Jeep is running headlong into its 85th anniversary year with a special edition that digs deep into the brand’s military lineage. The 2026 Gladiator Willys ’41 buzz model takes its cues from the Kaiser M715, a largely forgotten workhorse that bridged the gap between Jeep’s civilian and military ambitions in the late 1960s.
Built from 1967 to 1969 at Kaiser’s Toledo plant, the M715 was essentially a J-series Gladiator in fatigues — one of the first U.S. military tactical vehicles constructed from commercial off-the-shelf components. Around 33,000 units saw duty in Vietnam and on bases across Korea and Europe before the Dodge M880 replaced it in the ’70s. That utilitarian heritage is now finding new life in this Gladiator, and it’s more than just a paint job.
Built-In Military Aesthetic
The M715 itself had a rough go. It was underpowered, prone to oil consumption, known for frame issues in heavy terrain. But its DNA lives on in unexpected places, including South Korea’s KM-450, still in military service today.
Paying homage to the ’60s-era vehicle, the Willys ’41 buzz wears olive drab like it earned it. 17-inch wheels are painted to match, which gives the whole package a cohesive period feel. The Mojave hood adds visual heft and, up front, you’re looking at steel bumpers and a Mopar triple-hoop grille guard. Inside, tan seat inserts meet Mantis Green cloth on the mid-bolsters, completing the military motif.
Trail-Ready Function
Strip away the nostalgia and you’ve still got a capable pickup. Those mud-terrain tires are sized to handle serious off-road work and the steel bumpers front and rear add protection. Beneath the styling sits the same 3.6L Pentastar V6 that powers the rest of the Gladiator lineup, paired with an 8-speed automatic and delivering 285hp. It also boasts a 7,700-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.
Spec Sheet
Model: 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 buzz
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6
Power: 285 hp
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
Key Features: 17-inch Olive Drab painted wheels, Mojave hood with retro decal, steel front/rear bumpers, Mopar triple-hoop grille guard, mud-terrain tires, tan seat inserts with Mantis Green cloth mid-bolsters
Price: $47,840 (plus $1,995 destination)
Pricing & Availability
Orders are open now for the Gladiator Willys ’41 buzz at $47,840 before destination charges, which adds another $1,995. That’s roughly $2,600 over a standard Willys trim, with about $500 of that covering the olive drab paint. Expect them at dealers soon.
Recap
2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 Buzz
The 2026 Gladiator Willys ’41 buzz is Jeep’s olive-drab tribute to the Kaiser M715 military truck from the late ’60s, complete with color-matched wheels, steel bumpers, and a Mopar grille guard.
