WILLIE AND JOE WOULD APPROVE…
JEEP’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY WRANGLER
by Jim Corbran, Automotive Columnist
The first thought that came to mind when I read about Jeep’s Commemorative Wrangler 75th Anniversary Salute Concept Vehicle was “What would Willie and Joe think?”
Willie and Joe were two recurring characters in Bill Mauldin’s Up Front, a World War II editorial cartoon which appeared regularly in Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper which is still in print today. The two infantrymen were far from movie matinee idol types — they were dirty, tired, and, yes, scared soldiers who were more lifelike than most John Wayne film depictions. The wartime Willys-Overland Jeep was also a starring character in the Up Front series, almost one of the guys.
Jeep Commemorative Wrangler 75th Anniversary Salute Concept
Fiat Chrysler’s concept vehicle, from outward appearances, should make any WWII Army veteran drool. It’s simple, it’s tough, and best of all, it’s Olive Drab!
Based on the current Wrangler Sport, the concept is powered by a 3.6L V-6 and mated to a six-speed manual transmission. No B-pillars or doors give it that old-timey look, while plain 16-inch steel wheels are clad in 32-inch military non-directional tires. Also included are a rear-mounted spare tire, hood latches, steel front and rear bumpers with tow hooks, and low-back canvas seats. All design cues from the original, WWII-era Army Jeep.
Although this is just a concept vehicle, I’ll bet Jeep could make money selling these. Time to start writing letters!
Read more on the 75th anniversary concept, and a little wartime Jeep history, here.
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JEEP’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY WRANGLER” first appeared on Buffalo Cars
1944 Willys MB
