‘Jeep® in the Movies’ now playing at museum

Posted on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 11:02 AM EDT.

The Walter P. Chrysler Museum, in Auburn Hills, Mich., is spotlighting a new “Jeep® in the Movies” exhibit by featuring two celebrated vehicles: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon featured in Paramount Pictures’ “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life” and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited that co-starred in the Paramount release, “Sahara.”

Running through July 27, “Jeep in the Movies” kicks off the “Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight” series of production and concept duos that will be temporarily exhibited on the museum’s second level.

The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, dubbed the “Tomb Raider Jeep,” was the first customized model to appear in a feature film. “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life” is based on the extreme adventures of virtual game heroine Lara Croft, played by Angelina Jolie. In one dramatic scene, Croft parachutes into the back of the “Tomb Raider Jeep.”

Visitors will get a close look at such vehicle modifications as a roll cage with grab bars, a skid plate with simulated HID lighting and an interior with specially designed gauges, shifters, instrument panel, console and door trim. The vehicle also features a host of aftermarket components such as bumpers, wheels with bead locks, suspension lift and riveted fender flares.

Paramount Pictures altered the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to make it look like it had spent several years in the service of a dictator’s army.

Visitors will see the “Sahara Jeep’s” unique exterior and interior cues, including a chrome grille, accent-colored fender flares, 30-inch Moab Wheels with accent colors, exterior Sahara badge and a premium two-tone seat. The vehicle also features Mopar® components, including tail lamp guards and a unique khaki-colored spare tire cover.

Following “Jeep in the Movies,” the “Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight” series will continue with:

“Fancy Cruisers” (July 27-Sept. 14): Chrysler PT Panel and California Cruiser concepts

“Future Off-Roaders” (Sept. 14-Nov. 9): 1998 Jeep Jeepster and 2001 Willys II concepts

“Big Toys” (Nov. 9-Jan. 11, 2010): Plymouth Expresso and Slingshot concepts

“Muscle Machines” (Jan. 11-Mar. 15, 2010): Dodge Copperhead and Sidewinder concepts

The museum is located at the corner of Featherstone and Squirrel roads in Auburn Hills, at the southeast corner of the Chrysler Auburn Hills complex, located at exit 78 of Interstate 75.

The museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

For additional information, visit the museum’s new Web site at www.wpchryslermuseum.org or call (248) 944-0001.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 at 11:02 AM EDT and is filed under Auburn Hills, Company, Jeep. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Comments are currently closed.