Based on the iconic 1965 model of the same name, the Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip Concept evokes long lost memories of idyllic rides through the country with family and gear in tow. Looking to recapture that magic, Jeep Design Chief Mark Allen tasked his team with the customization of a basket case 1965 Jeep Grand Wagoneer that he picked up for cheap.
The idea behind the build was to highlight the classic looks of the Jeep Wagoneer with a modern engine, subsystems and subtle clean up of the car. They started with a powertrain from an older model Ram pickup with a 5.7 liter V8, 4-speed automatic and Dana 44 locking axles. The frame was channeled and boxed for durability and a piece was added here and there from the Dodge and Jeep parts catalog. The end result is beautifully done and wowed the crowd at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah a couple years back.
And, it recently made it's way to "Jay Leno's Garage" where Jay got to give the car a detailed look and a drive through the streets of California. Let's give it a look.
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Jay Meet Jeep, Jeep Meet Jay
Jay starts off with a brief introduction of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept and the history behind the famed ride. It seems to be something that he's familiar with and he's obviously taken with the build. It echoes in style and vision his own Ford Bronco build that was unveiled at last year's SEMA. Understated, clean lines, modern power, and a no nonsense approach to car builds.
The whole car is so subtle and well done that you might miss a lot of the features which Jay's astute eye uncovers in his walkaround. Out on the road, Jay is similarly impressed with its manners and approachability. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if Jay undertook a Jeep build sometime in the future. Buckle up.
Source: Jay Leno's Garage