The 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition Is The Purist's Jeep

After debuting at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show, the latest special edition Wrangler will hit the showrooms early next year at $25,795. The Willys Wheeler is the purist's dream as Chrysler imagines it.

Based on the Wrangler Sport, this new Jeep focuses on upgraded hardware that serves a functional purpose, including a Dana 44 rear axle with limited-slip rear differential and 3.73 gears, BF Goodrich KM Mud Terrain LT255/75R17 tires, rock rails and a new Jeep Trail Rated Kit that includes a D-Ring, tow strap and gloves in a branded bag. This works with the 4x4 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio to improve its off-road capabilities.

Styling-wise, they looked at the Willys-Overland CJ-2A and CJ-3A from the forties...

...then put a gloss black grille with black Jeep badge, gloss black front and rear bumper appliques, historic satin black "4 Wheel Drive" rear tailgate decal and "Willys" hood decals, high-gloss black 17-inch aluminum wheels and a Sunrider soft top and deep-tint sunscreen rear windows on the base Wrangler Sport to make it look old school.

Powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 ft-lb or torque linked to a six-speed manual or an available five-speed automatic, the Willys Wheeler will be available in any Wrangler color and come with satellite radio as standard, with the Sunrider soft top and black-splatter Freedom Top remaining on the options list, just like the Wrangler's iconic half doors.

The two-door will start at $25,795, with the Unlimited costing almost four grand more at $29,595.

Sounds like a deal?

More in the press release.