The Jeep Wrangler Origin Story

The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic symbol of American military and off-road history, and has been for almost 90 years. Its origin story starts in 1941 when the US Army issued an official request for a “light reconnaissance car.” This request was answered by three major automotive companies—American Bantam, Ford, and Willys-Overland—which all developed a “jeep” or “GP” (General Purpose Vehicle). The design chosen was the Bantam GP, and it was the foundation for the Jeep Wrangler of today.

During World War II, the Jeep was used to transport supplies, personnel, and weapons. It was able to traverse difficult terrain due to its 4-wheel drive system, whereas other vehicles had difficulty negotiating terrain. In the following years, the Jeep became an essential part of military operations. Its capabilities were extended to towing, water and bridging operations, and general transportation. The Jeep’s reputation and utility were so great that it was even deemed “the most useful vehicle ever made” by the Allied Forces.

After the war, Willys-Overland developed and produced civilian versions of the Jeep, and Jeep models became popular with off-road enthusiasts. The most notable model being the Jeep Wrangler, which was introduced in 1987. It was a smaller, but more powerful version of the CJ-7—the initially civilian version of the Jeep. The Wrangler was initially a two-door version, but eventually, four-door versions were produced as well. And while the Wrangler certainly took design cues from its military counterparts, it had received many upgrades and refinements over the years.

Today, the Jeep Wrangler stands as a timeless classic and an off-roading icon. The Wrangler is still being produced today, with the most recent iteration having more sophisticated technological features, enhanced interior comfort and enhanced off-road appearance. With its short wheelbase, 4-wheel-drive system and classic design, the Jeep Wrangler is certainly a vehicle deserving of its place in both military history and off-roading lore.