Sadly, it couldn’t actually fly.
I’m a sucker for special editions. Any consumer product that is out of the ordinary and only available for a limited time piques the interest of my inner consumer. Recently, my similarly afflicted daughter came home with a can of Miller Lite-flavored pringles. Glad I tried them, in no hurry to have more. Still, I wouldn’t have slept well until I sampled them. These are way better, by the way.
What was the Super Jeep?
Special Editions
America’s relative recent history is literally littered with both odd and compelling special-edition vehicles, many of which have been long forgotten. Here’s a list of some of those rare vehicles we’ve covered over the years:
Lincoln Mark Y Designer Series (These are pretty cool)
Nissan Rogue Rogue One Limited Edition
Mercury Cougar Bostonian Edition
CJ-5 Super Jeep Package
Jeep cranked out such a vehicle back in 1973 that is both special, and somewhat vague in mission. Meet the Super Jeep (SJ). If you believe the ad, the CJ-5—equipped with the SJ package—was capable of flight. We checked, turns out the SJ was, indeed, landbound.
That’s something of a shame, as the package features a fairly compelling list of options and accessories. Even if air travel was not included.
The package, offered only between, was short live, and production of the CJ-5 with the SJ package ran only from March through July of that year.
Super Jeep Equipment
Super Jeep package exterior bits included a graphics applique package, chrome front bumper, and black plastic wheel-arch extensions. Six colors were offered, including Jetset Blue, Champagne White, Butterscotch Gold, Daisy Yellow, Copper Tan, and Fairway Green. While no number are offered for color take rate, it seems that Champagne White was the overwhelming favorite.
Super Jeep interior upgrades included a two-tone interior, an upholstered dash, sun visors, and a roll bar. Also included were a passenger-side mirror, rear seat belts, and a fixed tailgate with a spare tire mount.
Engines
The SJ came standard with American Motors venerable 258-cubic-inch 6-cylinder engine. A 304-inch V8 was available, as was a locking differential.
Price
Sadly, details regarding SJ sales volume and price have been lost. Some estimates put total production at less than 300 units, and a package price of around $500.
Bicentennial
Though but a blip on the Jeep timeline, the SJ did make a return visit for 1976. Seems Jeep brass felt the that red, white, and blue motif of the Champagne-colored SJs was perfect for the Bicentennial. Sadly, the SJ was not slated for full production. Instead, an estimated ten examples were built, and mostly used for promotional activities related to the national celebration. Per one source, all but one of the 1976 SJs were equipped with the V8 engine. The 6-cylinder example was reportedly ordered by an American Motors employee, and was destined for engine swap with AMC big 401-cubic-inch V8. Did this actually happen? Who knows.
Prices Today
Today clean examples of the CJ-5 SJ trade for as much as $25,000. Seems like a lot of money for a Jeep than can’t even fly.
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Super Jeep Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
