Historians' Comments
The Story of the Jeep That Was Never Supposed To Be
The Jeep That Doesn't Exist
For years, automotive historians believed the Jeep XJ-002 was nothing more than a myth… until the truth came to light.
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The XJ002 was never built. Its existence is a myth.
– Ron Szymanski, 1998
Former Kaiser-Jeep, AMC, Chrysler Corporate Historian
The XJ002 project was discussed by Kaiser-Jeep but never built.
– John Conde, 1999
AMC Public Relations Manager & Historian
The XJ002, similar to XJ001 but sporting an enclosed coupe body, was announced, though it’s unclear whether the vehicle was actually ever built.
– Patrick Foster, 2004
Jeep Author & Historian
The car was never built.
– Patrick Foster, 2005
Jeep Author & Historian
But It Does Exist!
After years of doubt and mystery, new evidence surfaced that proved the Bolide XJ002 was real — and more than just an urban legend.
A rare one-of-a-kind sports car developed in secret…some claimed was never built while others said it was but had since been destroyed…a caller contacted me with information…it was the long-lost Jeep XJ-002 concept car…(it) is verified to be the last Kaiser-Jeep authorized factory concept car.
- Patrick Foster. 2007
Jeep Author and Historian
AACA Certification
"The AACA National Judging Committee has initiated a program for certified Designated Limited Production, Prototype, and Experimental Vehicles… Your 1970 Jeep Bolide XJ002 has been approved for Class 35A… Your 1970 Jeep Bolide XJ002 is the 9th prototype…to be accepted to class 35A. It is the only one known to the AACA…” - December 12, 2024
Bolide XJ002 Video
Join us on a journey through time and witness the captivating tale of the Bolide XJ002—where history meets innovation in every curve and contour.
Member Story: The Jeep Bolide XJ-002 Concept Car
By Dan Kunz, Vero Beach, FL, info@jeepbolidexj002.com
“It was conceived but never built, its existence a myth.” Incorrect! Jeep historians including Ron Szymanski (Jeep’s Corporate Historian), Pat Foster (noted Jeep author), and John Conde (AMC’s Public Relations Historian) were all unaware of the Bolide. It was conceived and built as a one-of-one concept car for the 1970 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), although it was shown at a separate booth due to its unconventional and somewhat clandestine nature. Noted automotive writer and editor Martyn Schorr and I were at the show, and he took and published photos of the car.
The car was ‘lost’ after the NYIAS. AMC didn’t want it back; it was ‘too wild’ for their thinking. It went back to its developer (Borg Warner’s Cycolac Division and their skunk works Centaur Engineering, led by Dann Deaver who originally designed and built the Bolide). Deaver developed The Man from U.N.C.L.E. TV car and concepts including the Can Am One (Corvair—SCCA Competitor) and a Jeep Camper, plus others. Marketing input was from Jack Griffith, who was to market the car through Huntington Motors in select Jeep dealers as a future model for Jeep. Jack did similarly with the TVR-based Griffith V8 Ford Engine product he conceived. Mike Mooney, the current owner of Griffith Motors, will be publishing information about Jack’s involvement with the Bolide.
The black house paint was originally applied by two guys in the box trailer as it was being driven to the show. Dann Deaver, while meeting with Mark Stratton, Society of Manufacturing Engineers and me, relayed that unique detail. The Bolide is nearly all original and only a few NOS parts are being used. It will never be perfect; it was designed and built to be used, and it has been. But for an accurate restoration… we wonder where the paint drips were?
The car was slightly modified for on/off-road and mud racing. It had been hand-brush painted in 5 colors, including hot pink and camo. It was found running with 9,049 miles. It was titled and registered in 5 states, street driven in at least 2 states, and there had been 12 owners over the years.
Full provenance exists since the V-6 Commando it was based on left the assembly line. The Bolide is being restored to its NYIAS show condition. That restoration includes the rough fiberglass interior and underbody, the frame and interior being hand-painted with house paint (including every wire, nut and bolt!).
Some unique history… This one-of-one as shown at the NYIAS was a clandestine operation of Kaiser-Jeep President (or VP, records disagree) John Cady. It was contracted to Borg-Warner and was the first proposed bubble-top T-top to be production built. It was the first car called a “Sport and Utility Vehicle” (by name, not SUV initials), and the first authorized Kaiser-Jeep concept/prototype built out of house. It was intended to be offered through select Jeep dealerships as a ‘likely new direction for Jeep.’ Unfortunately, John Cady, Borg-Warner, Dann Deaver, and Jack Griffith all lost the bet. AMC didn’t want it back.
Well, I found this one-of-one show-car.
"AACA Speedster - March 2024." Constant Contact, American Automobile Club of America, March 2024, https://myemail.constantcontact.com/AACA-Speedster---March-2024.html?soid=1102261497032&aid=E5EqZftpCBQ. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
The Jeep that never existed...
BUT IT DOES!
Every legend has a story – and the Bolide XJ-002 is no exception. If you have questions, stories to share, or are curious about its historical restoration, drop us a message.
Contact Owner
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Dann Deaver, designer and builder at Centaur Engineering, discusses the Bolide project with Dan Kunz.
Email Bolide owner at
Current Restoration Progress
The car is currently under restoration, nearing the quality as seen at the NYIAS. Once restored it will be available for viewing in selected venues such as Jeep gatherings, auto shows and at classic car auctions and parades.
Enjoy your review of this material…not only is this “a car that didn’t exist”, it was a trend setter…a legend BEFORE its time!
