Identification No. T111187

Willys recognized the appeal of the wartime jeep to soldiers returning to civilian life following World War II. They soon put into production a small run of Willys Jeep models for the public, including a pickup, one of America's first all-metal station wagons, and the Jeepster, which marked the other end of an evolutionary timeline. Styled by the legendary industrial designer Brooks Stevens and available with both four- and six-cylinder power, the four-passenger open Jeepster was the last traditional phaeton built by an American automaker. Ideal for the beach house or country home, it was, in many ways, the U.S. equivalent to the famed Fiat Jolly.

The Jeepster offered here is something of a Taylor family heirloom, having been previously owned by its current owner's father, Willard Taylor, also a noted enthusiast whose interests focused on interesting American automobiles. Mr. Taylor had employed it to tow his calliope and band organ in local parades. Finished in deep Luzon Red with a dark grey vinyl interior piped in red, it is complete with cardboard visors, a rear-view mirror, and Unity spotlights with side-view mirror, as well as a rear-mounted spare, back-up light, accessory grille guard, chrome step plates, and even the optional trailer hitch. Under the hood is found a four-cylinder engine, still in very original condition, alongside a Model A Spartan-type horn. At the time of cataloging, the Jeepster had recorded 31,845 miles.

A perfect ice cream-getter or equally well-suited to use at one's estate in Florida or Arizona this winter, this is a cheery little Jeepster, sure to provoke much joy among all who ride in it or see it at the local cars-and-coffee.