1949 Willys Jeepster

Lot Drives!! The words "Jeep" and "sports car" have rarely been spoken in the same breath, let alone applied to the same vehicle, yet beginning in 1948, Willys-Overland did just that in an effort to soften its Jeep line's work-truck image and broaden its customer base by offering a sporty rear-wheel-drive phaeton--the Jeepster. "It's the new Jeepster. America's greatest value in sports cars!" announced a 1949 brochure--the year of our featured model. It played up the vehicle's dual personality for city and country driving, touting its "delightfully quick steering response; balanced weight distribution; exceptional (81?8-inch) road clearance; short body overhang; independent front suspension; airplane-type shocks," and more. The copy also addressed the Jeepster's "Amazing gasoline economy! Owners report up to 30 miles or more per gallon.