Jeep has spent decades drawing inspiration from its past, and understandably so. Few modern vehicles can trace their basic visual identity back more than 80 years while remaining instantly recognizable.
That history stretches well beyond military service. In 1945, Willys-Overland introduced the CJ-2A, adapting the battle-proven Jeep formula into a practical civilian vehicle designed to work on farms, ranches, and industrial sites.
Now Jeep is revisiting that important chapter with the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A as the 11th model in the brand’s Twelve 4 Twelve series, and this time the inspiration comes directly from the vehicle that established the Civilian Jeep lineage.
Rather than covering a Wrangler in retro badges and calling the job finished, Jeep has borrowed some of the CJ-2A’s most distinctive details. The result might be one of the most convincing Willys-inspired Wranglers yet.
Jeep Went Back To 1945
The original CJ-2A evolved from the military Willys MB but gained features better suited to civilian work, including a tailgate, rear power takeoff, and larger headlights. It also introduced the now-familiar seven-slot grille.
Its personality came partly from some wonderfully period-correct color combinations. Harvest Tan could be paired with Sunset Red wheels, while Pasture Green was available with contrasting Autumn Yellow wheels.
Those combinations directly influenced the new JL-2A. Gobi returns for 2027 and is offered on the two-door model as a modern interpretation of Harvest Tan, while the four-door can be ordered in Jeep’s military-inspired ’41 paint.
Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost, and Joose are also available. Body-color fender flares and a matching three-piece hardtop keep the overall appearance surprisingly clean.
Those Wheels Make The Look
Perhaps the most effective retro detail is the JL-2A’s exclusive set of 17-inch wheels. Finished in the orange-toned Joose color, they’re inspired by the Sunset Red wheels fitted to certain original CJ-2As.
Jeep pairs them with 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, while orange tow hooks at both ends continue the contrasting theme. Dark Metallic Grey accents around the seven-slot grille provide another subtle distinction from a regular Wrangler Rubicon.
The JL-2A isn’t simply an appearance package built on a basic Wrangler, either. Jeep uses the Rubicon as its foundation, meaning the retro styling comes attached to serious factory off-road capability.
The Willys References Continue Inside
Jeep has also created a Wrangler-first interior color combination specifically for the JL-2A. Nappa Heritage Tan leather covers the seats, while Bison Brown appears across the door panels, lower dashboard, and center console.
Desert Orange stitching ties the cabin to the brightly colored wheels outside. Smaller touches include a Willys-Overland satin chrome medallion on the shifter and heritage graphics incorporated into the HVAC vents.
One of the coolest details is found on the rear swing gate. Jeep has fitted an exclusive plaque recreating the artwork of the original CJ-2A dashboard data plate, including farm and factory scenes referencing the old Jeep’s working roots.
Modern conveniences haven’t been sacrificed for nostalgia. The Convenience Group comes standard with remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and universal garage-door opener, while a front TrailCam with an integrated washer is also included.
The Retro Treatment Costs $4,995
Jeep will begin taking orders for the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A in October. The special-edition package carries an MSRP of $4,995, which Jeep says is only $115 above a comparably equipped Rubicon once its additional equipment is factored in.
The JL-2A certainly doesn’t look exactly like a tiny postwar CJ, nor should it. Instead, Jeep has taken some of the original’s most charming details and applied them to a modern Wrangler without sacrificing what makes a Rubicon useful today.
For anyone who likes their Wrangler with a little extra history baked into the design, the JL-2A makes a convincing case for looking backward.