The Jeep brand celebrated its 75th anniversary Friday with a World War II-themed Jeep Wrangler. It is amazing.
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The Jeep brand was originally created during World War II and was developed for military use. As a tribute to the brand’s profound history, Jeep created a one-of-a-kind Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle.
On July 15, 1941, Willy’s Overland Motor Company was awarded a contract by the United States government to build the Willy’s MB, later named “Jeep,” for military purposes. American Bantam was originally given the first contract because it met the proper specifications the military was looking for, but because Willys Overland used a more powerful engine and because there were claims that Bantam lacked production capacity to build on the scale needed for the United States Department of War, contracts were given by the U.S. Army to Willy’s Overland.
The Salute concept Wrangler highlights “function over form” which is something that the original Jeep military vehicles would use.
The olive-drab vehicle has no B-pillars, no roll bars and no doors. The vehicle also has 16 inch steel wheels with 32 inch non-directional tires.
To make the vehicle even more like the original Willy’s MB, the vehicle also features an exposed steel front and rear bumpers, canvas-covered seats sans headrests, and commemorative badging, as well as custom wood hood blocks and mirrors.
The Salute concept vehicle was also built on the same assembly line in Toledo, Ohio that the Wrangler has been built on for decades.
The vehicle will unfortunately not make it into production since it does not meet the modern safety requirements.
“We are creating this unique Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle in celebration of the brand’s legendary history, and to demonstrate that 75 years later, today’s iconic Jeep Wrangler is instantly recognizable and clearly connected to the original Willys MB,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Since they were first produced in 1941, Jeep vehicles have been the authentic benchmark for off-road capability, having mastered more terrain, led more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since.”
