Jeep’s newest truck goes by a very old name.
The Willys Wheeler Edition Wrangler matches the most basic version of the 4x4 with heritage styling cues and a selection of off-road gear.
Willys-Overland was one of the automakers that built Jeeps for the U.S. Military during World War II and commercialized them for the civilian market in 1945.
The package includes a blacked-out grille, logos and 17-inch wheels come with military stencil-style “Willys” logos on the hood and a “4 Wheel Drive” rear tailgate decal.
Rock rails, a Dana 44 rear axle, limited slip rear differential and two-speed transfer case are standard, as is a “Trail Rated” bag filled with a D-ring, tow straps and gloves.
The Willys Wheeler edition Wrangler is powered by the same 3.6-liter V6 as all Wrangler models, and can be ordered with either a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic in two-door or four-door Unlimited versions.
A sunrider soft top is standard issue, and the package can be combined with any exterior color when it goes on sale early next year with a base price of $25,795, about three grand more than a base Wrangler Sport.
The Willys Wheeler Edition Wrangler will make its public debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show this week.