WOULD YOU PREFER THE JEEP GRAND WAGONEER WITH WOOD TRIM?

When the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was originally made, from 1963 to 1993, it could be ordered with optional (or perhaps required) faux wood trim on its flanks. Rumor has it that during its production period in the mid-to-late 1900s, the dies used to stamp the metal door panels had become so worn down and filled with imperfections that it was cheaper to cover them with vinyl appliques rather than utilize new body molds on what could arguably be known as America’s first Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle. Not all of the Grand Wagoneers wore the vinyl wood trim during the first half of its 30-year lifecycle.

In early September 2020, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Jeep division introduced the Jeep Wagoneer Concept vehicle, which for all intents and purposes, shows the production-ready version of the next Grand Wagoneer. It offered plenty of new innovations and three-row seating for up to seven passengers.

What this new Jeep did not show was a variation with even “fake” wood trim!

LOST SLEEP OVER THE WAGONEER CONCEPT

Ralph Gilles, the head of product design for FCA, reportedly lost sleep over whether to include the wood-grain trim on the new Grand Wagoneer concept. He decided against it, and a ruckus quickly ensued. He believes that although the Jeep Grand Wagoneer from the past was a symbol of luxury, the new one appears more luxurious without it.

“Today, we’re using much different tools and design elements to stay luxury,” said Gilles. “Putting wood on this car would have just cheapened it, actually.”

Is that what you think? We at Napleton.news have seen some aftermarket trim pieces and even some artist renderings. We would love to know what you think.

Let us know in the comment section below.