The Willys-Overland Jeepster is an automobile originally produced by Willys-Overland Motors from 1948 until 1950. It was developed to fill a gap in the company's product line, crossing over from their "utilitarian" proto SUVs and trucks to the passenger automobile market.

The Jeepster initially included numerous deluxe features and interior fittings in addition to a high level of standard equipment that cost extra on other automobiles. A total of almost 20,000 were manufactured.

The Jeepster name was revived in 1966 on a new model, the C-101 Jeepster Commando.

Background

After World War II, Jeep trademark owner, Willys (pronounced "WILL-iss"), began producing and marketing the "CJ" (for Civilian Jeep) to farmers, foresters, and others with similar utilitarian needs. The company also began producing the Jeep Wagon/Panel Utility/Pick-up 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. It was to expand its Jeep work truck focus and thus broaden Willys' customer base. The new sporty rear-wheel-drive-only model was to have a "dual personality for city and country driving" and marketing emphasized it as "America's greatest value in sports cars!"

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. The Jeepster had Willys' World War II-proven straight-4 "Go Devil" engine, and plastic side curtains, but its US$1,765 price was about the same as a Ford Super DeLuxe Club convertible with roll-down windows, fancier styling, and a V8 engine.

The car was only offered with rear-wheel drive, thus limiting its appeal to typical Jeep customers. Its distinctive boxy styling and performance were praised by automotive journalists. However, the Jeepster did not catch on with the intended market segment. Sales were also limited by sparse advertising and an insufficient dealer network.

The Jeepster's I-4 engine was rated at and coupled to a Borg-Warner T-96 3-speed manual transmission with an overdrive unit as standard. American Motors Corporation (AMC) purchased Kaiser's Jeep utility-vehicle operations in 1970 to complement its existing passenger-car business. The Jeepster was reengineered to use AMC engines ( or I6, or the V8). The Jeepster name was removed after 1971. For the 1972 model year, the wheelbase was extended and a facelift featured a unique full-width grille. Production of the Commando ended in 1973 in favor of the full-sized SJ Cherokee that was introduced for the 1974 model year.

See also

  • History of crossover SUVs
  • Kaiser Motors
  • Willys Jeep

Notes

References

  • Willys Overland Jeepster Club
  • Hurst Jeepster Pages
  • Jeepster History
  • Midstates Jeepster Association
  • Jeepster clubs