When a CJ, TJ and JK meet, good things can happen. The Jeep CJ66 Wrangler concept that the Mopar team built for the 2016 SEMA Show is a perfect example of when Frankenstein part swapping works out well. The vehicle features a Wrangler TJ frame but then uses a 1966 Jeep Wrangler CJ universal Tuxedo Park body atop of it, and to cap it off, plenty of modern Wrangler JK parts are added to the Jeep as well to create this one-of-a-kind off-road monster.
We don’t yet have the details on the engine powering this monster, but we anticipate that it’s going to be a new crate motor from Mopar (we’ll have more details soon). The mystery engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Mopar did note that the engine features a Mopar engine cover, Mopar cold-air intake and a Mopar cat-back is employed to reduce back pressure. Underneath the CJ66 are front and rear Mopar Dana 44 Crate axles.
Jeep calls the unique color of CJ66 Copper Canyon. The concept features a heightened stance thanks to a two-inch lift kit and 35-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud-terrain tires that are mounted on Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) 17-inch beadlock wheels. Mopar also fitted the Jeep with a concept two-way air system to air up or air down quickly. More concept parts are found on the Jeep, such as the oversized concept fender flares, with Mopar 10th Anniversary Wrangler JK Rubicon Bumper Kits found front and rear. For added trail protection, JPP skid and front bumper plates and a concept JPP rock rails.
For added styling, the team cropped the windshield two inches, and in the cabin the driver and passenger sit in custom Viper seats fitted with concept seat risers. The custom-built roll cage is mandril-bent to match the windshield surround, and a bikini top netting provides a little shade from the sun. Inside the cabin, the Jeep also stamped the steering wheel with a special 50th Anniversary Moab Easter Jeep Safari logo. When all’s said and done, this is one Franken-Jeep we absolutely dig.
MORE SEMA SHOW
2016 SEMA Show Coverage