[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/cult-classics-jeep-wrangler\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/cult-classics-jeep-wrangler\/","headline":"Cult Classics: Jeep Wrangler","name":"Cult Classics: Jeep Wrangler","description":"For this month’s Cult Classics, we’re focusing on a 4×4 icon; the Jeep Wrangler.\u00a0 The first Wrangler was not, technically speaking, a Wrangler. In the 1940\u2019s, Willys-Overland came up with a 4-wheel-drive army utility vehicle developed for use during the Second World War. From then it has evolved into one of the best selling off-roaders of all time and here we will look back at the history of the mighty Wrangler. Jeep MB This was often referred to as a […]","datePublished":"2018-02-12","dateModified":"2018-02-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Jeep-Wrangler-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Jeep-Wrangler-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/cult-classics-jeep-wrangler\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS","OFF ROADING"],"wordCount":452,"keywords":["4x4","classic car","Jeep","Jeep CJ-5","Jeep MB","Jeep Renegade CJ-7","Jeep Wrangler","Jeep Wrangler Unlimited"],"articleBody":"For this month’s Cult Classics, we’re focusing on a 4×4 icon; the Jeep Wrangler.\u00a0The first Wrangler was not, technically speaking, a Wrangler. In the 1940\u2019s, Willys-Overland came up with a 4-wheel-drive army utility vehicle developed for use during the Second World War. From then it has evolved into one of the best selling off-roaders of all time and here we will look back at the history of the mighty Wrangler.Jeep MBThis was often referred to as a \u201cjeep\u201d and it proved so successful that a version was soon developed for non-military purposes. So, the CJ Series was born and went through many evolutions, having initially been designed with agriculture in mind rather than day-to-day civilian driving. First there was the CJ-2A which was a reliable and unshakeable beast, followed by the CJ-4 (although this model never made it to production) and then the CJ-5.Jeep CJ-5This model was the first official Jeep in the range and was in production for close to 30 years, a pretty impressive run by anyone\u2019s standards.Jeep Renegade CJ-7After two more CJ\u2019s, came their replacement in. That\u2019s right, it was time for the first proper Wrangler to make an entrance. Those rectangular headlights on the YJ made it stand out from the crowd, however round ones made a come-back on the TJ 11 years later and this was widely regarded as a brilliant decision.Jeep Wrangler 1987The first generation YJ models have that iconic slotted grille and overall they proved immensely popular, selling over 557K units during their production run. Because of this positive reception, few changes were made until the 4×4 was updated in 1997 to give us the TJ, after a whole year where no Wranglers were produced at all. The Rubicon was introduced in 2003 and this trim is still much-loved by Jeep fans.Wrangler UnlimitedAfter the Wrangler Unlimited of 2004, it wasn\u2019t long before a big design overhaul was needed to help the brand stay ahead of the competition.2007 Jeep WranglerThe JK (2007) promised a more comfortable ride and was a super-sized Wrangler on a new, larger frame. For the third generation, a four-door model was welcomed by all which could transport up to five passengers.2018 Jeep WranglerNow we have reached the 4th gen, 2018 JL, a modern twist on the Wrangler we know and love. You needn\u2019t worry that it has strayed from the Jeep path, it still offers an unbeatable off-roading experience, just with added modern tech to help you on your way.Speaking of technology, the future of the Wrangler looks to be of a hybrid nature \u2013 soon you\u2019ll be plugging in rather than just filling the tank before a big adventure."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Off Road Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/off-road-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cult Classics: Jeep Wrangler","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/off-road-cars\/cult-classics-jeep-wrangler\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]