Jeep, a pioneer in rugged military vehicles with off-road capability, surprised everyone in 1958 with the Maverick Special for civilians. This wasn’t your typical bare-bones Jeep! They are designed like the modern-day SUV, adding the ideal features for a family car. Here’s how this unique Jeep set the standard for the comfortable SUVs we drive today.

It Came From a Successful Brand With Strong Military Roots

The Jeep has a rich history of military service during World War II, where drivers admired its ruggedness, versatility, and reliability in war zones. The brand rose to fame for its lightweight, go-anywhere military vehicles suitable for various military roles, from reconnaissance to ambulance duties. In 1953, Kaiser purchased the company and renamed it to Willys Motor Company, manufacturing thousands of military Jeeps during the Korean War, including the Jeep MB, later replaced by the Jeep MC and then the MD.

Luckily Had the Ideal Management 

Before the Maverick Special, Jeep was under Willys-Overland’s wing, producing several models, including the CJ-5, a civilian version of the Jeep MD. In 1956, the company was restructured, and the brand stopped building military Jeeps for the US government. This decision paved the way for a bold experiment in luxury SUVs and a stark contrast to Jeep’s military roots.

The Brand Went Through a Phase Before Maverick Was Born

After securing its reputation with the WWII-era Willys MB Jeep, it shifted focus to civilian Jeep sales. Unfortunately, the market wasn’t ready for a surplus of utilitarian vehicles. Civilian demand boomed for cars, not rugged off-roaders. This struggle to adapt to peacetime needs likely influenced the creation of the Maverick Special, a more family-friendly Jeep designed to win over a new audience. 

It Was Born Out of the Need For Sales

With sluggish sales in the civilian Jeep market and low-profit margins, Willys-Overland made a strategic hire. Cruse Moss, known for his engineering expertise, joined as Vice President in the mid-1950s. His tasks were to expand Jeep’s dealership network and spearhead new product designs. For the latter, he instructed the product planners and stylists to come up with new designs that could be quickly developed. It marked a crucial shift for Jeep, moving beyond fulfilling military needs and setting the stage for innovative ideas like the Maverick Special, a testament to Moss’s forward-thinking vision.

It Was Meant to Be a Quick and Cheap Design

In the mid-1950s, the newly appointed VP, Cruse Moss, prioritized innovation on a budget in a bid to revitalize Jeep after declining military contracts. This focus on quick and cost-effective development led to a flurry of new vehicles. One such example was a revamped version of the utilitarian Jeep Station Wagon, a two-wheel drive model aimed at budget-minded families.

It Got Its Name From a Popular TV Show

Jeep’s unconventional 1958 Maverick Special got its name by hitching a ride on pop culture. The famous western show “Maverick,” starring James Garner, debuted in 1957 and captured audiences with its lighthearted tone. The marketing team saw an opportunity, cleverly naming their innovative, family-focused SUV after the show. They likely saw the show’s popularity and decided to hitch a ride on pop culture.

The Styling Director Jim Angers and His Marketing Staff Were Geniuses

To complement the marketing team’s innovation regarding the naming of this vehicle, Jeep Styling Director Jim Angers and other designers devised a plan. They built a family-friendly version of the wagon and targeted suburban families wanting a reliable, nicely trimmed vehicle.

The Vehicle Was a Station Wagon Through and Through

The Maverick wasn’t your average car; it was a station wagon remodeled into a practical vehicle for suburban families. The now-iconic “missile” side moldings, present on similar models until 1964, provided extra cargo protection. Eventually, this car shed its “Maverick” and settled comfortably into a long run as the Jeep Station Wagon.

It Had an Excellent Design With Nice Looks

The Maverick had a two-tone paint scheme with a touch of flair, chrome bumpers, and a driver’s side mirror, providing a touch of elegance. The interior also had a modern upgrade, with a one-piece windshield replacing the dated two-pane design. This wagon wasn’t just practical; it was downright stylish.

It Had a Luxurious and Comfortable Interior 

The Maverick’s interior defied expectations. It had contoured seats wrapped in luxurious, breathable vinyl. Unlike typical vinyl, the designers used a material that allowed cool air to circulate to keep passengers comfortable. The black Pompano carpet in the cargo area was well-thought-out, complementing the stylish carpeting covering the passenger floor.

Buyers Could Choose From Two Engine Options

At first, the 1958 Maverick Special only had the standard 134.2-cubic-inch F-head four-cylinder engine, which was economical but a bit underpowered at 75 HP. Then, the brand provided a 226-cubic-inch flathead six-cylinder producing 105 HP as an optional upgrade for people who wanted more power.

It Had Impressive Features For a Better Driving Experience

While the standard transmission for those who bought the 1958 Maverick Special was a column-shifted three-speed manual, overdrive was optional. The manufacturers also chose four of the ‘Captive Air’ wide whitewall tires to serve their target market. They also retained the four-wheel drum brake system and the recent coil spring front suspension for durability.

It Came With “Innovative” Tires

Unlike the typical manner of car brands to add spare tires, Willys sacrificed this feature for more cargo space. Though considered risky, it was safe because its specially designed tires could run up to 100 miles with a blow-out. They fitted “inner spares” inside each tire to slow down the rate of air loss if punctured. It’s safe to say the tires of the 1958 Maverick Special were the forerunners of inner liners in racing cars today.

It Gave the Market What They Needed at an Affordable Price

Based on its design as a family-oriented station wagon, the Maverick Special could comfortably accommodate six passengers. Like the SUVs today, it appealed more to families needing spacious vehicles with enough cargo room.

The Price Was Lower Compared to its Competitors 

The brand sold the 1958 Maverick Specials at an initial $1,895 price, which was quite competitive compared to its station wagon rivals. A direct competitor, the Ford Ranch Wagon, was around $2,200, $305 more than the Maverick Special. Likewise, the Chevrolet Nomad had a much higher price point, around $2,700, putting it out of reach for many budget-conscious families.