Jeep is going back to its roots with its latest special-edition Wrangler.

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A is the 11th Wrangler model in the yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series that celebrates Jeep’s 85th anniversary.

This special-edition Wrangler celebrates the first civilian Jeep, the Willys CJ-2A. (CJ in the model name stands for “civilian Jeep”)

“The original CJ-2A represents a defining chapter in Jeep brand history. It is the moment the Jeep vehicle found a new purpose in communities across North America,” Jeep CEO Branden Coté said in a news release. “More than eight decades later, the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A brings that story full circle, carrying forward an iconic silhouette shaped by 85 years of continuous 4×4 leadership while honouring the original through unmistakable design details and delivering the freedom, adventure and legendary capability that will take a new generation wherever the trail leads.”

Civilian Jeep began life in 1945

The first civilian Jeep started its life in 1945. The military Willys MB was adapted for cvilian use with the introduction of the Willys CJ-2A.

It was built by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio.

The automaker said the 4×4 brought proven Jeep capability to farms, ranches and industries.

It was available in a variety of bold colours, which gave the little Jeep personality.

Modern-day interpretation of the original

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A reimagines the original by offering bold colours and using design cues that are reminiscent of the 1945 CJ.

Exterior highlights include:

• In a salute to the CJ-2A’s colour palette, the modern vehicle offers the Gobi colour on the two-door model and the ’41 colour on the four-door, as well as optional Bright White, Joose, Sting Gray, Ghost (late availability); Gobi draws inspiration from the original’s Harvest Tan finish
• Exclusive 17-inch retro wheels painted in Joose colour, a nod to the original Sunset Red wheels, paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires
• Body-colour fender flares and three-piece hardtop
• Front and rear orange tow hooks
• Dark Metallic Grey grille accents

Interior inspired by the original

Jeep said the modern vehicle uses premium materials along with bold colours and exclusive details that are inspired by the original.

Interior highlights include:

• Nappa Heritage Tan leather wraps the seats along with Nappa PUR instrument-panel mid-bolster, bringing warmth and premium craftsmanship to the cabin 

• Bison Brown door panels, lower instrument panel and centre console
• Desert Orange accent stitching throughout the cabin, creating a connection to the Joose-painted wheels
• Exclusive Willys-Overland satin chrome shifter medallion and heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics paying tribute to Jeep brand’s Willys roots and featuring the iconic seven-slot grille on one side and a Willys silhouette on the other
• Exclusive rear swing gate plaque recreates original CJ-2A dashboard data plate artwork, with farm and factory scenes recalling the vehicle’s original agricultural and industrial mission
• Standard Convenience Group with remote start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and universal garage door opener
• Standard front TrailCam with integrated washer

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A is available as a package that adds $6,995 to the price of the Wrangler. It will be available to order in October.

For more information, visit the Jeep Canada website.

More photos

---

More headlines