This is a modern day Willys Jeep

Shapes don’t come much more iconic than the Willys Jeep. More than 600,000 of the boxy blighters were built during World War II. They did pretty much everything; from ambulances, reconnaissance vehicles, weapons carriers, wire layers and even acting as battlefield Ubers. 

They were designed to a strict brief; light enough to be lifted by four soldiers, have four-wheel drive and a wheelbase of 80 inches. It’s one of the most utilitarian machines ever built. And to celebrate its 75th birthday, and as a tribute to the Jeep’s military heritage, they’ve decided to make a modern-day, less functional homage out of a Wrangler.

Based on a two-door Wrangler Sport, this “75th Salute concept” has all the hallmarks but less of the charm of the original Willys MB. As you may’ve noticed, the B-pillars and doors have been binned, it’s painted in Action Man’s favourite colour – olive drab – and has been stickered in trendy military chic paraphernalia. 

Other military-esque details include 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 32-inch military non-directional tyres, hood latches, a rear-mounted spare tyre, steel front and rear bumpers with tow hooks and low back canvas seats – just like the old ones. You also may notice the custom wood hood blocks and side mirrors, as well as bronze commemorative fender badges.

Under the bonnet is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 connected to a six-speed manual ‘box. There’s no word on how much the 75th Salute concept will cost, or production numbers, but it will be built on the same assembly line in Toledo, Ohio, as all the other Wranglers.