The Jeep Wrangler is a car that defies logic. On paper, it’s a recipe for disaster: underpowered, fuel-thirsty, with steering that requires the strength of a blacksmith, a body that rolls like a drunken sailor, and a design that hasn’t seen a significant update in decades. Yet, despite all this, the Wrangler is a car that captures hearts. It’s an authentic 4×4 SUV that embodies the spirit of adventure and freedom.
Imagine yourself perched high above the world, the big square bonnet in front of you, exposed hinges and bolts everywhere, and a roof that you can literally detach and leave at home when the sun shines. This is the Wrangler experience. We spent a week in Los Angeles with a bright red Wrangler, and it was pure bliss cruising through the Hollywood Hills, the sun shining down, with the wind in our hair. Kids can hang off the back of the exposed roll cage, and you can crank up the tunes on the ridiculous subwoofer that pumps out the bass. The engine roars to life, the radio antenna proudly points skyward, and it all feels deliciously old-school.
We decided to put the Wrangler to the test, packing it up with beach essentials and heading to the rugged beauty of Devon, England. Our destination: the legendary Burgh Island. This unique Art Deco hotel, perched on its own private island, is a place steeped in history and mystery. Agatha Christie herself wrote two of her most famous novels, *Evil Under the Sun* and *And Then There Were None*, from its rooms.
The island is accessible by a spit of sand that appears at low tide. You can stroll across, or, if you’re lucky, drive over in your car like we did. But for a truly unforgettable experience, hop onto the one-of-a-kind sea tractor, a platform with a ladder that takes you across the waves.
One of the many joys of a Wrangler is the sense of peace it evokes. It’s not just about its reliability and off-road capabilities; it’s about the zen-like state it induces. The engine might growl and rumble, but it’s not about speed. It’s about the journey, the feeling of chugging along country lanes, swaying through corners, and climbing hills at your own pace. It’s about being present in the moment.
As we drove through the picturesque Devon countryside, the Wrangler’s high vantage point gave us a unique perspective on the hedgerows and rolling hills. We headed south towards Kingsbridge and the South Hams, an area known for its stunning beaches and charming villages. We bypassed the tourist trap of Salcombe and instead opted for the quiet beauty of Burgh Island, just across from Bigbury-on-Sea. Our route took us through Aveton Gifford, a village with a charming pub by the water, and a tidal road that leads you to The Oyster Shack, a ramshackle building serving some of the best seafood in the UK.
Despite its size, the Wrangler surprisingly isn’t wide, making it surprisingly easy to maneuver through tight lanes and park in crowded spaces. We cruised along the coast, the sun on our faces, the wind in our hair, and the music blasting from the massive speakers.
Finally, we arrived at the car park opposite the white fortress of Burgh Island. A pick-up truck, with its hazard lights flashing, escorted us like VIPs across the beach and the encroaching tide. We drove up the seaweed-strewn slipway onto the island, past The Pilchard Inn, a 1336 pub with thick beams and walls.
If you’re not an art-deco fan, you might not appreciate the hotel’s interior design, but you can’t fail to be mesmerized by its location. The sea laps at the cliffs, paths meander through the grass, and there’s an incredible natural sea-filled bay with striped deckchairs and a dramatic staircase leading down to it.
We left the bright red Wrangler perched precariously on a grassy slope above the hotel, a splash of color against the vast horizon. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this chunk of American metal. Despite its flaws, the Jeep Wrangler offers an unforgettable experience. It’s not just a car; it’s an adventure.
