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The origins of Jeep go back to 1941 when Willys-Overland Motor Co. was awarded the contract to build a light reconnaissance vehicle for the United States Army. On 15th July Jeep completed a special concept, the Wrangler 75th Salute, to mark the anniversary of the event that lead to the production of the Willys MB, better known as the Jeep.
Based on the Wrangler Sport the 75th Salute Jeep has a military-style makeover with olive drab paint and stencilled identification numbers. Just like the original MB there are no doors or B-pillars; steel bumpers with twin towing hooks and a rear-mounted spare wheel add to the retro-look, as do the 16-inch steel wheels. The interior features low-backed canvas seats and there are bronze badges on the front wings.
Original Jeeps used a side-valve, four cylinder engine that drove through a three-speed gearbox. This model is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 combined with a six-speed manual transmission.
Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand - FCA Global said: "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. 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."