Willys-Overland Jeepster
| Willys-Overland Jeepster | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Type | Early Crossover |
| Manufacturer | Willys-Overland Motors |
| Production | 1948–1950 |
| Assembly | Toledo, Ohio |
| Designer | Brooks Stevens |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door phaeton/convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 134.1 cu in (2.2 L) I4 148.5 cu in (2.4 L) I6 161 cu in (2.6 L) I6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual with overdrive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 104 in (2,642 mm) |
| Length | 174 in (4,420 mm) |
| Width | 69 in (1,753 mm) |
| Height | 62 in (1,575 mm) |
The Jeepster was an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 to 1950. It was the last phaeton produced by a major automaker.
The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando. American Motors (AMC), Willys-Overland's successor, removed Jeepster from the name for 1972, ending production after 1973.
After World War II, Jeep trademark owner, Willys, believed that the market for the military-type Jeep would be limited to farmers and foresters, therefore they began producing the "CJ" (or Civilian Jeep) to fill this growing segment. Willys began producing the Jeep Wagon and the Panel Utility in 1946, and the Jeep Truck in 1947.
Seeing a gap in their product lineup, Willys developed the Jeepster to crossover from their "utilitarian" trucks to the passenger automobile market. Willys-Overland lacked the machinery to form deep-drawn fenders or complicated shapes, so the vehicle had to use a simple and slab-sided design. Industrial designer Brooks Stevens styled a line of postwar vehicles for Willys using a common platform that included the Jeep pickup and station wagon, as well as a sporty two-door open car that he envisioned as a sports car for veterans of World War II.
The Willys-Overland Jeepster ("VJ" internally) was introduced in April 1948, and produced through 1950. Some leftover models were sold under the 1951 model year.
The basic 1948 Jeepster included numerous deluxe features and interior fittings in addition to a high level of standard equipment that cost extra on other automobiles. These included, among many others, whitewall tires, hubcaps with bright trim rings, sun visors, deluxe steering wheel, wind wings, locking glovebox, cigar lighter, as well a continental tire with a fabric cover. The Jeepster had a 4-cylinder engine and plastic side curtains, but its $1,765 price was about the same as a Ford Super DeLuxe club convertible with roll-down windows, as well as fancier styling and a V8 engine.
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Wikipedia