The Origin of the Jeep’s Seven-Slot Grille

Here at American Modified, we love our Jeeps. With unbeatable off-road capabilities and incredible opportunities for modification, Jeeps simply pull ahead of the competition time and time again. One of the most impressive things about the Jeep brand is how anyone can recognize it. When someone says “Jeep,” you probably think of the classic Wrangler, with its round headlights and seven-slot grille. Where did this unique look come from? We’ll dive into the origin of the Jeep’s seven-slot grille to see how it all started.

The Very Beginning

The first Jeep was released in 1940, but it was used exclusively as a military vehicle during WWII. During this time, the Ford company manufactured Jeeps. Ford designed a nine-slot grille for the front. People have many theories as to the reason behind this design. Some even think Ford included this grille so that people could take it off of the truck and use it to grill food. No one is certain about the rationale behind Ford’s decision.

Civilian Release

In 1945, after WWII ended, the classic Jeep was released to the general public for purchase. Jeep also split from Ford and began manufacturing its own vehicles. This is when the nine-slot grille became the iconic seven-slot grille instead. It quickly became one of the most defining features of any car or truck.

Origin Theories

There are several different theories surrounding the seven-slot grille and why it became what it is today. One theory suggests Ford held the trademark on the nine-slot grille, so Jeep simply made it smaller. Another popular theory holds that there are seven slots to represent the fact that the Jeep was the first vehicle used on all seven continents of the world. Others believe it is a reference to the seven original designers of the Jeep.

The origin of the Jeep’s seven-slot grille may still be shrouded in mystery, but it’s one of the Jeep brand’s most iconic images. If you’re a Jeep enthusiast or you’re looking for Jeep Wrangler aftermarket performance parts, American Modified has you covered with whatever you might need.