The annual Moab Easter Safari is a cool event if you like to go off-roading, but it's an equally important meeting if you're a big fan of Jeep SUVs. The event is usually packed with cool concept cars from the FCA-owned automaker, with most of them time-based on the popular Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. But, Jeep also built numerous restomods in recent years, including older versions of the Wrangler, the CJ, and even the Grand Wagoneer. For 2018, Jeep prepared a tribute to the 1966 Jeepster using the brand-new Wrangler. And it's an awesome two-door SUV which proves that Jeep should consider reviving the convertible pickup.

The Jeepster nameplate goes a long way back, having been introduced in 1948 by Willys-Overland Motors. Production ended in 1950, but the name was revived in 1966 by Kaiser-Jeep. The vehicle was actually known as the Jeepster Commando or C101; the Jeepster was turned into a small pickup truck aimed at the International Scout, Ford Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser. Production ended in 1973, and a replacement wasn't offered until 1981 when Jeep introduced the CJ-based Scrambler. The Jeepster concept is based on the latest Wrangler Rubicon and was put together using a range of Jeep Performance Parts. Let's have a closer look below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Wrangler Jeepster.

What makes the Jeep Wrangler Jeepster special

Despite the massive stance due to the big tires and the lift kit, the Wrangler Jeepster impersonates the original Jeepster model quite nicely. The two-tone paint is obviously the main reason for that, as it combined a vintage-inspired Firecracker Red body with a Bright White hard-top and windshield, and matching accents on the fender flares and the upper sections of the concept half doors. The windshield was raked back by 2.5 degrees to create a cropped and somewhat sportier look. The roof was also chopped off by two inches for a lower stance.

Beyond the color, which evokes the 1966 Jeepster, the modified Wrangler boasts a number of Jeep Performance Parts, starting with a vented, bulged engine hood and five- and seven-inch LED off-road lights. The latter is backed by the production LED foglamps in the steel bumper. Other additions include two-tone 17-inch wheels, tri-color Jeepster badges, and a black fuel door.

Inside the cabin, Jeep replaced the standard sport bar with a conceptual, tubular roll cage and added all-weather floor mats for enhanced practicality. For a premium touch, the Wrangler Jeepster received black Katzkin leather seats with red Jeep logos on the seatbacks and red stitching on the bolsters. More red accents similar to the exterior paint can be seen on the dashboard.

Finally, Jeep created concept storage packs mounted to the tailgate for transport of gear and supplies, including food, water, and tools. These packs feature a split design to accommodate the rearview camera.

While there's no word of what's under the hood (most likely a standard drivetrain), the Jeepster rides on a two-inch lift kit and aluminum body shocks. Of course, it's the massive, 37-inch BF Goodrich K02 tires that stand out and make the concept a full-fledged off-road vehicle, especially when compared to the original Jeepster.

References

Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

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