The Jerrari is a fascinating vehicle that combines the ruggedness of a 1977 Jeep Wagoneer with the powerful engine of a Ferrari 365. This unusual mashup was created by Bill Harrah, a prominent American businessman and car collector known for his extensive automotive collection, including two Jerraris.
Harrah wanted to improve the performance of the Jeep, which originally had a 5.9L AMC V8 engine. He envisioned replacing it with a more powerful 4.4L Ferrari V8 engine, along with a five-speed manual transmission.
After reaching out to Enzo Ferrari for a 4×4 version of the iconic sports car and being turned down, Harrah decided to take matters into his own hands.
He built two Jerraris: the first in 1969, which featured parts from a Ferrari, and the second in 1977, which retained most of the original Jeep components. To fit the Ferrari V12 engine into the Jeep, the body had to be extended, and upgrades were made to the cooling system.
Interestingly, two helicopter radiators were used to keep the engine oil at the right temperature. With these modifications, the Jerrari could reach a top speed of 140 mph.
Harrah’s motivation for creating the Jerrari was practical. He often needed a fast way to get to the airport, especially during snowy weather.
With the Jerrari, he could speed through the snow, and locals recognized his bright orange Jeep as he drove by. Police officers reportedly admired the vehicle, appreciating its unique combination of luxury and utility.
Today, the 1977 Jerrari is on display at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada, where visitors can see this one-of-a-kind vehicle in person.
The earlier 1969 model was sold on eBay in 2008, but its current whereabouts are unknown. The Jerrari remains a remarkable example of creativity in automotive engineering, blending the worlds of rugged SUVs and high-performance sports cars.
