1949 Willys Jeepster
This completely restored rust free version is a must see for any Jeep aficionado and has been completely restored and resto-modded. Purchased and retained by the family of our consignor since 1958, this was a family car until 1971 when it would no longer pass inspection. Thereafter it was parked, and in 2007 a restification was started in earnest with Ron Francis wiring, updated suspension, a 350ci crate engine, and power steering just to name a few niceties. We note 623 non verifiable miles on the odometer and the electrics have been changed to a 12 volt system and this drop top skate has the ability to wow the crowds as well as haul home some show winner trophies.
Exterior
The beneficiary of a frame off restoration, all rust is gone, and new steel replaces problem areas. A beautiful white now covers these panels, which are nice and straight, and have good gaps. The chrome is all polished and shiny with no signs of deterioration. A nicely preserved chromed "T" bar front grille embellishment/badge sets off the standard Jeep looking front of this truck? A chromed front split window surround goes nicely with the new black colored convertible top complete with snap on side curtains. This black adds a nice contrast to the white and frames the passenger compartment perfectly. Speaking of framing, a thin black band of steel, augmented by a polished stainless delineation strip, highlights the passenger compartment at the beltline and looks just stunning. Chromed red center badged "W" dog dish wheel covers with just a hint of black painted steel wheels underneath showing, are wrapped 225/75R15 blackwall rubber. At the back of this vehicle is an additional hanging spare tire covered with a matchy matchy wheel, cover and tire. Interestingly, the rechromed rear bumper sports Willys Overland script, which may well be a carryover piece from 1948 as there was a lawsuit in 1949 causing Willys to remove the Overland moniker. Nicely chromed step-up plates aid the passengers designed for the rear of this vehicle, and are embedded right into the body.
Interior
A bit of a climb up the chromed steps in front of the rear fender, then on the top of the fender, but it will be worth it, as this is a really fun driver. The front seats are split and have a 70/30 configuration as to seat back width. Black leather-like vinyl covers all the seating surfaces and is in pristine condition. It has wider tuck and roll panels to show it off a bit better and the real highlight is the white piping running the edges of the bolsters. The doors are painted in body matching white and have a black padded vinyl panel screwed on to them. The metal dash, also in white, has a rectangular dash insert with the gauge cluster. This cluster sports updated Stewart Warner gauges and nice plastic white steering wheel, complete with circular horn ring, fronts the dash. Beautiful red carpeting is shown throughout and we note a factory heater installed for those chilly morning drives. In back is a wide bench with overstuffed arm rests and is just as pristine as the rest of the interior.
Drivetrain
Floating within a well sorted out and restored engine bay is a pleasant surprise in the form of a 330hp 350ci GMPP HO V8 crate engine. It has a black painted block and is fed its liquid dinosaurs via a Holley 4-barrel carburetor sitting proudly atop an aluminum intake manifold. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission sends power rearward to a 10 bolt axle courtesy of a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Even with the much larger than original engine, there is plenty of room for wrenching if need be. Headers are on for the great exhale and we note the addition of power rack and pinion steering and power brakes with a dual reservoir master cylinder.
Undercarriage
Very clean, virtually rust free, and any repairs were made under here, it is hard to spot them. A sturdy X frame helps with the overall structural stability with the lack of a solid top. A Mustang II kit with coil overs is up front for the suspension, and a Fatman Fabrications ladder bar system with coil overs is on the rear. An upgrade to Power front disc brakes and power rear drums provide the stopping power.
Drive-Ability
As a previous consignor with one of these Willys said: "pump the sh*! of the accelerator, choke it and it will start". So, I used this exact procedure and it worked like a charm! The engine rolled right over, idled very smoothly with a menacing burble, and off we went. It drove great, and the top down was an extra bonus. Unlike the original, it will take your toupee off when you press the accelerator and with the updated suspension and brakes handling and stopping are on par with newer cars. A fully functional driver that is most definitely a fun drive that will turn heads. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A wonderful piece of automotive history, all buttoned up, modernized and upgraded on the body work, undercarriage, and engine. Not to mention the spacious and comfortable interior, this snazzy little post war pre SUV Jeepster is simply a blast...from the past.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dea
