Auburn Hills, Mich. – – September 16, 2026 -- Jeep has unveiled the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a special edition that pays tribute to the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep vehicle built specifically for civilian buyers in 1945. The model is the 11th release in the brand's yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series and will be available to order in October.
Built on the Wrangler Rubicon platform, the JL-2A adds a package priced at an MSRP of $4,995, just $115 more than a similarly equipped Rubicon.
The original CJ-2A brought Jeep capability from the battlefield to the farm
In July 1945, Willys-Overland of Toledo, Ohio adapted the military Willys MB for civilian use, creating the CJ-2A. The vehicle introduced a tailgate, rear power takeoff, larger headlights and the now-iconic seven-slot grille, serving farms, ranches and industry. It also debuted bold postwar color pairings like Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels.
The Gobi paint color returns as a nod to the original's Harvest Tan finish
Exterior colors for the JL-2A include Gobi on the two-door and '41 on the four-door, alongside Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost and Joose. Exclusive 17-inch retro wheels painted Joose reference the CJ-2A's original Sunset Red wheels, paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires. Orange tow hooks front and rear, body-color fender flares and Dark Metallic Grey grille accents complete the look.
The cabin debuts a first-ever Wrangler color and material combination
Inside, Nappa Heritage Tan leather covers the seats and instrument-panel mid-bolster, paired with Bison Brown door panels, lower instrument panel and center console. Desert Orange accent stitching runs throughout the cabin, echoing the Joose-painted wheels outside.
Small details recreate the CJ-2A's original dashboard artwork
A satin chrome shifter medallion depicts the seven-slot grille on one side and a Willys silhouette on the other. A rear swing gate plaque recreates the CJ-2A's original dashboard data plate, complete with farm and factory imagery. Standard features include a Convenience Group with remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener and a front TrailCam with integrated washer.
Jeep brand CEO Branden Coté said the CJ-2A marked the moment the Jeep vehicle found a new purpose in American communities, and that the JL-2A carries that story forward through design details tied to the original.