7 Fun and Interesting Facts About the Jeep Wrangler
Jeep has a large fleet of signature cars, many of which have advanced and cool features for drivers to enjoy, along with a storied history. The Wrangler is among the most popular model, and has been since the late 1980s!
It’s been included in massive movies, TV, and other pop-culture mediums throughout the year, further boosting the automobile’s allure. If you’re on the fence about buying this iconic 4x4, check out these seven fun and interesting facts about the Jeep Wrangler!
Wartime Vehicle
You might know that the Wrangler we know and love today was inspired by military vehicles. Originally produced by the manufacturer Willys, early Jeeps were a durable and more powerful transportation option for soldiers during WWII. Many veterans preferred these vehicles when the war ended, and Willys responded by creating the CJ model, otherwise known as the “Civilian Jeep!”
More Wartime Facts!
So why did the military use Jeeps during WWII? A group of designers and car manufacturers, including Ford, Willys, and Bantam (owned by Karl Probst), were able to design the Jeep in only two days! This allowed them to produce the vehicle quickly and provide soldiers overseas with a superior automobile.
Name Origins
Have you ever wondered where the name “Jeep” came from? There are actually a few theories. Some believe the name was inspired because the original wartime vehicles were described as “General Purpose,” or GP for short—GP sounds like Jeep, and the name just stuck!
In all actuality, this theory is most likely false. Other theories point towards the Popeye character Eugene the Jeep. However, the world will never know the true origins of the name, which we think makes this vehicle all the more interesting!
All-Terrain Possibilities
We all know that Jeep Wranglers are highly capable of driving over rugged terrains and diverse surfaces. But did you also know that older Jeeps were used as Zamboni ice resurfacing machines from 1949 to 1964?
Some of these machines utilized the entire car, while others simply used the chassis. This helped advertise the Jeep to the general public and even led to Willys making modified vehicles for farming purposes!
That Iconic Slotted Grille
Jeep Wranglers, and all other Jeep models, typically feature that iconic slotted grille. However, that design was actually created by the father of automobiles Henry Ford! The seven-slotted grille was first featured on the Ford GP in 1941 (yes, another WWII vehicle). Jeep adopted the look in 1990, and the rest is history!
Godfather of 4x4s
The market is full of other off-roading 4x4s, including Land Rover, Toyota, and Ford vehicles. You can credit Jeep for inspiring the designs of these cars—even the first Land Rover prototype made in 1947 used a Jeep chassis. However, we think the Wrangler did it best!
A Star is Born
The Jeep Wrangler is a movie and TV star! In fact, this vehicle has made over a thousand appearances on the silver screen. The Grand Cherokee is the most acclaimed actor within Jeep’s fleet, having made nearly 1,500 appearances. The most recognizable instance of a Wrangler in a movie is of course the Jurassic Park franchise.
These seven fun and interesting facts about the Jeep Wrangler only further boost the appeal of this iconic vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these fun cars, consider our electric Jeep top hoist device for an improved off-roading and driving experience!