After World War II, many GIs returned to America with a fondness for the little truck credited with helping win the war; the Jeep. Willys, which owned the Jeep trademark, decided it was the perfect time to capitalize on the post-war love of all things Jeep. Thus came about the short-lived Jeepster, a sort of crossover car-SUV that lasted just four model years.
Jeepster fans are few in number but fiercely loyal, though if any have pockets deep enough to buy today’s eBay find remains to be scene. This custom, one-off 1949 Willys-Overland Jeepster “Phaeton” is perhaps the car that should have been built in the first place.
The original Jeepster came with a 3-speed manual transmission, a 62 horsepower four-cylinder engine, and very flat styling. This custom Jeepster, built by JeepsterJim.com, has a Chevy 350 V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission instead, giving this ride a lot more oomph.
The styling has been altered via a 3-inch chop, shortened front fenders, and custom steel runningboards molded to the body. There are plenty of other exterior modifications that are subtle alone but together make a big difference in the styling. At $75,000 though, this Jeepster is quite the investment, and most people probably won’t recognize it. They will however recognize the custom ‘77 Harley shovelhead bobber, and custom trailer that come along with the auction.
It’s a unique ride to be sure, but for $75k, would you take this Jeepster over a more popular street rod?