1964 Jeep’s Luxury Experiment
Long before Jeep became synonymous with upscale SUVs, the brand experimented with luxury. The 1964 Jeep CJ-5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV was one of those early attempts, adding extra style to the rugged utility vehicle. Introduced in 1961, the Tuxedo Park package was designed to attract buyers who wanted something more refined. This CJ-5A features extensive chrome, including bumpers and hubcaps, plus softer springs, a column-mounted shifter and optional cushions for the rear wheel housings. Yet the formula never became a major hit: around 4,300 CJ-5A and CJ-6A Tuxedo Parks were sold in 1964. Under the hood is a 2.2-liter four-cylinder producing 75 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. A floor lever controls high- and low-range gearing, keeping the little Jeep firmly rooted in its off-road mission. Despite a 90-mph speedometer, this vintage Jeep is better suited to relaxed cruising or exploring local trails—especially after replacing its old tires. Did the Tuxedo Park deserve more success? Could a bare-bones Jeep really become a luxury vehicle? And is this simple formula what modern Jeeps have lost? The auction ends September 2.