What’s a Jeep Easter Egg?
Image via Flickr by stockcatalog
In the late 1990s, Jeep designer Michael Santoro was in charge of creating a brand new Jeep Wrangler. During the design process, he decided to change the shape of the air intake valve on the Wrangler’s cowl to make it look like Jeep’s signature seven-bar grille. With a single element, Santoro created a tradition of Jeep designers including various hidden images in the design of new models. These symbols show the care and attention that goes into every Jeep vehicle mode while also representing the brand’s playful spirit.
A Jurassic Surprise Beneath Your Feet
Dinosaurs are the ultimate symbols of strength and endurance. These giant, ancient reptiles ruled the world for millions of years, so it’s only fitting they show up on Jeeps, which handle the toughest environments across the world. If you lift up the floor mat of your Jeep’s driver or passenger side, you might see a T.rex skull etched into the floor. While the T.rex skull might represent the dinosaur’s legendary fierceness, it might also represent one of the most famous Jeeps in cinema history, the Wrangler Sahara that played a pivotal role in 1993’s “Jurassic Park.”
Say ‘Ciao’ to the Spider
If you’ve got a Jeep Renegade, you might have an eight-legged friend lurking under your gas cap. This molded spider has a speech bubble coming out of it that says, “Ciao, baby!” This Italian-speaking arachnid is probably a reference to the 2014 merger between Chrysler, who owned Jeep, and the Italian auto manufacturer Fiat, whose most famous roadster is the Fiat Spider. Jeep was a trademark of Fiat Chrysler Automotive for several years until the company was renamed.
Cryptids On the Windows
A cryptid is an animal whose existence is disputed, like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster. Both Nessie and Bigfoot appear in the windows and windshields of some Jeep models, including the Renegade and Grand Cherokee. If you look carefully at the corners of the windshield or windows, you might see a tiny outline of Bigfoot or the Loch Ness monster. The designers might refer to Jeeps by including these mysterious creatures, who are supposed to live in the untamed wilderness.
A Connection to Moab
Jeep has a long-lasting relationship with the town of Moab, Utah, which is one of the most famous off-roading locations in the United States. Every year, the city hosts a Jeep Safari, where off-roading enthusiasts worldwide enjoy the stunning red rocks and canyons. As a tribute to Jeep culture’s contribution to this town, some models have topographical maps of the area molded into the cabin. Depending on the model, these tiny maps might be on the gear-shift knob or the loose change cubby.
Willy’s Wherever You Look
One of the most common Easter eggs across the Jeep line is the classic Willy’s Jeep silhouette. The Willy’s MB was the very first Jeep model, which premiered in 1941 and became the vehicle of choice for the Allied army in World War II. Allied soldiers called it a “Jeep,” and the nickname stuck. The silhouette of this classic, canvas-roofed vehicle is a tribute to Jeep’s long history and important role in world events. Depending on your Jeep’s model, you might see the Willy’s silhouette in various places. Familiar places are in the wheel hubcaps and windshield corners.
Fun Flip-Flops
If you drive a Gladiator or Wrangler JL, you might see the outline of a set of flip-flop sandals molded into the plastic of your vehicle’s cowl, which is the piece between the hood and the windshield. While this image conjures images of fun in the sun, which is a big part of Jeep’s appeal, it might have a deeper meaning. These flip-flops might be a tribute to the famous automotive journalist Rick Péwé, who loves Jeeps. He’s famous for wearing flip-flops instead of boots on his off-roading trips, no matter how rough the terrain is.
‘X’ Marks the Spot
If you drive a Renegade, you might have noticed that the taillights have a distinctive “X” pattern on them. This pattern is another reference to Jeep’s role in the Second World War. During that conflict, Jeeps often carried jerrycans full of extra gas attached to the back of the vehicle because fueling stations were rare in combat zones. These metal jerrycans had an “X” pattern impressed into them, which allowed the cans to contract and expand in different temperatures without bursting. Jeep designers included the trademark “X” in the Renegade’s taillights as a tribute.
A Tribute to Toledo
Many Jeep Gladiators have their own Easter egg highlighting Jeep’s all-American origins. On the left side of the truck bed, your Gladiator might have a heart design and the numbers “419” molded into the side of the bed. The number “419” is the area code for Toledo, Ohio, where Jeep has a massive production facility. This symbol emphasizes the importance of the people who create the parts for each vehicle and assemble them with skill and care.
Because Jeep doesn’t release official information about these hidden symbols, it’s hard to tell which Easter eggs will be in which vehicles, which just adds to the mystery and fun. While we can’t predict what Easter eggs you might find in your new or your used Jeep, we can predict that you’ll get a fantastic vehicle with Jeep’s signature quality and style. Here at Huffines CJDR Lewisville, we’re here to help you find your perfect vehicle, so stop by our lot to take a Jeep on a test drive.