When most folks think of military Jeeps it’s the original Willys G than comes to mind, but another iconic workhorse deserves some shine, too: the Kaiser Jeep M715 “5/4-ton” truck. The M715 was based on the Jeep Gladiator SJ of the 1960s and served U.S. forces as one of the commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) procurements. Fast forward nearly six decades and Jeep is tapping that legacy for the 2026 Gladiator Willys ’41, a special edition that mixes modern Gladiator hardware with M715-inspired elements.
Jeep’s recent retro military roster includes the just-revealed Wrangler Commando 392 and the Willys ’41 Wrangler. The 2026 Gladiator ’41 pickup truck rides on a set of exclusive 17-inch Olive Drab wheels with wrapped in 32-inch (LT255/75R17) mud terrain tires and also receives a Mojave-style hood with throwback decals and a Mopar triple-hoop grille guard. Black steel rock rails protect your flanks, while the body and fender are painted in ’41 Green.
The cabin gets tan seat inserts, Mantis Green cloth bolsters, and all-weather floor mats, and dual-zone climate control, programmable aux switches, and ambient lighting bring it up to modern spec. Under the hood, the Willys ’41 runs the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 with an eight-speed automatic and Command-Trac 4WD. The big change is a heavy-duty 240-amp alternator—a clear signal Jeep expects owners to bolt on winches, lights, and overlanding gear. Power routes through Dana 44 axles with a 3.73:1 ratio and an electronic-locking rear differential, giving this Gladiator real off-road credibility, not just throwback looks.
Under the hood of the Willys ’41 JT lives the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, spinning through an eight-speed automatic and Command-Trac NV241 transfer case. The biggest change is a heavy-duty 240-amp alternator in place of the standard 180-amp unit, a clear signal Jeep expects owners to bolt on winches, lights, and other gear. The driveline also encompasses Dana 44 axles with a 3.73:1 gear ratio, including a rear locker.
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ’41 is available to order now and starts at $49,835, about $2,600 more than the regular Gladiator Willys. And unlike a restored M715—which can run a pretty penny itself—this one has a lot more creature comforts.
