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Tfte Oajcyilje Beaver, Wednesday February ?2, 2006 -11 By Bill McLauchlan Unlike Hal Sperlich, renowned as the `father' of the mini van, the man responsible for the conception of the amazing Jeep Wagoneer is something of a nonentity. Sure, Milwaukee based designer, Brooks Stevens, can be credited for the ultimate styling and packaging, but someone had to point him in the right direction. A direction that leaves tracks marking the beginnings of today's modern SUVs. While the `brain behind it' may have been lost in the mists of time, the new-look Wagoneer itself, born in October 1962, is recognized even today as a bold, revolutionary idea. That single concept sired an SUV family that today accounts for close to five million annual sales in North America. In Canada alone some 31 manufacturers now offer a choice of about 80 different SUV models. At its birth, the Wagoneer was a Willys offspring. A part of Kaiser Industries, Willys Motors needed something to fight back against newer rivals like International Harvester's Scout and the Chevy Suburban. With only its tired old Jeep Station Wagon to call upon, Willys bit the financial bullet and opted for an all-new design. It was a risky move. If Willys guessed wrong, the pro duction costs might tip the company into bankruptcy. Stevens' design was a hit from the get-go. It offered four doors when most market rivals had just two. A generous glass area gave the interior a light, welcoming air. The hood line was low for good visibility, while short front and rear overhangs provided better manoeuvrability on- and off-road. Even the slab-sided body panels had clever crease lines and indentations to provide extra stiffness. And, as it was the first utility wagon designed right from the start as a 4-wheeldrive vehicle, all the relevant drivetrain elements were inte grated into the basic design to allow a lower body height. As a result, cabin access was easy without compromising the Wagoneer's exceptionally good ground clearance. A number of engineering firsts were also claimed. The Wagoneer was the first 4-wheel driver to offer an automatic transmission. A column shift 3-speed manual transmission was standard equipment (remember them?), while a GMsourced Hydra-Matic automatic unit was an extra cost option. Like other Jeep products, a floor-mounted lever was used to engage 4-wheel-drive. It was also the first with an optional independent front suspension and the only one (other Jeep products aside) with an overhead cam engine. Luxury options like power steering, brakes and an elec trically operated tailgate window were available too. T\vo- and 4-door body styles were offered, in plain and fancier Custom trim. The latter's interior came with plush carpeting (rubber mats for the base version) and nicer seat fabrics. Track & Traffic magazine, which begat begat Carguide several years later, called it "an All-American football player -- tough but clean-cut. From its fashionable and attentiongrabbing exterior to the luxurious finish inside." Not long after its introduction, Kaiser Industries decided to emphasize its name on its products, so the Willys brand was retired and the division was renamed Kaiser Jeep Corp. After that, the Jeep Wagoneer started a steady process of improvement. Air conditioning was a welcome new option for 1964. Continued on page 12 o ver 3 5 yea rs! 5 7 0 TRAFALGAR HOAD. OAKVILLE » AX TH E Q EW » U \\AV.()AKI AN I)1 ( )llI)1 I M Ol N.( A 1-860-398-4270