THE SEVEN SLOT LINE-UP
ALTHOUGH a detailed presentation of every Jeep model could consume several books, a celebration of Jeep’s 80th anniversary would not be complete without highlighting the vehicles that made it what it is today. Here we go, 1945 and the end of WWII to the turn of the 21st century.
1945 JEEP CJ-2A
AFTER the end of WWII, the success of the MB prompted Willys to focus on Jeeps and drop its car line. The CJ-2A was born (aka Universal), featuring larger headlights, softer springs, a relocated spare tire, and multiple colour options. By its phase-out in 1949 in lieu of the CJ-3A and 3B, more than 200,000 2As rolled out of the Toledo, Ohio, manufacturing plant.
1947 WILLYS PICKUP
WITH pickups becoming ever popular, Willys introduced the Jeep Truck, which would enjoy an 18-year tenure before being retired in 1965.
1948 JEEPSTER
ANOTHER Brook Stevens design, the Jeepster was a bit more luxurious, sportier and car-like than its brethren, and targeted the beach cruiser and country club crowd. While its bones were borrowed from the Willys Wagon, it featured soft touches such as whitewall tyres, sun visors, wind wings, and a convertible top.
1946 WILLYS WAGON
ONE can argue that the Willys Wagon, designed by the legendary Brook Stevens, was the first sports utility vehicle. It had two rows of seating, room for four, and cargo in the back. During the next 18 years (it was also manufactured in Argentina and Brazil through 1977) it underwent various design changes, engines and drivetrain systems, including 4WD in 1949. The Willys Wagon became an American icon of backcountry family adventures.
1955 CJ-5
AFTER Kaiser purchased Willys-overland in 1953, they rebranded the Korean War era M38-A1 for the civilian market. The beloved CJ-5 became the longest running Jeep to date, spanning 29 years, numerous wars, 4-bangers, 6-bangers and V8s, and chassis upgrades. By the end of production, more than 600,000 units had been delivered worldwide.
1963 GLADIATOR PICKUP
ONE of the most coveted Jeeps (if you can find one), the full-size J Series pickups became the workhorses of the farm, road and trail. Their aggressive forward-raked front clip may not have been aerodynamic, but it was pretty dang cool. It was also beefed up to a 1.25-ton (1.13-tonne) rating for military use and designated the M715.
1963 WAGONEER
IF the Willys Wagon was the first SUV, the Wagoneer took things to the next level in luxury. Sparing with the CJ-5, it too was produced for 29 years and had little competition. Based on the J series pickup chassis, it was available in two or four doors, accent lighting, woodgrain panels, an automatic transmission, and engines ranging from the Tornado 3.8-litre sixcylinder to a fire-breathing 401 cubic-inch V8. It would also be the inspiration for its smaller sibling the Cherokee XJ (19832001) and modern Grand Cherokee.