Jeep's Second Special Edition Throws it Back to 1941- With the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap

Jeep’s second special edition is throwing it all the way back to 1941 with special detailing honoring the classic CJ-Universal and its iconic Arctic White top. The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap has a white painted hardtop and grille making it look retro. The special edition is only available on the Sahara and Rubicon trims, so while it looks old-school, it will have the most modern off-road equipment. 

“The Jeep Wrangler Whitecap is more than a special edition, it’s a statement,” said Bob Broderdorf, CEO of the Jeep brand. “It honors Jeep brand heritage while introducing a striking two-tone look that turns heads on any trail. Just like every model in the Twelve 4 Twelve series, Whitecap is designed to stand out—a true tip of the hat to the brand’s legendary legacy. With more ways to personalize and customize than ever before, we’re giving Jeep owners the freedom to make their Wrangler truly their own.”

2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap is only available on Jeep’s most advanced Sahara and Rubicon models. So while the paint scheme looks retro, the Wranglers have Jeep’s legendary 4x4 capability. Buyers can choose either the new 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine or the well-liked 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The Whitecap is equipped with the Selec-Trac part-time or full-time transfer cases so it will handle the toughest terrain while off-roading. 

2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap Features:

• Bright White painted hardtop roof
• Bright White seven slot grille, with body-color fender flares
• Bright White 1941 side stripe decal
• Bright White hood decal on Rubicon
• Optional Sky One-Touch powertop in Bright White accent

Orders for the new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Whitecap are now open, with a starting MSRP of $495 on Rubicon X, $2,690 on Sahara and $3,185 on Rubicon.

Twelve 4 Twelve Celebration

As I reported last month, Jeep announced its Twelve 4 Twelve celebration honoring 85 years of continuous Jeep Wrangler production. While the models have varied slightly over the years, the Jeep Wrangler has remained instantly recognizable. 

Jeep’s first edition in the Twelve 4 Twelve lineup was the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392. The “no frills” less expensive, Wrangler Moab 392 has a 6.4-liter, 470-horsepower, V-8 engine with 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Moab 392 also has 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, a 4.56 axle ratio, 2.72:1 Selec-Trac full-time transfer-case, plus two-mode dual exhaust and cold-air intake hood. The biggest surprise was that it is $20,000 cheaper than the previous 392. 

Also new in 2026, Wranglers have a better door hinge system that makes it easier to take off the doors. Door removal has always been an issue. Wranglers are known for drivers being able to remove doors to enjoy the great outdoors. Jeep has to balance being able to pop the doors off but also making the doors strong enough to withstand a possible side impact crash. 

The Wrangler traces its roots back to the World War II Jeep.  Although the newer models are much sturdier, they continue to be modeled after the original Jeeps that were designed to carry troops through difficult terrain.

I am pleased to see that Jeep is truly making the special editions different, not just adding a color and calling it a day. By restricting the different trim levels, Jeep is creating vehicles that will stand out on the streets and on the trails. 

Jeep Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories