Jeep Jeepster

1948 to 1950 · Convertible (phaeton) · North America Past model

The Jeepster was Willys's try at a sporty open car: a two-wheel-drive phaeton styled by Brooks Stevens on Station Wagon mechanicals, with lots of standard equipment but side curtains in place of roll-up windows. It sold about 10,000 in its first year and far fewer after, and production ended in 1950 with roughly 19,000 built.

Generations, newest first

1948–1950
VJ

Jeep Jeepster (VJ)

Willys could not stamp deep, curvy panels, so Brooks Stevens built the Jeepster from mostly flat panels and parts already in use: the Station Wagon's Planadyne independent front suspension, drivetrain, steering, and brakes, and the truck's flat-topped rear fenders. Introduced in April 1948 at $1,765 with a long list of standard features, it was praised for its looks but hurt by a weak Go Devil four, a price close to that of a V8 Ford convertible, plastic side curtains, and no four-wheel drive. Willys cut the price and added a six for 1949, then gave it a new grille and the F-head Hurricane four in April 1950, but sales never recovered. Production ended in 1950, and leftover cars were sold as 1951 models.

Willys L-134 Go Devil L-head I4 · Willys L-148 Lightning L-head I6 · Willys F-134 Hurricane F-head I4 · Willys 161 cu in I6

2-door phaeton convertible

In the family

Came afterJeep Jeepster Commando (1967–1973)RelatedJeep Station Wagon (1946–1965)RelatedJeep Truck (1947–1965)