For automakers in general, there’s no better way to celebrate an anniversary than by creating a special- edition car for the occasion. So in honor of the 75th anniversary of the U.S. government awarding Willys-Overland Motor Co a contract for the original World War II-spec jeeps, Fiat Chrysler has put together a new commemorative concept called the Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute.
The Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute, announced Friday, was designed to be a throwback to the original Willys MBs that served the U.S. military for years starting in the Second World War. The concept, which is based on the current Wrangler, is a good bit faster and a good bit more advanced than that original bare-bones military transport—but the two off-roaders share the same soul.
To connect 2016 with 1941, the concept lacks B-pillars and doors, comes equipped with 16-inch steelies wearing 32-inch military-spec tires, and boasts exposed steel bumpers, tow hooks, and a number of retro fender badges. Additionally, the off-roader is painted in battlefield-friendly olive-drab green. The concept vehicle’s powertrain comes from a regular Wrangler Sport, which means the 75th anniversary car is driven by the slightly lethargic 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 motor and connected to a six-speed manual. Considering all the weight that has been shaved off the Wrangler platform, however, it should be a good bit quicker than the stock version.
Since this car will not be seeing production lines (and definitely won’t be seeing any battlefields), the only way you’re likely to see it is by flipping through the press images Jeep kindly provided. Or if you’re desperate enough, just go buy yourself a new Willys Wheeler Wrangler and take a hacksaw to it. We’ll leave that up to you.