Photo: galleryhip.com, uspto.gov, image edited by autoevolution
The JK-gen Jeep Wrangler has been with us since 2007, meaning that by 2017, when an all-new generation of the off-road icon will debut, it will be 10 years old. But before the outgoing Wrangler will be phased out of production, the American automaker will prepare a number of special edition models, including a Golden Eagle anniversary model.
But first let’s go through a little bit of history. The last Jeep Wrangler Golden Eagle was a 2006 model year and was built in limited numbers between mid-year 2005 to 2006. Furthermore, it was an anniversary model, celebrating 65 years since the Willys MB US Army Jeep was introduced. A source close to the Jeep brand told us that 2016 is the year a 75th Anniversary Edition will arrive at dealerships nationwide.
Considering the new generation of the Wrangler is slated to drop by sometime in 2017, aluminum alloy body and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and all, a selection of farewell special editions of the current generation are in the pipeline, including the Golden Eagle 75th Anniversary. Furthermore, a US Patent and Trademark Office filing from from December 12th reads that Golden Eagle is classified under “Motor vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles, their structural parts, trim and badges.” Coincidence?
Just like its popular predecessors from 2006 and the CJ and SJ-based special editions from the ‘70s, the upcoming 75th Anniversary Golden Eagle will boast with off-road bits and bobs, including a good ol’ Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle wrapped in 30-inch rubber, to be really worthy of the “It’s a Jeep thing” tagline.
Considering the new generation of the Wrangler is slated to drop by sometime in 2017, aluminum alloy body and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and all, a selection of farewell special editions of the current generation are in the pipeline, including the Golden Eagle 75th Anniversary. Furthermore, a US Patent and Trademark Office filing from from December 12th reads that Golden Eagle is classified under “Motor vehicles, namely, passenger automobiles, their structural parts, trim and badges.” Coincidence?
So what’s there to expect from the upcoming anniversary model?
Well, not much is known about it at the present moment, but we have a hunch it’s going to be your typical Wrangler with a number of visual enhancements and a proper off-road package as well. In this regard, expect gold-painted aluminum wheels, Golden Eagle decals on the spare tire cover, hood and fenders, Golden Eagle embroidery and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 mated to either a stick shift or an auto.Just like its popular predecessors from 2006 and the CJ and SJ-based special editions from the ‘70s, the upcoming 75th Anniversary Golden Eagle will boast with off-road bits and bobs, including a good ol’ Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle wrapped in 30-inch rubber, to be really worthy of the “It’s a Jeep thing” tagline.
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