Jeep details 80th Anniversary Special Edition models

BORN from a necessity of war, the Jeep name has endured as an icon of durability and go-anywhere capability that is now being celebrated in its 80th year with a limited-edition range and a comprehensive customer care program called Jeep Wave.

The 80th Anniversary Special Edition models will offer Australians 80 Cherokees, 160 Wranglers and 160 Grand Cherokees priced from $51,941 plus on-road costs.

Features distinguishing the models include ‘80^th’ badges, unique alloy wheels, black leather upholstery with silver stitching, and for the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, Berber floor mats. 

The Cherokees also add a dual-pane panoramic sunroof while the Wrangler has a ‘Sky-One-Touch’ electric roof.

The Wrangler also has an exclusive Jeep 80th Anniversary swing gate plaque, paying homage to the original Willys Jeep that started production in 1941.

The anniversary range comes as standard with the Uconnect infotainment system accessed via an 8.4-inch touchscreen with a “Since 1941” script welcoming owners every time the engine is started.

Jeep Australia managing director Kevin Flynn said that since 1941, Jeeps “have been renowned for their unparalleled off-road capability and freedom.”

“Today, the Jeep range continues to drive best in class 4x4 leadership, as well as leading safety and convenience features, premium craftsmanship and exceptional on-road dynamics,” he said.

“We’re excited to mark eight decades of the Jeep brand with these limited-edition models and give Jeep customers the opportunity to own a piece of history.” 

Mr Flynn said that for the 80th anniversary, Jeep Australia has launched a comprehensive program for owners called Jeep Wave.

He said Jeep Wave had a comprehensive capped-price service program for new vehicles, a lifetime roadside assistance package for owners who service through Jeep, and a five-year or 100,000km factory warranty.

“Jeep Wave brings owners the utmost in care, and is strengthened by technical support of a team of fly-in experts, a price adjustment of over 17,000 parts and improved customer care,” he said.

Based on the Limited 3.2, the 80 Cherokee anniversary models are priced from $51,941 plus costs and are available in three colours; Bright White, Granite Crystal and Diamond Black with standard equipment including 18-inch wheels, Granite Crystal finish to the wheels, grille, badging, mirrors and roof rails, body-coloured wheel arch flares and sills.

Inside there is black leather upholstery with tungsten stitching, ‘80th Anniversary’ front seat tags and instrument panel badge, Berber floor mats, panoramic sunroof and gun-metal accents.

The Grand Cherokees meanwhile are based on the Limited trim level and will be available to 160 buyers from $66,941. 

Four colours will be available – Bright White, Granite Crystal, Diamond Black and Slate Blue – while standard kit highlights include 20-inch Granite Crystal alloy wheels, mirrors, grille, badges and accents.

Black leather seats with tungsten accents, front seat tags, Berber mats and a panoramic sunroof lead the interior highlights.

Priced from $71,941, the 160 Wrangler Unlimiteds can be had in either Bright White, Granite Crystal, Diamond Black and Sarge Green, all paired to Granite Crystal finished 18-inch alloys.

Based on the Wrangler Overland, other headline features include grey and black badging, a swing-gate plaque, black leather seats, console badge and the previously mentioned power roof.

Extra-cost options include premium paint priced at $695 to $795 depending on the model.