Those who can remember back to the 1960s will recall Jeep produced a popular pickup truck called the Gladiator. After the Gladiator was taken off the production lines, the American automaker has toyed around with the idea of reintroducing a truck into its lineup again, and it may have taken a big leap forward in making it a reality with the Jeep J-12 pickup.

The overriding feature that gets us excited here at Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge is the look and style found on the J-12. The new Jeep concept takes a truly vintage approach, with a classic design that beckons back to the heyday of the Gladiator, while giving it a modern boost using the drivetrain and chassis of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The classic style can be seen in its 6-foot bed, along with the bumpers, fenders, and grille that emulate the Gladiator. Inside, there's a classic shift knob, bench seat coupled with plaid interior trim that was once found on many Jeep models in its early years. That's where the vintage feel stops, however.

The modernity of the new Jeep J-12 is evident once you get behind the wheel. The dashboard, controls, and steering wheel are all features of new Jeep models, that remind you the J-12 is, in fact, a new all-terrain pickup truck. When released onto off-roading trails, the TeraFlex anti-sway bars give the 36-inch off-road tires superior grip to navigate the rough and tumble terrain. An extra tire sidewall mounted on 16-inch steel rims also helps the J-12 boost through challenging conditions.

Not only that, but test drivers who drove the J-12 concept at the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah commented how smooth a ride it was with precise and easy navigation on both rocky and smooth surfaces.

The only discouraging news is that the J-12 won't be hitting production any time soon. However, with such favorable reviews, and many Wrangler owners purchasing a Mopar JK8 conversion kit, we have to think something will be in the works down the line.

If you'd like to learn more about the new Jeep J-12 concept truck, feel free and contact us at Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge anytime, or stop by our location at 2425 W Camelback Road in Phoenix, AZ 85015 during our regular business hours, and we'd be happy to continue the conversation, or answer any questions you might have regarding the exciting concept from Jeep.