1950 Willys Jeepster

It was fortune born of adversity, since their prewar sales of passenger cars had been minuscule, consistently among the least of the still viable manufacturers. Hopes for a postwar car faded as material shortages and labor troubles constrained the regrouping auto industry. Their first consumer product was a civilian version of the Jeep, followed, in 1946, by a nifty all-steel station wagon.

With the wagons, and an accompanying line of pickup trucks, selling well and the Jeep finding a ready market, Willys management started looking toward less utilitarian markets. When visionary designer Brooks Stevens had penned the station wagon, he also put forth 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.

Powered by the war-proved 134 cubic inch “Go-Devil” L-head four engine, itself a refinement of the Whippet engine of 1927, the Jeepster came standard with overdrive and had seats for five. Priced at $1,886, it was competitive with convertibles from the Low-Priced Three. 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. More than 10,000 Jeepsters were sold in the first year. For 1949, both an F-head version of the four and an L-head six were offered, the latter enlarged to 161 cubic inches and itself given an F head for 1950.

The front was freshened with a slightly pointed grille highlighted with horizontal chrome bars. Sales, however, languished, and never regained their 1948 level. The market segment was saturated.

Production halted at the end of 1950, with some left-over cars sold as 1951s. The idea, however, remained alive, and Willys’ successor Kaiser Jeep Corporation introduced a new four-wheel drive Jeepster, owing much to its ancestor, in 1967. This 1950 Jeepster is striking in deep black with red and black interior and a matched top in fabric with red piping.

The car has clearly been repainted and re-trimmed to a high standard and not used much since. It was recently driven to and from its catalog photography shoot, and started promptly, running well. These charismatic cars have long been a favorite ride for the Summer months, this example is sure to provide joy to the owner and anyone they pass!