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. The most popular theory traces the name to World War II, when the U.S. Army brought its lightweight all-terrain 'General Purpose' (GP) vehicles to Iceland. Over time 'GP' was slurred into 'Jeep' — in Icelandic, 'jeppi'.
Around 1975 Icelanders began experimenting in their garages, fitting larger wheels for traction in the highlands, especially in winter, and called the results 'Super Jeeps'. Today modifications are carried out by specialised companies and must be approved by the Icelandic Transport Authority before the vehicles may drive on the main road.
Super Jeeps are four-wheel-drive, all-terrain vehicles with massive suspension systems and tyres from 38″ to 58″, reshaped bodies, extended suspension and lift kits for extra ride height.
Often equipped with
Low-gear systems
for extra slow, controlled driving through heavy snow.
Tyre pressure control
adjusted from inside the vehicle to optimise traction on changing surfaces.
Off-road GPS navigation
for accurate routes on glaciers and in blizzards.
On the Laki track, that means about 1.5 hours to the craters — regular 4×4s take at least 3, if they make it at all.
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