For the GIs: ’49 Willys Jeepster Phaeton
The design of the Willys Phaeton is attributed to none other than Brook Stevens. He designed the beautiful Grand Turismo Hawk, the Excalbur and the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile. Willys thought they could inject some excitement into the line-up and cater to the returning GIs by adding the Phaeton. Turned out not to be a great idea. It was modestly successful. Part of the problem was Jeeps own reputation. People thought it would be this robust off-roader or beach buggy with seats for 4. It wasn’t. In fact it struggled at highway speeds and had marginal weather equipment. But today, the Jeepster or Phaeton has quite a following. Today’s is a little bit special because it has been owned by the same family for 50 years. The paint and interior are original and it has a nice patina going for it. Even the top is original. It runs pretty well according to the seller and the mileage is a scant 41,000. We wonder if there is a preservation class at the next national Willys meet? They are asking $17,500 and that is around a Condition 3.5 valuation. Click here for the listing.