The original 1962 Advertisement
CJ2A and Wagoneer Compared
When the first Wagoneer was announced in November, 1962, it truly started an automotive revolution. The impact of this momentous occasion is still being felt today in the form of the modern SUV craze. So what was the big deal?
As you probably know, at the end of World War II, American GIs came home, in love with the little four-wheel drive Jeeps originally designed by Bantam, produced by Willys and Ford. Willys offered these vehicles to the public and they were a huge hit and directly responsible for the invention of four-wheeling as a hobby. So it is safe to say Jeep had already become popular. We'll skip right on by the Willys All-Steel Wagon. Sorry folks.
Along came the Wagoneer, combining for the first time an impressive list of comfort, safety, and off-road features. A true four-door wagon offering four-wheel drive was a first. An automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes were unheard of luxury items. While it had impressive ground clearance, it was also billed as a comfortable car. The Tornado overhead cam engine was the first in America, far ahead of its time. For the first time, America had a luxury SUV.
In 2002 we celebrate the revolution, the evolution of the Jeep, and the many years to follow. How many other American cars have enjoyed a 29 year production run with so few cosmetic changes? How many four-wheel drive vehicles get under your skin like a Full Size Jeep? Well, that's why we're celebrating. There's only one.
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CJ2A and Wagoneer Compared |