When Jeep decides to build a concept vehicle, they definitely go all the way. Jeep fans are now praying this one makes it into production. I’m talking about the Jeep Chief.
While it’s a tribute to the full-size Jeep Cherokee from the 1970s, this surf inspired Chief rides on the 4-door Wrangler platform.
With a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine putting power out via a 6-speed manual transmission, the Chief has a few extra off road goodies under the hood: a two-inch lift kit with Fox shocks, front and rear Dana 44 axles with lockers, cold air intake and modified Rubicon rock rails.
Outside the Chief gets a whole host of fun tricks, including the vintage Ocean Blue color, a custom modified razor grille that the original Wagoneer made famous, halogen headlamps, removable sides for an open-air feel and flexible hauling, chrome front and rear bumpers and classic, 17-inch slotted mag wheels wrapped in 37″ tires. Additionally, the doors and windshield were chopped two inches. Sure, it cuts down on headroom, but does it look cool!
The outside may be all about off road, but the interior is all about surf. Jeep-designed “Surfer” pink, blue and white flowered cloth and leather-trimmed seats, vintage-style surf stickers on the center console and door handles, a Rosewood front-passenger grab handle and tiki-style shifter handle all make this interior more luau than long travel.
And though the Chief is vintage inspired, you can still find some modern touches like the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen media center.
Nathan, that lucky guy, got to take a spin in the Jeep Chief at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. Check it out!
Emme is a driver, reviewer, rabble rouser, and Gazelle who can be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and either one of her blogs.
