7 Tips to Building Out an Iconic 75th Edition Wrangler

By Marcus Amick - August 17, 2016

Jeep Wrangler 75th (lead photo)

Given that the beloved JK will soon be replaced by a new platform dubbed the “JL,” there’s a good chance that the current generation Jeep Wrangler will wind up being a collectible.

Of course, the question is: exactly which models? It’s a list that’s probably debatable, but one model that’s certain to be a contender is the 2016 Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition. And for good reason, as we learned after spending a few days with one of the specialty models. But the test drive also prompted a few must dos if you’re considering buying one of the specialty Wranglers, which we think will enhance the Jeep’s iconic appeal down the road.

Jeep 75th (secondary photo)

1. Do the Soft Top – I’m sure there are a lot of people who live in colder climates that are already having some reservations about this list with the suggestion that you buy any Wrangler with a soft top. And as the owner of a soft top Wrangler from the Midwest, I get it. Those frigid temps around January can be brutal on one’s passion for a Jeep with nothing but fabric on top. Still, considering that the idea is to build a valued collectible Wrangler, you might want to at least consider the dual top option that includes a soft top and the black hard top or body-colored hard top as well.

2. Opt for Sarge Green – Nothing quite says iconic like a Wrangler color inspired by the Jeep’s military roots in the 1940s like Sarge Green. The distinctive 75th Anniversary Edition color, one of six available for the special model, is vintage Jeep. The Wrangler is also offered in Black. Bright White, Billet Silver Metallic, Mojave Sand, and Granite Crystal, which is the color of the model tested here.

3. Go for the Two Door – Although most of the talk about the Jeep Wrangler 75th Edition has centered on the model based on the popular Unlimited, the two-door Jeep better embodies the authentic legacy of the nameplate. Of course, the four-door model (with a base price of $33,695) is probably more practical for most. But ask yourself, should practically really be a major priority when buying a collectible?

Jeep 75th (badging photo)

4. Don’t Touch the Badging – There’s no question that one of the most distinctive design features on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the special bronze badging. And in this era of “black out everything,” our guess is that some might be inclined to in do some mods on the 75th Anniversary Wrangler as well. But don’t. It’ll be the Jeep’s unique details like the bronze grille throats and headlamp rings that will drive the iconic appeal of the limited-edition Wrangler down the road.

5. Add the Premium Rock Rails – It’s kind of hard to believe that you can actually buy the 75th Edition without premium off-road rock rails. In fact, the premium rails aren’t even offered as an option. Seems a little odd, right? Well, apparently the idea is to keep the anniversary package more unique than some of the other Wrangler offerings. I get it. I really do, especially on the two-door model. But the step rails have become such a part of the core appeal of the four-door JK, that you almost need to spend the $775 with Jeep Performance Parts to complete the look.

Jeep Wrangler (third photo)

6. Consider Custom Wheels & Tires – As noted earlier, the simplicity of the features offered on the Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Edition is a huge part of the appeal of the special package. However, if opting for the Wrangler Unlimited, the 17” wheels and tires (the only ones offered on the anniversary model) fall a little short on giving the four-door model its full iconic appeal. That said, you might want to consider a slightly larger aftermarket wheel and tire setup. But just make sure it complements the unique bronze badging.

7. Lift it a Bit – The stock height of the Anniversary Wrangler is 9.7 inches, the same as the standard model. However, any die-hard Jeep enthusiast will likely prefer a little more height on the Jeep. In fact, even if you don’t have plans of taking the 75th Edition Wrangler off-road, a Jeep as iconic as this deserves a taller profile than the standard model, even if it’s just a 2-inch lift. But if you’re going with the two-door, the standard height is perfectly doable.