GOAT episode 2: Jeep Wrangler, a mighty box

Shocked? Confused? I’d think so. Heck, I wasn’t very convinced if it was until I got thinking about it. This little box may not be “considered” the greatest, or one of. Yet. But hear me out and let me know if you change your mind by the end of this piece. In GOAT episode 2 we’re looking at the victorious Jeep Wrangler.

A war hero

The roots of the Wrangler can be dated all the way back to World War II. Willy Jeep built this small off-road, body on chassis vehicle, to transport people, weapons, and medical supplies to those in need. And hey, this underrated machine may actually have helped the Allies to victory.

And so it was that the first edition of the Wrangler joined the likes of Abdol Hossein Sardari in becoming a war hero. So when the war was over, why not bring it to the masses?

Bring-it-to-the-masses they did! Enter the Jeep CJ (Civilian Jeep). A military car for the average Jamal.

The one without a windshield and doors

You could drive the CJ with the windshield folded down and without doors. These things had part-time 4-wheel drive and performed brilliantly off-road.

It would become the world’s first mass-produced 4-wheel drive car for the masses. A war vet and the first 4wd, how much more convincing do you need?

A few versions of the CJ later, Jeep thought it was time to take things to the next level – the Wrangler. A name that would become synonymous with off-roading! A car geared towards exploring the unknown. A car designed to take the path least travelled. All the while retaining the original formula, and design cues, of the original CJ.

Again, like the CJ, you could drive this son of a beast with the roof and doors off, and the windshield out of the way. You could do all of that in your parking space in a couple of minutes too.

Jeep Wrangler: Built for functionality

All this talk about doorless cars must be freaking you out. But don’t worry, they’re totally utilitarian too. Want to pick up the kids and go chasing trails with the gang? The Wrangler sure can do! Want to get groceries at 12 and go dune-bashing at 2? The Wrangler can hella do.

There is even a version with a bed, called the Gladiator (are you not entertained!), if you want to summon your inner lumberjack and haul large strips of wood.

Never has a car been brought to the masses that can play so many roles. In a way, the Wrangler is a lot like a successful Adam Sandler (ouch). Sorry Mr. Sandler – the fizzibubleh will always be close to my heart.

Some famous Wrangler-owners

You’d totally expect butch tough guys like Tim McGraw, Floyd Mayweather and Harrison Ford to have a Wrangler variant sitting macho in their garages.

And after her recent scuffle with her own sister, which resulted in Kim Kardashian West trading blows with Kourtney, justifies her place on that list.

Finally, funnyman Kevin Hart is often spotted around Los Angeles in a customised Wrangler. Does he need a box to climb into it, though?

And that is why the wrangler need, nay, DESERVES to be among the greats. And, as always, #iwantone.

Change my mind, if you can!

That concludes GOAT episode 2: Jeep Wrangler. Jog your memory with GOAT episode 1, the 911!