The Jeep Wrangler has evolved a long way from its beginnings as a decommissioned military vehicle. The first civilian Jeeps went on sale in 1945, officially denoted as Willys-Overland CJ-2As, and the sturdy, simple vehicles appealed to rural buyers and returning soldiers. The go-anywhere Jeep didn’t just leave its mark on WWII–it all but created the sport-utility vehicle market. For 2014, a special-edition Wrangler takes the icon back to its purist roots. The Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition is all business.
The no-nonsense exterior features a blacked-out grille and bumpers, special badging and “Willys” decals on the hood. Seventeen-inch wheel s and a soft top are standard equipment. The iconic Jeep half-doors are also available. Of course, it’s not as sparse as the original CJ-2A, with standard satellite radio and a tire pressure monitor.
It’s the hardware that really matters. The Willys Wheeler Edition is equipped with a Dana 44 rear axle, limited-slip rear differential, 3.73 gears and BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain Tires. Rock rails protect the body from scrapes, and a Jeep Trail Rated Kit is included, so you’ve always got a tow strap and gloves. Command Trac four-wheel drive and a 3.6 liter V6 making 285 horsepower are standard equipment. The Willys Wheeler Edition is available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep’s new special edition will break cover this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. MSRPs start at $25,795 for the two-door and $29,595 for four-door Unlimited models.
