Jeep’s promise of 12 Wrangler special editions honoring the U.S. military’s World War II Jeep airdrops, dubbed the Twelve 4 Twelve Wrangler Series, carries on with the throwback Laredo. Originally built in the ’80s when Magnum P.I. and Madonna reigned, this cowboy classic returns with proper swagger. The concept shown at this year’s Easter Jeep Safari paid remarkable homage to that icon from the decade of excess and this production version doesn’t disappoint.
The Wrangler Laredo comes as either a 2- or 4-door model, but if you’re looking to recreate your Jeep CJ moment, then dig out those snug corduroy OP shorts and stick with the 2-door version. The Laredo wears the same browns, golds, and tans as the original. Massive hood decals effectively transport you back in time. You can get the Laredo in eight colors including ’41 (a military-inspired green), Hydro Blue, Joose (a shocking orange), Firecracker Red, Granite or Earl (a light teal). However, if you’re going for historical accuracy, check out either the Bright White or Black. Both do an excellent job channeling the past.
Inside you’ll enjoy Bison Brown Nappa leather seats and Mayan Gold accent stitching. Other trim pieces echo those colors throughout. Of course, you’ll get Laredo badging throughout, and a cowboy hat motif makes an appearance on HVAC switchgear.
Naturally, this Wrangler will still wrangle off-road with the Xtreme 35 Package, including 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires standard. Those surround 17-inch bronze beadlock-capable wheels. Black fender flares, bronze tow hooks and other bronze accented badging round out the look with the Gobi accent grille. Jeep reintroduces the tan soft-top which, for those of us who remember that far back, should kick up the nostalgia like a John Cougar Mellencamp tune.
The Laredo styling rides on the Wrangler Willys underpinnings and gets the 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 285 horsepower. Pricing looks to start just under $50,000. The Willys 2-door gets a base price of $45,750 including destination. The Laredo adds $1,995 to that plus the cost of the Xtreme 35 Package. Look to place an order to put the Laredo in your stable later this month.
