148.5ci "Lightning" L-Head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
72bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf-Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Designed by renowned industrial designer, Brooks Stevens
*Continuing to benefit from restoration prior to acquisition
*Original Motorola radio, Willys spotlight and 1951 CO plate
*Offered from a respected museum collection of landmark autos

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Soon after entering service, the ubiquitous Jeep proved far more capable and adaptable than its original concept as a military-reconnaissance car suggested, with far greater produced during WW II than the few thousand originally contemplated. By the end of wartime, Willys had produced nearly 363,000 examples of its final 'MB' alone, while Ford Motor Company built almost 278,000 of the Willys-designed GPW (General Purpose Willys) Jeeps. Beloved by legions of GIs, the Jeep was hailed by U.S. General George C. Marshall as "America's greatest contribution to modern warfare."

With the long-awaited return to peacetime, Willys based its initial civilian automobile production efforts on a series of Jeep-based vehicles. The open-air, two-door Jeepster Phaeton was designed by fast-rising industrial designer Brooks Stevens during the war and shared its chassis with the concurrent Jeep station wagon. Even with an unmistakable Jeep-derived frontal motif, styling was quite sporty, with such up-to-date stylistic cues as rakish cut-down doors inspired by the little sports roadsters coming out of the UK after the war. The original VJ-Series Jeepster was introduced on May 3, 1948, initially powered by the 134-cid, F-head "Go Devil" four-cylinder engine developing 62 horsepower. Beginning with the VJ-3 Jeepster in July 1949, the 72-HP L-head "Lightning Six" was also available, with overdrive optional.

Despite its winning attributes, the Jeepster was a surprisingly slow seller for Willys, with the initial 1948 models the most successful, due in part to growing competition for sales in the slowing postwar "seller's market" for new automobiles. Following discontinuation in 1951, the Jeepster Phaeton's basic essence would return in the mid-1960s with the Jeepster Commando.

Rather rare as one of only 19,132 original VJ-Series Jeepsters produced in all 1948-51 and just 5,836 built for 1950-51, this 1950 Willys Jeepster is one of 1,776 built for 1950-51 with 6-cylinder power. Powered by the first-generation "Lightning" L-head 'six' with 72 horsepower, this captivating 1950 Willys Jeepster was restored before the current owner acquired it in 2008 and placed it into a private collection. Desirable accessories include an original Motorola radio, working Willys spotlight and 1951 Colorado license plate. Charming and benefiting from collector ownership and care, this 1951 Willys Jeepster Phaeton exemplifies the early versatility of the world-famous Jeep.