1950 WILLYS JEEPSTER HURRICANE C 1021 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. 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. 1950 The 1950 model year featured the VJ-3 Jeepster's first styling revisions that included a new instrument panel and redesigned front end featuring a V-shaped grille with horizontal chrome trim. A new model was introduced with reduced standard equipment at a lower price. Willys' L161 Lightning six-cylinder was offered in addition to the standard Go Devil four-cylinder engine. Features of this Jeepster are: 6 cyl 161hp Lighting F-head 8v 1bbl T-96 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive Dana 23 rear axle New Hartz Stay-fast canvas convertible top & 4 side curtain windows, New rear window New convertible top hardware New weatherstrip New boot New carpet New starter Rebuilt master cylinder New rear main seal New OO gauge 2/0 AWG copper battery cables & connectors New muffler New spark plug cables New spark plugs New flywheel New upper and lower step plates New pedal covers New stone guard plates New exhaust manifold New M chrome hood nameplate New (4) beauty rings New M fog lights New vintage cloth covered wiring (color coded) New front & rear shocks New M choke cable with Ivory knob Extensive receipts for seals, levers, knobs, and misc. parts. *If you are viewing this on Facebook, be sure to visit our website to view all photos. (www.amclassiccars.com)* GIVE US A CALL @ 909-596-5700 WITH ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE. OUR BUSINESS HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 9AM-4PM
