Time Travel Back to the ’60s in the Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip

By Jonathon Klein March 23, 2018

1 of 9

jeep wagoneer roadtrip — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip rear — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip top — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip tires — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip side — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip trunk — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip grill — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip front dash — Image used with permission by copyright holder

jeep wagoneer roadtrip front dash closeup — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In the sort of idyllic retelling so common in movies and television, America was once the land of the road trip. That sense of escapism and cramming your kids, dog, and gear into a woefully unsafe station wagon and heading west, however, seems to have been lost in subsequent decades. Wishing to reignite that adoration, Jeep has built Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip and it looks better than nuclear-powered, time-traveling DeLorean.

Unlike other retro-cool modern vehicles — hello, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger — the Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip custom concept forgoes a modern redesign. At its core, this Wagoneer is the same Wagoneer built in 1965. That said, Jeep has reinforced the frame, swapped the front and rear axles for Dana 44 lockers, added four-link coilover suspension, and included a set of 17-inch steel wheels bathed in 33-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain tires.

jeep wagoneer roadtrip front view — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Likewise, the old-school steel body design hasn’t been touched. Jeep states, if changed, the charm would’ve been lost. We agree. It has been massaged to now include a slightly longer and wider track, larger fender flares, a freshened “razor” grille, and “Bottle Green” architectural glass all-way around. Jeep has also bequeathed the Wagonneer Roadtrip with a 5.7-liter V–8 engine coupled to a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Given these modifications, not only is the Wagoneer Roadtrip ready to cross the country, but do so either on tarmac or dirt or desert or through the thick mud off road.

jeep wagoneer roadtrip badge — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now for the unfortunate news. While other manufacturers have recently embraced reissuing classic automobiles from their respective back-catalogs — Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche — Jeep isn’t considering adding a production line for the Wagoneer Roadtrip. This lovely piece of nostalgic Americana remains a one-off concept built solely for the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari, the company’s annual extravaganza in Moab, Utah.

What we wouldn’t do, however, to grab the keys, throw a couple packs into the back, and head out onto the open road with one. Jeep, if you’re listening, we already have our killer road trip mix tape ready to go.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Jonathon is a former contributor to The Manual. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments…

Auto

We love this Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition with Slippery Sam graphics

the Triumph Trident 660 Tribute is affordable and approachable for new riders.

Triumph Motorcycles, known for its successful 3-cylinder bikes, launched a special edition model with an iconic color scheme. The 2024 Triumph Trident 660 Triple Tribute will only be available for one year. The special edition has a special color-matched fly screen and belly pan. The Triumph Shift Assist option included with the Tribute edition will be especially attractive to new riders. Earlier this year, Triumph released another model based on the same engine, the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 mid-weight sports bike.

Why the Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition matters

Auto

What does interval mean in Formula 1?

Time intervals have three different purposes in Formula 1.

Yuki Tsunoda driving a Formula One racecar for Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda.

Formula 1 racing is the top level of motorsports and is gaining fans rapidly in the United States. Since F1 racing began in 1950, it has always been an international competition. Formula 1 is governed by The Fedération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA F1 Regulations specify the technical, sporting, and financial operations of the ten teams in each year's F1 season. Some people find F1 racing hard to understand because certain terms aren't used in typical ways. For example, the word "interval" has three meanings in F1 racing, all related to time between cars, but for different purposes. We break out the three meanings of time intervals below.
Why time intervals are important in F1 racing

The time gaps between cars in Formula 1 races are often measured in fractions of a second as 20 cars speed around tracks, often reaching speeds over 200 mph. Sometimes, the time difference between the first and last cars finishing a race can be just a few seconds, showing how closely they compete. It's not unusual for cars to finish within tenths or hundredths of a second of each other, so timing is crucial in F1 racing.

Auto

Maserati rounds off its 2025 Folgore lineup with an electric GranCabrio

Maserati's sports convertible goes all-electric

Maserati GranCabrio Folgore

Maserati has unveiled the final piece of its 2024 electrification puzzle in the form of the GranCabrio Folgore -- an all-electric version of its new convertible. The battery-powered roadster was unveiled as part of “Folgore Days,” a celebration of Maserati’s new electric lineup held in Italy’s motor valley. Folgore Days itself is following on from the Formula E racing weekend at Misano World Circuit -- with Maserati being the only luxury brand represented in the electric racing series.

The Trident has gone all out with its latest offering, producing what it claims is the fastest electric convertible on the market. It can do 0-60 in 2.8 seconds and is capable of hitting speeds of just over 180 miles per hour. As with many of Maserati’s sportier offerings, “Corsa Mode” is available and is the easiest way to get the most out of your electric Maserati. The vehicle produces just over 750 horsepower, though with boost, this can briefly reach around 820 horsepower. So the GranCabrio sits alongside its hard-top sibling as the most powerful vehicle Maserati currently offers.