Page 62 - Experience Magazine Fall 2023

OFF-ROAD MASTERY MEETS MODERN MARVEL WITH THIS 2021 JEEP 4X4
21 -CENTURY GLADIATOR
ST

Jeep has consistently stood as an automaker closely Both the Jeep pickup and Gladiator nameplate were
linked with off-road exploration and has always resurrected for the 2020 model year. While all Jeeps are
been known for its exceptional off-road capabilities. capable in stock configuration, the custom 2021 Jeep
During the lead-up to World War II, Willys-Overland Gladiator Rubicon pickup offered with No Reserve
conceived a prototype for a pickup truck, a creation during the inaugural 2023 New Orleans Auction,
that would ultimately stand as one of America’s most September 28-30 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention
significant contributions to modern warfare. The Center, takes things to a whole new level.
popularity of the pickup platform continued to grow Equipped with an array of bespoke chassis, driveline
and evolved into the first-ever Jeep Gladiator.
and engine upgrades, this 2021 Jeep Gladiator stands
Debuting in 1962 for the 1963 model year, the initial fortified, ready for any expedition. This transformation
Jeep Gladiator displayed an identical front-end design was orchestrated by Tank Customs, an establishment
to the Jeep Wagoneer. Its lineup encompassed a range based in Houston, Texas, renowned for pushing the
of setups, spanning from chassis-mounted campers boundaries of vehicle and engine customization.
featuring extended wheelbases to both narrow- and The Gladiator is powered by a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6
wide-box beds. The “Gladiator” nameplate endured that has been upgraded from its factory specifications
until 1971, at which point it became known as the of 260hp and 442 ft/lbs of torque to an impressive
J-Series. This nomenclature continued until 1987, 350hp and 585 ft/lbs of torque, thanks to numerous
when production of Jeep-brand pickups ceased.
performance modifications. These modifications

62 BARRETT-JACKSON EXPERIENCE FALL 2023