Of all the off-road vehicles that have sprung from the loins of the storied Willys MB/Ford GPW, the 1987–1995 YJ Jeep Wrangler is arguably the most maligned. But to a certain subset of Jurassic Park fans bent on driving a Jeep as seen in the 1993 blockbuster film, it’s the only model that matters.
Started by a small group of loosely associated enthusiasts looking to build replicas of the custom park-themed YJs from the flick, the Jurassic Park Motor Pool has grown to include over 40 members, including at least one who’s built a replica Ford Explorer finished in JP livery. As anyone with a passion that resides slightly outside the realm of normal can attest, there is strength in numbers, and there’s a certain poetic justice about the YJ, a vehicle ostensibly marketed on the premise of freedom and individuality, being adopted by these intrepid movie fans.
Andrew Wendler brings decades of wrenching, writing, and editorial experience with numerous outlets to Car and Driver. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Car and Driver, Esquire, Forbes, Hot Rod, Motor Trend, MPH, MSN, and Popular Mechanics, among others. A Rust Belt native and tireless supporter of the region, he grew up immersed in automotive, marine, and aviation culture. A lifetime of hands-on experience and a healthy dose of skepticism provide him the tools to deliver honest and informative news, reviews, and editorial perspective. Of note, he once won a $5 bet by walking the entire length of the elevated People Mover up track that encircles downtown Detroit.
