1950 Willys Jeepster

2dr Phaeton Convertible

4-cyl. 134cid/63hp 1bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$21,900*

-3.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10k$15k$20kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1948-1951 Willys Jeepster stats
Highest sale
$54,000
Lowest sale
$2,970
Most recent sale
$27,000
Sales
313

Photos

18 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1950 Willys Jeepster 2dr Phaeton Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1950 Willys Jeepster from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1950 Willys Jeepster values

Model overview

Model description

The Willys Jeepster was an ingenious design by Brooks Stevens, which combined a four-passenger phaeton with soft top that evoked the appearance of the wartime Jeep. The model was introduced in May 1948 with the thinking that returning GIs would be sentimentally attached to the appearance. Most GIs, however, were looking to move beyond the military, and sales were disappointing.

The VJ2 Willys Jeepster offered few options, and the first ones had a 134-cid four-cylinder "Go Devil" L-head engine. This engine was well suited to the Jeep, which was smaller, lighter, and designed to slowly navigate difficult terrain, but was not optimized to carry four people at anything above 50 mph on the highway. Transmission was a three-speed manual with optional overdrive. In 1950, the engine was replaced by the "Hurricane" F-head engine of the same displacement.

Willys introduced an up-rated Jeepster in January 1949, and a 148-cid, 72-hp six-cylinder, side-valve engine became optional in July 1949. For 1950, the Jeepster received a facelift to become the Second Series VJ3 model. The grille became more V-shaped, with five horizontal bars. Some accessories were available, like bumper guards and wheel trim rings, and overdrive was still optional. The VJ2 and VJ3 models were sold side-by-side. No 1951 Jeepsters were built, but leftover 1950 vehicles were sold as 1951 models until the Jeepster was officially discontinued in July.

The Willys Jeepster’s biggest problem is similar to that of the Mini Moke and the VW Thing. Long after their initial production run, these vehicles utility and practicality is limited. Like its peers, the Jeepster looks rugged and off-road capable but isn’t. It has basic construction and poor all-weather equipment, and struggles to keep up with modern highway traffic. Fewer than 20,000 were built and many were up-rated with small-block Ford or GM V-8 engines, which can make stock examples difficult to source. The Jeepster has an undeniable charm, though, and has nearly universal acceptance among car enthusiasts, equally welcome in the company of hot rods as it is at Pebble Beach. They make cheerful summer cruisers and are simple to maintain, which make them worth the hunt.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length174.8 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches104 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1950 Willys Jeepster can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,300 for a 1950 Willys Jeepster in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1950 Willys Jeepster at auction over the last three years was $37,800. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1950 Willys Jeepster at auction over the last three years was $9,904. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 14 1950 Willys Jeepsters sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1950 Willys Jeepster was $36,300 on December 07, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.