It's Pronounced Willis (as in Bruce)
The Jeepster was Willys-Overland Motors’ answer to the pent-up demand for new cars following the end of World War II. The company was trying to capitalize on the popularity of its iconic World War II Jeep, which served U.S. soldiers so well and in so many ways during the war years. The highly functional Jeep remained popular with outdoors men and farmers in the years immediately following the war, but Willys-Overland Motors knew its long-term profitability depended on developing a vehicle that appealed more to the general public, thus the idea of the sportier Jeepster was hatched.
Around 19,000 Jeepsters were made in the three years Willys-Overland Motors produced the vehicle.
Willys-Overland Motors ended up being purchased by Kaiser Manufacturing Co. in 1953. In 1963, the company dropped the Willys name to the chagrin of many, and became Kaiser-Jeep Corp. Six years later, in 1969, the company was acquired by American Motors. It later became part of Fiat Chrysler, which is now under the ownership of Stellantis.
One would argue that this was the great great-grandfather of all today's sport utility vehicles. It began here!
It's Pronounced Willis (as in Bruce)
The Jeepster was Willys-Overland Motors’ answer to the pent-up demand for new cars following the end of World War II. The company was trying to capitalize on the popularity of its iconic World War II Jeep, which served U.S. soldiers so well and in so many ways during the war years. The highly functional Jeep remained popular with outdoors men and farmers in the years immediately following the war, but Willys-Overland Motors knew its long-term profitability depended on developing a vehicle that appealed more to the general public, thus the idea of the sportier Jeepster was hatched.
Around 19,000 Jeepsters were made in the three years Willys-Overland Motors produced the vehicle.
Willys-Overland Motors ended up being purchased by Kaiser Manufacturing Co. in 1953. In 1963, the company dropped the Willys name to the chagrin of many, and became Kaiser-Jeep Corp. Six years later, in 1969, the company was acquired by American Motors. It later became part of Fiat Chrysler, which is now under the ownership of Stellantis.
One would argue that this was the great great-grandfather of all today's sport utility vehicles. It began here!