Each Friday on the Jeep_® Blog, we explore the Jeep brand’s iconic heritage by highlighting a different historical vehicle. This week’s vehicle is the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer.

The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was a revelation in luxury, innovation, and industry firsts (not unlike a certain award-winning luxury SUV from today). It was the father of all luxury 4×4 SUVs, with passenger-car styling, comfort, and convenience and the advantages of four-wheel drive.

The revolutionary Jeep Wagoneer was a pioneer, with industry firsts such as:

• The first automatic transmission in a 4×4 vehicle
• The first overhead-cam six cylinder truck engine
• The first 4×4 vehicle with an independent front suspension
• The first automatic full-time 4WD system

Originally available in two- and four-door body styles, the Wagoneer’s styling was modern and refreshing. Its impact? Legendary. The Jeep Wagoneer was the original luxury SUV.

Today, the Jeep Grand Cherokee continues the Jeep brand’s lineage of manufacturing groundbreaking vehicles that can Go Anywhere, Do Anything™.

Follow the Jeep Blog as we continue through the Jeep brand’s rich 1960s heritage during Heritage Fridays.