The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler was inspired by the original go-anywhere beast that was a staple of the U.S. military.
U.S. military lore is filled with stories about the importance the Jeep played in World War II, the Korean War and even Vietnam. Some of those include tales of soldiers sending home the vehicles pieces at a time and reassembled upon their return because they loved the rugged beasts.
While an original military-style vehicle is now hard to find, Jeep is making it easier for aficionados to get their hands on something close with the 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler edition, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
“The new Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is a Jeep purist’s dream, delivering a Jeep vehicle that harkens back to the original, classic CJs of the 1940s,” said Mike Manley, CEO of Chrysler Group’s Jeep brand. “This new Jeep vehicle delivers pure functionality.”
The original Willys Overland jeep that inspired Jeep's latest introduction.
A quick look Willys Wrangler shows it’s only missing white stars on the doors and a cranky officer barking orders.
Powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque, the go-anywhere function that the original Willys Jeep was known for lives on, especially with a Dana 44 rear axle with a limited-slip rear differential, BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires, rock rails and other off-road necessary features.
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Special exterior design cues include a gloss black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin black “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal and “Willys” hood decals and unique high-gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels.
(Click Here for a look at the Jeepster.)
It comes standard with a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows. A premium Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top are available.
The Willys Wheeler edition is expected to hit dealers early next year with a price of $25,795 for the two-door models and $29,595 for the four-door version before delivery charges.