Jeep trivia: Easter eggs, movie stars and more

1. Jeeps have been gracing both the silver and big screens for more than 70 years

Move over, Bradley Cooper. This (vehicular) star was born long before you. Jeeps have played pivotal roles in many productions.  

• True to its military roots, you’ll see a 1952 Willys M38 A1 wheelin’ around the 4077th on the classic television series “M*A*S*H.”

• A 1992 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara outran a T-rex in the original “Jurassic Park.” 

• Jeep built an entire marketing campaign around the limited edition 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon featured in “Laura Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.” 

• Two 1982 Jeep Pickups (Jo’s storm chaser) were destroyed while filming the movie “Twister.” One still exists and is on display at Hollywood Star Cars Museum in Tennessee. 

• Roy Rogers owned the 1946 Willys CJ-2A on his namesake television show, though a different character drove it. The vehicle was named “Nellybelle,” which was painted on the side doors. 

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2. Nellybelle ain’t the only Jeep with a name

Most jeepers name their rigs — or their friends give the ride a nickname that sticks. Why? Dunno. But it’s fun. Walking through an ice cream shop parking lot in Moab, you might see a classic CJ7 with a neon green paint job and a decal on the side of the hood dubbing it “The Katydid.” Or a modern Gladiator named “Maximus Decimus Meridius.” Whatever you decide to call it, the name should reflect your driving style and incorporate your rig’s modifications. Make it personal.

3. Easter eggs are hidden on all 1997 and newer models

Flip-flops imprinted on the plastic windshield cowl of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator? It might seem random, but like all Jeep Easter eggs, it is an intentional reference. This one celebrates Rick Pewe, a renowned off-road writer and consultant, who frequently hits the trail wearing the open-toed footwear. 

One of a handful of Easter eggs on the 2020 Jeep Gladiator.

The Easter egg tradition started on the 1997 TJ-generation Wrangler with the seven-bar grille on the headlights and between the windshield wipers. The exact number of Easter eggs varies by model, but the Renegade has about 30. The “X” on its tail lights also appears on the cupholders and the roof, paying homage to the gas cans on the wartime Willys. Other fun references throughout the lineup include geckos, paintball splotches, a Bigfoot silhouette and a map of Moab, Utah. Which brings us to our next trivia tidbit. 

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4. More than 20,000 enthusiasts attend the annual Jeep Easter Safari in Moab, Utah

The inaugural Easter Jeep Safari was put on by the Moab Chamber of Commerce in 1967. There was only one organized ride at the event. Fast forward to the 2024 event hosted by Red Rock 4 Wheelers, and there are a wide variety of rides scheduled over nine days (March 23-31, 2024). Oh, and a parade through downtown Moab. And every year Jeep unveils some concept vehicles in conjunction with the Easter Jeep Safari. Basically, it’s a ginormous off-road party. 

5. The state with the most Jeeps is … 

Not Utah. Nor is it Colorado, even though Ouray is dubbed the “Jeep Capital of America.” Sure, Jeeps are popular in both of these states. But Jeeps are also well-liked in some unexpected places. A 2023 Hedges Company demographics report determined Oklahoma had the most Wranglers per capita. Michigan was second on the list, followed by New Hampshire.

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6. Anyone can pay it forward by playing Duck, Duck, Jeep

Jeep ducking is a sign of admiration and an act of kindness.

MotorTrend credits Allison Parliament with placing the first rubber duck on a Jeep. She was having a bad day when she saw a Jeep Wrangler in the parking lot identical to hers and decided to put some joy in both of their days. Since then, the game has grown into a worldwide craze. And you don’t have to own a Jeep to play — Duck, Duck, Jeep is all about appreciating the iconic vehicle. Simply (and politely) place a duck on the side mirror, bumper or hood. Rubber duckie, you’re the one. You make jeeping so much fun! 

7. The Wrangler is the most searched Jeep model on KSL Cars

As of this writing, there were 4,236 listings for Jeeps on KSL Cars,1,481 of which were Wranglers. The Wrangler is a timeless vehicle with a high demand, resulting in less depreciation than other vehicles. In fact, Kelly Blue Book reports the Jeep Wrangler boasts the highest resale value of any vehicle on the road after five years. 

The global Jeep community is like no other. Join the fun — buy a Jeep and let everyone know you found it on KSL Cars. When you’re ready to rid yourself of the rig, come back to the same place and list it for sale.