Lot Drives!! The words "Jeep" and "sports car" have rarely been spoken in the same breath, let alone applied to the same vehicle, yet beginning in 1948, Willys-Overland did just that in an effort to soften its Jeep line's work-truck image and broaden its customer base by offering a sporty rear-wheel-drive phaeton--the Jeepster. "It's the new Jeepster. America's greatest value in sports cars!" announced a 1949 brochure--the year of our featured model. It played up the vehicle's dual personality for city and country driving, touting its "delightfully quick steering response; balanced weight distribution; exceptional (81?8-inch) road clearance; short body overhang; independent front suspension; airplane-type shocks," and more. The copy also addressed the Jeepster's "Amazing gasoline economy! Owners report up to 30 miles or more per gallon.