We’ve known for years that there’s no better way to get the family over the river and through woods than in a capable SUV. We got started with the 1946 Willys-Overland Wagon. In two-wheel drive configuration, the Wagon could hold seven passengers and operate at a top speed of 65 miles per hour. Given the time, those were far from shabby figures.

At first, the Wagon was sold with a three-tone paint scheme that was designed to make the vehicle look like the wildly popular woody wagons produced by Detroit’s Big Three at the time. Four-wheel drive was introduced in 1949, but past that, the changes to the vehicle were slim until it was discontinued in 1965. Several different engines found their way under the Wagon’s pointed hood, but the most impressive piece of equipment on board was the folding tailgate. We hear that the innovation was responsible for the coining of the phrase “tailgate party.”

Now there’s something to be proud of.

We’re still digging through the Jeep® archives as part of our 70th anniversary celebration. Keep your eyes open for more information.