1948 Willys VJ Jeepster

1948 Willys VJ Jeepster

1948 Willys VJ Jeepster

The original Jeepster ("VJ" internally) was produced from 1948 through 1950, although some leftover models were sold under the 1951 model year. 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 as well as producing the new Jeep Wagon in 1946, and then the Jeep Truck in 1947. Realizing a gap in their product line up, Willys developed the Jeepster to crossover from their "utilitarian" type truck vehicles, to the automobile market. The car (form 1948 to 1950) was originally only offered with rear wheel drive, limiting its appeal with traditional Jeep fans. While its distinctive boxy styling (created by industrial designer Brooks Stevens) was a hit with critics, it did not catch on with the intended market. Sales were also limited by sparse advertising. In the end, just 19,132 original VJ Jeepsters were sold.

The VJ Jeepster was powered by the 62 hp (53 kW) "Go Devil" engine, a 134 in³ (2.2 L) straight-4 also used in the CJ. A 3-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive was used, as were drum brakes all around. The vehicle's front end and single transverse leaf spring suspension, was from the Willys Station Wagon, as was the rear driveline. The flat-topped rear fenders were copied from the Jeep truck line, as were the pair of longitudinal rear leaf springs.