First Look: 2005 Jeep TJ Willys
You'll have to hurry. Supplies are limited.
By Sue Mead
Photography by The Manufacturers
Are you a World War II buff? Want to support today's troops on your daily commute? If so, the new Jeep Wrangler Willys might be the ride for you, but you'll have to hurry. Supplies are limited.
Known throughout the world, the U.S.-Army-commissioned Willys MB still represents the spirit of battle and the fight for freedom. Parlaying its legendary World War II history into a special-edition model (six decades later), Jeep offers a trailworthy 4x4 with several unique and historically accurate details.
Designed for collectors, veterans, and outdoor adventurers, the new version of the Jeep Wrangler Willys comes in Moss Green, with dark-green Styled Steel wheels with black inserts, and super-tough dark-green rockrails borrowed from the Wrangler Rubicon.
Its warrior heart is Jeep's 4.0-liter Powertech I-6 engine, with a five-speed manual transmission and heavy-duty Quadra-Coil suspension. Standard issue is Jeep's Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system and plenty of ground clearance along with healthy approach, departure, and breakover angles, whether you're a weekend warrior or have the soul of a GI.
Included with the Willys option package (coded ASY) is a Willys decal for the front, body-colored fender flares, dual tow hooks, foglamps, full-size spare with matching wheel, removable metal half-doors and fold-down windshield, AM/FM stereo with CD player and seven speakers, and subwoofer in the locking center console, which has four cupholders. The package also comes with water-resistant camouflage seating, weather-resistant electronics, and a dark-green soft-top.
You can make this trail machine even more nostalgic with a limited-availability Willys Accessory Package from Mopar. This dealer-installed package includes an authentic stenciled military-style star decal for the hood, ID decals for both sides of the hood, a "Fuel" decal for placement above the fuel-filler cap, foglight mesh covers, and taillamp guards.
Be a soldier and sign up with your local dealer. Jeep sold approximately 1000 units in 2004 and hopes to double that amount for the 2005 model year, so you'll have to be fast. As a result of the limited run, pricing will likely carry a premium; however, MSRP is $21,700, not including destination.