The Birth of the Super Jeep
Our Super Jeeps are specially modified in Iceland to handle the tough terrain of glaciers and the rugged Icelandic highlands.
The concept of the Super Jeep originated in Iceland. Although no one knows for sure how these vehicles got the name “jeep,” the most popular theory traces it back to World War II. The U.S. Army brought their lightweight, all-terrain vehicles to Iceland, where they proved invaluable for navigating the island’s harsh conditions and lack of roads. These vehicles were originally called “General Purpose” vehicles, or “GP” for short. Over time, the abbreviation was slurred into “Jeep,” and the Icelandic translation became “Jeppi.”
The Evolution of the Super Jeep
Around the 1975, Icelanders began experimenting in their garages to modify these vehicles for the challenging highland terrain, especially in winter. They fitted larger wheels to improve traction and started using the term “Super Jeep” to distinguish them from regular 4×4 Jeeps.
However, during those early days of experimentation, some of these modified vehicles performed well, while others turned out to be quite dangerous to drive. Today, modifications are no longer done in backyards but are carried out by specialized companies. The entire process must meet strict standards and be approved by the Icelandic Transport and Road Administration before the vehicles are allowed to drive on the main road.
Super Jeeps are four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles equipped with massive suspension systems and tires ranging from 38″ to 58″ in size. In addition to the oversized tires, these vehicles have reshaped bodies to accommodate the larger wheels, extended suspension, and specialized lift kits to increase ride height.
To further enhance performance in extreme conditions, Super Jeeps are often equipped with:
- Special low-gear systems for extra slow and controlled driving through heavy snow.
- Internal tire pressure control systems that allow drivers to adjust tire pressure directly from inside the vehicle—essential for optimizing traction on varying surfaces.
- Advanced GPS navigation systems specifically designed for off-road driving and navigating through blizzards on glaciers, ensuring safe and accurate routes even in the most challenging weather conditions.