More than 80 years after the Willys CJ-2A brought Jeep to civilians for the first time, the Jeep brand is going back to where it all began with the debut of the 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A, the 11th drop in the yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series, company officials stated in a press release.
“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 America,” said Branden Coté, Jeep brand CEO. “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 honoring the original through unmistakable design details and delivering the freedom, adventure and legendary capability that will take a new generation wherever the trail leads.”
From Battlefield to Back Forty
In July 1945, the Willys MB was adapted from the military to civilian life with the introduction of the Willys CJ-2A, the beginning of the “CJ,” or Civilian Jeep. Built by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio, the CJ-2A added practical features, including a tailgate and rear power takeoff, along with larger headlights and the now classic seven-slot grille.
Bold postwar color combinations, including Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels and Pasture Green with Autumn Yellow wheels, brought personality to the purpose-built workhorse and directly inspired its modern-day namesake, the release noted.
Classic Cues, Modern Capability
Using the 1945 Willys CJ-2A for inspiration, the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A reimagines the original’s colors and design cues with those of a modern Wrangler and its Trail Rated capability.
Exterior highlights include:
- A modern salute to the original CJ-2A’s color palette, led by Gobi on the two-door and ’41 on the four-door, with Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost and Joose also available; Gobi draws inspiration from the original’s Harvest Tan finish
- Exclusive 17-inch retro wheels painted Joose, a nod to the original Sunset Red wheels, paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires
- Body-color fender flares and three-piece hardtop create a clean, cohesive exterior
- Front and rear orange tow hooks add color and Jeep character
- Dark Metallic Grey grille accents give the seven-slot grille a modern look
Willys Woven In
Inside, the JL-2A features a newly developed, first-ever Wrangler interior color and material combination, bringing together premium materials, bold color and exclusive details inspired by the original, the company said.
Exclusive interior highlights include:
- Nappa Heritage Tan leather wraps the seats, along with Nappa PUR instrument-panel mid-bolster
- Bison Brown door panels, lower instrument panel and center console
- Desert Orange accent stitching featured throughout the cabin, creating a visual connection to the Joose-painted wheels
- Exclusive Willys-Overland satin chrome shifter medallion and heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics pay tribute to Jeep brand’s Willys roots, featuring the 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 rearview mirror and universal garage door opener
- Standard front TrailCam with integrated washer
The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A will be available to order in October, with a package MSRP of $4,995, delivering its unique content for $115 more than a similarly equipped Rubicon.