by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Take a look at the anniversary by year traditional gift list and you’ll see gold for the 50th, emerald for 55 and diamond for 60. Slide down a bit to 80 and, well, there really isn’t anything. Now obviously it is not everyday that people reach an 80th anniversary, so the blank space does make sense. But when you’ve been around since 1941 as a hugely important vehicle, and you hit your 80th anniversary, then you can pretty much pick that theme yourself.
And Jeep chose crystal. Specifically granite crystal.
The brand recently unveiled its 80th Anniversary Special Edition models, and while the it didn’t go crazy with any new parts, it did dress up both the Wrangler and Gladiator in that regal granite crystal finish complete with tungsten accents and metallic gray bezels. Grand Cherokee, Renegade, Cherokee and Compass are also included in the release.
Additionally, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced it would include its Jeep Wave premium service customer care program across the entire stable of Jeep vehicles beginning with the 2021 model year.
“After nearly 80 years, the Jeep brand remains true to the original SUV by continuing to deliver legendary 4x4 capability that has enabled countless adventures and open-air freedom,” said Jim Morrison, FCA’s Head of Jeep Brand . “As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re pleased to provide our customers with 80th Anniversary models that offer a unique appearance, great value and loads of safety and technology features.
“As a tribute to our unique, enthusiastic and growing customer base, we are expanding our Jeep Wave customer care program across the entire Jeep vehicle lineup,” Morrison added. “We are pleased to reward our loyal customers with Jeep Wave premium service that offers peace of mind and no-charge maintenance for three years.”
For Wrangler, the 80th Anniversary model will feature commemorative anniversary badging, body-colored fender flares, a premium soft top, and gray metallic grille bezels, headlight rings and fog lamp bezels. It will also feature 18-inch color-matched wheels wrapped with 32-inch Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires.
Inside the vehicle, Jeep placed black diamond embossed cloth seats with the 80th anniversary logo, tungsten stitching and gunmetal dash bolsters. It also gave the vehicle remote start and the top-level 8.4-inch touchscreen for its Uconnect infotainment system.
In case Granite Chrystal isn’t your thing, Jeep will also offer this special edition Wrangler in Bright White, Hella Yella, Black, Firecracker Red, Sting Gray, Sarge and Snazzberry.
Gladiator will see pretty much the same features as Wrangler in its 80th anniversary edition, including those 18-inch wheels and 32-inch Bridgestone Duelers, but Jeep's newest truck does add a color-matched hardtop and does away with both Hella Yella and Sting Gray while adding Hydro Blue as color choices.
As far as the company’s Jeep Wave Customer Care program, it will provide owners with three years of maintenance at Jeep dealerships, including oil changes and tire rotations, any time phone or online support, trip interruption and first-day rental coverage, and VIP access to special Jeep events during the year.
Anniversary edition vehicles have been a tradition for Jeep ever since the brand hit 60 years back in 2001, as they have released a 60th, 65th, 70th, and 75th edition through the years.
Jeep said all special edition anniversary vehicles will arrive in showrooms later this year with Wrangler starting at $35,990 ($39,490 for four-door models), plus $1,495 destination, and Gladiator at $41,740, plus $1,495 destination.
