July 15 is an important date in Jeep history. In fact, it was on this date in 1941 that the U.S. government awarded Willys-Overland Motor Company the contract to build the Willy MB. Now, 75 years later, Jeep is celebrating by building a one-off Wrangler configured to look like its grandfather. This modern take on the original will roll off the same assembly line as the MB (minus the modernization and robots, of course), making the occasion even more sentimental.

“We are creating this unique Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute concept vehicle in celebration of the brand’s legendary history, and to demonstrate that 75 years later, today’s iconic Jeep Wrangler is instantly recognizable and clearly connected to the original Willys MB,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Since they were first produced in 1941, Jeep vehicles have been the authentic benchmark for off-road capability, having mastered more terrain, led more adventures and provided drivers more freedom than any other vehicle before or since.”

Manley is certainly right about the Jeep (and more specifically, the Wrangler) being the benchmark for off-road capability. Think about it – what over vehicle has remained so true to its original roots for more than 70 years? Not many. If fact, there are very little modifications needed to make this 2016 Wrangler look like a 1941 Willys MB. Let’s dive into the details below.

Update 07/18/2016: Jeep released a short video showing the Wrangler Salute Concept rolling off the assembly line. There are also interviews with Jeep executives and assembly line workers on the deep meaning this one-off Jeep carries.

Continue reading for the full review.

2016 Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Jeep Wrangler 75th Salute Concept
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 285
  • Torque: 260
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The changes to this 2016 Jeep Wrangler are surprisingly minimal. Jeep designers started with a two-door Wrangler Sport. The roll cage is left off – a simple task thanks to a few bolts. The doors are also off – something easily done by removing the two hinge pins, though it looks like the hinges and door striker have been shaved off. The bumpers are from the Jeep J8, the wartime Wrangler currently built for the Egyptian military. The classic steel wheels and 32-inch, non-directional tires are a familiar sight to those used to seeing Wrangler concept vehicles.

The paint job evokes the look of WWII-spec MBs thanks to the U.S. Star and numbering on the hood. Look closely though, and the numbers reveal today’s date – 2016/07/15. The 419 on the front bumper is the area code for the Toledo, Ohio assembly plant. It’s also interesting to note the rubber bump-stops on the hood for the folded windshield have been replaced with wood, recalling the Willys MB’s design.

All told, it’s a fantastic build that will undoubtedly remain a valued collectors piece in FCA’s possession.

Interior

2015 Jeep Staff Car Concept pictured

Jeep has not released any photos of the interior, but the low back canvas seats resembling those in the Willys MB are easily seen. Expect other small homages to the past like stamped metal placards resembling those on the Willys MB. Pictured here is the Jeep Staff Car from the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari. The Staff Car carried the same military-like styling as the 75th Anniversary Wrangler. Check out our full review of the Staff Car here.

Drivetrain

Jeep didn’t mess with the drivetrain of this 2016 Wrangler. That means its 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 still makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Jeep says this concept comes with the standard six-speed manual transmission. The standard Command-Trac 4WD system is also untouched. However, these stock parts give the Wrangler all the capability and agility it needs to conquer nearly any terrain from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli.

Conclusion

The Jeep is about as American as baseball and apple pie. It’s hard to find something that represents patriotism and heroism more purely in the automotive segment. Since 1941 and the battles against the Axis powers in World War II, the Jeep has solidified itself as a true national symbol of freedom and the fight to keep it.

The modern Jeep brand is doing its history justice by celebrating and commemorating these historic anniversaries. What’s far more important, remembering this history helps keep alive the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom all those years ago.

Happy anniversary, Jeep. We’re proud of you.