Stretch way back in the automobile history books and you’ll reach the chapter on Willys. The short version is that the little World War II multi-terrain capable model Willys designed is the reason we have the 2020 Jeep Wrangler.
The Willys-Overland company, by then known as the Kaiser Jeep Corporation was acquired by AMC in the 1960s. AMC was purchased renamed the Jeep Eagle Corporation in 1988 and was merged with Chrysler in 1990. When Chrysler was purchased by Fiat S.p.A in 2014, the Jeep brand continued, placing us where we are today.
The Jeepster name is an iconic part of Jeep history.Photo courtesy of FCA US LLC via Mopar Insiders
The Jeepster was originally made by Willys-Overland from 1948 to 1950, bridging the gap between the traditional Jeep for wartime and farm use and the typical passenger car of its time.
In 1966, the C-101 Jeepster Commando revived the name with a number of body styles: station wagon, convertible, pickup, and roadster. There was an available two-tone exterior and sliding rear window. By 1971, the company had removed all reference to the Jeepster name from its lineup.
Reporting by Mopar Insiders indicates that Jeep is bringing back the Jeepster name for a special edition Renegade model. How accurate the reporting is remains to be seen, but the website offers up a pretty solid list of specs that lead the AutomotiveMap team to believe it’s real.
The website says that the entry-level Jeep Renegade Sport will be offered in a Jeepster special edition. Its exterior will feature 19-inch Granite painted aluminum wheels, 235/45R19 BSW all-season tires, gloss black grille rings, and Jeepster door decals. The model will come with a paint of in Colorado Red, Black or buyer’s choice of three specialized colors (late availability).
Inside the crib is black cloth upholstered seating with accent color stitching, metal diamond speaker covers and vent bezels, Uconnect 4 with a 7.0-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, and remote start.
The models will run using the Renegade’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will come in front- and four-wheel drive configurations.
The website says that the Jeepster edition will add $1,895 to the sticker price of the Renegade Sport. The 2020 Jeep Renegade Jeepster is likely to start around $25,700 with the destination charge added in.
