-wheel drum brakes. As this unit was restored to be quite faithful to the original vehicle, it retains its 6 Volt charging system with a generator (a special 6-volt battery tender is included with sale).
In its day, the Jeepster was not the sales success that Willys had hoped for, selling just 19,132 over 3 model years. That being said, it is a very recognizable car with a dedicated following thanks to its legendary dependability and unique Brooks Stevens styling. As a fun top-down cruiser, it's hard to think of a vehicle that will get more attention and questions for a very reasonable price, and the best part is you can bring the family with you.
Key Features
  • Nicely Restored Example in Appealing Colors
    • Fiesta Yellow Over Red Interior
  • 134ci Inline-4
  • 3-Speed Borg-Warner Transmission
    • Column Shifted
  • Chrome Bumpers
  • Chrome Wheel Trim and Whitewall Tires
  • Attractive Tan Convertible Top
    • Side Curtains
  • Centrally Mounted Gauge Cluster
Additional Information
  • Shop Manual
  • Some Restoration Invoices and Paperwork
  • Spare Engine Available Upon Request
  • 6-Volt Battery Tender
For more information on this 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster or any of our 150+ High-Performance, Exotic, Luxury, and Special Interest Cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 200+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!

All Features

The price for this vehicle as equipped does not include charges such as: License, Title, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes, Finance Charges, Credit Investigation, Optional Credit Insurance, Physical Damage or Liability Insurance, Delivery Fees, or a negotiable $200 Documentary Fee. Any and all equipment, trim, options, colors, ownership, or any other representations made must be verified with sales associate and company prior to the sale of the vehicle. All sales are final.

While every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this web site may not reflect all accurate vehicle items. All Inventory listed is subject to prior sale. The vehicle photo displayed may be an example only. Please see the dealer for details. Vehicles may be in transit or currently in production. Some vehicles shown with optional equipment. See the actual vehicle for complete accuracy of features, options & pricing. Because of the numerous possible combinations of vehicle models, styles, colors and options, the vehicle pictures on this site may not match your vehicle exactly; however, it will match as closely as possible. Some vehicle images shown are stock photos and may not reflect your exact choice of vehicle, color, trim and specification. Not responsible for pricing or typographical errors.

Virtual Inventory, Available Configurations and In-Transit inventory contains vehicles that have not actually been manufactured. These vehicles show consumers sample vehicles that may be available. Pricing, Options, Color and other data pertaining to these vehicles are provided for example only. All information pertaining to these vehicles should be independently verified through the dealer.