jeep

Jeep is an automobile brand created in 1941 from a light military 4×4 developed for the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, Willys launched the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series, opening the brand’s civilian path. In 1970 it was acquired by AMC, in 1987 by Chrysler, and today it is part of Stellantis. The brand has always focused on off-road vehicles and SUVs, with iconic models such as the Wrangler, a direct heir of the military design, and the Grand Cherokee, more urban-oriented.
In rallying, Jeep played a unique role. In 1973, a Wagoneer with all-wheel drive won an FIA rally, becoming the first American and AWD car to achieve it—so groundbreaking that the FIA banned 4×4 systems for years afterwards. In 1974, Gene Henderson won the SCCA Pro Rally Championship driving a Jeep Cherokee, cementing its U.S. motorsport legacy. Later, Wrangler models took part in FIA cross-country rally raids, and Jeeps also appeared in events such as the Baja 1000 or the Olympus Rally. In addition, events like the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally in Pakistan or the Jeep Fun Race in Chile, though more recreational than professional, reinforced the brand’s off-road image.
Regarding the Dakar, Jeep has never competed as an official factory team. However, several models (Wrangler, Cherokee, CJ, Wagoneer) are eligible in the Dakar Classic category, and private entries have taken part in some editions.