Intrepid Chinese make their own Jeep Wrangler
Click the pic above to see a gallery
This faux Jeep gets a pass, because it comes out looking so close to the real thing, though Jeep faithful will likely pick it to pieces. Pieces is how the story begins, with a Bejing Jeep 2020 that has a tryst with a Sawz-all. Predictably, the 2020 gets all broken up after its torrid affair, and needs to be put back together. Two talented Chinese bodymen took up the mantle and reinvigorated this unloved, down and out conveyance.
The outcome sees the Jeep better than has ever been, which is the hope of anyone who ever partakes in an intervention, isn't it? While this facsimilie has been whipped up most of the way around the world, it's definitely got some Jeeper spirit going on. There's plenty of backyard-assembled CJs here in the homeland that don't look anywhere near as good as this totally fake Rubicon. Sure, the paint's not great (well, it does look shiny, that counts), and the mechanicals are a crapshoot, but the caution (and safety equipment) be damned attitude that these fellas show as they forge ahead and make something from nothing is true Jeep ethos. Besides, we'd much rather cruise the streets of China in the red faux Rubicon than the Chairman-Mao Green thing it started as. It's not the first time someone's made a replica out of a totally unrelated car, anyway. We're not generally fans of the practice, but we see the effort here and applaud the results.
[Source: China Car Times via Hemmings]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado 11:29AM (6/12/2007)
In India a company named Mahindra also manufactures a Wrangler look alike known as the Mahindra Classic.
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paul34 11:56AM (6/12/2007)
Ahh yes, the good old Jeep. The only vehicle that can make it over most of Indian terrain =). Can't say its the most comfortable ride though! heh.
You're right, but recently I found it its actually legit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahindra_%26_Mahindra_Limited
As you can see, M&M was actually under license several decades ago to make its version of the jeep.
But overall, how many ways *can* you make a Jeep? I mean, a Jeep is really the definition of function-over-form design... there isn't a way to really design it so that you're not really "infringing" on anything (although I know that wasn't the intent of this article).
It's kind of like... trying to make a square alternative to a square LOL.
Reuben 1:16PM (6/12/2007)
Not too bad actually, and that's coming from a TJ owner. Shows how iconic the Jeep really is.
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BC 12:27PM (6/12/2007)
The Mahindra can lay claim to be a relative of the real thing. I think they started making vehicles licensed by Willys.
On the other hand, the Chinese are notorious copyright violators in all industries. They get by because they have millions of little hands that make things cheap, not because they make anything innovative or original.
Guenther 2:36PM (6/12/2007)
I seem to recall that Bejing Jeep was also licensed by AMC or Willys at one point. I the picture I see a sweet full floater rear axle and drive flanges over a proper spindle bearing up front. Old, reliable, and super tough technology. Probably a full time 4wd, too. I would totally dig one of these as a 3rd world conveyance.
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Jacob 8:48AM (6/13/2007)
While it doesn't look bad for a replica, I don't think I would want them lettering my vehicle, they are all crooked. Autoblog should take a look at the Pakistani replicas, MUCH more accurate and MUCH better done.
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zashima 11:48AM (6/14/2007)
we do the same thing here in the Philippines, although, only a few manufacturers make a replica of the wrangler, those who do really do make a good job - if you'll remember Willy's jeep made it here in on the islands during WWII and since then, the jeep has been made and modified by Filipinos.
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