134ci "GoDevil" 4-Cylinder
Single Down Draft Carburetor
65hp
3-Speed Transmission w/ Over Drive
4-Wheel Hydraulic Brakes

*Fun sporty Jeep
*Reliable and very simple Jeep drive train
*Nice older restoration
*Fully open 5-passenger car

THE WILLYS

The Willys-Overland Company had a good war, producing more than 335,000 Jeeps for Allied forces between 1941 and 1945. As WWII drew to a close, attention was quickly moving from the conflict and the vehicles required for it to peacetime and the future of the automobile. Now recognizable the world over as rugged, reliable, and sturdy trucks, the Willys Jeep had obvious appeal among the utilitarian markets, and its wagons and pickups introduced in 1946 sold well, although the larger and less utilitarian markets eluded them. The task of turning the mountain man that was the backbone of the Allies into a civilized urban gentleman fell on the shoulders of the very capable visionary designer Brooks Stevens.

Stevens had designed the wagon that was already selling well. In addition to that he had presented a proposal for a sports roadster similar to the station wagon, both of which, not coincidentally, would use many Jeep components already in production. Thus was born the Jeepster, introduced in 1948.

Initially powered by a 134 cubic-inch engine of pre-WWII provenance, by 1950 the reliable 161 cubic-inch F-head unit powered the Jeepster. Competitively priced and relatively Spartan, what it lacked in creature comforts (there were no roll-up windows – only side curtains) it made up for in fun. The roadster idiom was reinforced with chrome stepplates on each rear fender, enabling rear-seat passengers to hike themselves up over the side.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fun Jeepster is a nice older restored example. In good running order and with cosmetics that show well, they are not so perfect that one would need to be precious about it. The Jeepster is fully equipped with all of its side curtains for any inclement weather you might encounter.

Powered by the venerable "Go-Devil" 134ci L-head engine that is surprisingly peppy, the engine drives an easy-to-shift synchronized transmission. The interior features a folding split bench-seat that allows easy access to the back seat. The wide body is very roomy and piling six people into one of these is not unheard of. A full complement of original literature is also included with the Jeepster.

One of the best beach cars out there, Willys Jeepsters are great value today. These sturdy machines are great fun to drive and turn heads were ever they go.