EarlyCJ5.com Technical Library

A technical library for classic Jeeps

The Jeep® Tuxedo Park Mark I, II, III and Tuxedo Park Mark IV Model CJ-5A

An effort to appeal to the broader masses

Many Jeep enthusiasts have heard of a Tuxedo Park Jeep; however few people know what it takes to make a CJ-5 or CJ-6 a "Tuxedo Park". Many people new to Jeeps don't know what a "Tuxedo Park" is or some wonder where it may be.

In the early 1960s Kaiser's Jeep sales were pretty stale. The Jeep was a rugged utilitarian workhorse that was well suited to industrial work, farm work, municipal work, hunters and other enthusiasts. Kaiser hoped that by making a few changes and adding a few options to the venerable CJ-5 that they could make it more appealing to a broader class of people. In other words, they wanted to move the Jeep's image more up-scale. This was the first attempt to change the utilitarian image that had characterized the Jeep Universal line since its inception. Despite this effort, relatively few, ~7,400, of these Jeeps were sold when compared to all other CJ-5s and the various packages offered over the whole run of the CJ-5 model (Allen, 1999). The "upscale" Jeep just wasn't what the general public had in mind for a second car.

Following the somewhat failed Tuxedo Park effort came the 462 in 1969, a sporty, tricked out Jeep that was influential and arguably the basis for the Renegade I and Renegade II which ultimately became the Renegade package for AMC which transformed Jeep's image forever. For more information on the Renegade I and Renegade II please visit the 462, Renegade I, and Renegade II Jeep CJ-5 Option Packages page.

The CJ-5 Tuxedo Park Mark I, II, III

In 1961 Willys started offering the Tuxedo Park as a trim package. I've never seen a documented Tuxedo Park Mark I or Mark II. I have seen examples of a Mark III and the Parts Peculiar guide for this package is available on this website. Thus the Mark III will be focused on for now. Information on the Tuxedo Park Mark I and Mark II will be added in the future as information warrants.

The Tuxedo Park Mark III CJ-5 was only a trim package offered in 1961(?), 1962(?), and 1963 in Indian Ceramic. The parts peculiar guide published in 1962 indicates that the Tuxedo Park Mark III received the usual chrome add-ons. The package also included the steering wheel in Indian Ceramic rather than the standard black steering wheel. The seats were the same as what was listed for the standard CJ-5 as being a "Pleated Seat" but for the addition of trim code L-29. Trim code L-29 was Black British Calf Grain Vinyl with Indian Ceramic Facings. There were cushions on the wheelhouse in the rear and floor mats (Willys Motors Inc., 1962).

Interestingly, the frame is listed in the parts peculiar along with the rear crossmember (Willys Motors Inc., 1962). No mention of what makes the frame different is alluded too though.

Tuxedo Park Mark III

Alan Cross of Arizona owns this original Tuxedo Park Mark III. He relates that after he bought it he found so little information on it that he thought it might not be really a Tuxedo Park. The lack of a specific prefix, such as the 8322 for the Tuxedo Park Mark IV, on the VIN caused some confusion for him as the previous owner suggested it was a Mark IV. To read the story behind Alan's Jeep and see more photos please visit its featured Jeep page.

There is some discussion in the forum as to whether there was a Tuxedo Park Mark I, II, III, in 1961, 1962, 1963, and finally a IV in and 1964. If you know or have anything to add, please feel free.

The Tuxedo Park Mark IV, CJ-5A and CJ-6A Models

1964 saw the Tuxedo Park Mark IV CJ-5A and CJ-6A models become available. These models can be identified by the prefix of their VIN tag, 8322 for the CJ-5A and 8422 for the CJ-6A. Rather than being just a trim package as the Tuxedo Park Mark III had been, the Mark IV was its own model.

The MSRP of a Tux Park Mark IV was $2378.09* for the CJ-5A and $2472.82* for the CJ-6A (Kaiser Jeep Corporation, ca. 1965/1966). Based on the Destination and Preparation Charges for the CJ-5 and CJ-6 you could purchase a CJ-5A for $2523.09 or a CJ-6A for $2617.82. The Kayline "Luxair" top was a $167.90 option for the CJ-5A, $196.60 for the CJ-6A at Johnson's 4WD in Riverside, CA (Johnson, 1965).

*Basic vehicles include - oil filter, oil bath air cleaner, directional signals, permanent anti-freeze, dual windshield wipers, front seat belts, closed crankcase ventilation, 2/3 front adjustable driver's seat, chrome bumpers, 35-amp alternator, glove box door, body steps, remote shift, 2-stage springs, chrome trim and single lever transfer case.

Factory Installed Equipment
Tire Options
7.35 x 15 4-ply power cushion STD
6.00 x 16 4-ply power cushion OPT-NC
6.00 x 16 4-ply all service OPT-NC
7.35 x 15 4-ply suburbanite-nylon OPT-NC
7.00 x 15 4-ply all service $64.84
7.00 x 15 6-ply all service $91.86
8.45 x 15 4-ply suburbanite, nylon $28.19
8.45 x 15 4-ply suburbanite, nylon-WSW $45.34
Other Optional Equipment
Heater and defroster $84.11
Ventilating windshield $39.67
Locking differential-front $45.57
Locking differential-rear 45.57
4-speed transmission (F-134 only, floor mounted, not column shift) $169.94
Alternator - 40 amp. - 12 volt $17.32
Seat - front passenger 1/3 type $65.19
Seat - front passenger - bucket $68.94
Seat - rear $72.85
Wheelhouse cushion pads - (CJ-5 only) 34.69
9 1/4" clutch $7.72
 

The Tuxedo Park Mark IV sported several visible clues to let the bystander know that this was no ordinary Jeep! Visual cues include:

The parts peculiar guide has 14 pages of parts peculiar to the Tuxedo Park Mark IV which obviates the idea that the Mark IV was just an ordinary CJ-5 or CJ-6 with chrome emblems and a column shift. Thanks to Kamel for the images used here; the tail light, hood logo, gearshift lever, windshield hood retainer, windshield clamps, and hub cap are all NOS. The windshield hinges have been rechromed. The rest of the items are used.

For more on other items that dressed up the Tuxedo Park Mark IV see the parts peculiar guide please.

Nonvisual parts of the Tuxedo Park Mark IV package included softer springs and shock absorbers (Willys Motors Inc., 1963).

While the CJ-5A was not a very popular model, there are far more of them than there are CJ-6As. Production numbers* for the two models break down over the years as follows (Allen, 1999).

Table 1. CJ-5A and CJ-6A Production Numbers
Model 1964 1965 1966 1967
CJ-5A 4,128 1,987 1,190 89
CJ-6A 164 115 160 20
*Discrepancies occur when comparing stated production numbers to serial numbers.

With so few of the CJ-6As produced they certainly are a rarity to find. One of these rarities recently sold by forum member, Kamel, is shown here. While the Jeep sports quite a few unoriginal items, it is easily restored. The turn signals, wheels, front bumper, seat belts (and likely the sport bar) are unoriginal. Nonetheless it is a nice example of a Tuxedo Park CJ-6A. Notice the emblems on the hood.

CJ-6A

The LBJ Connection

Tuxedo Park CJ-5As were used in Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 inaugural presidential parade. These Jeeps have dash plaques commemorating the occasion. The Jeeps were red, white, and blue.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the folks who supplied information to me to help put this page together.

References

  1. Allen, J., Illustrated Buyer's Guide™ Jeep. Osceola: MBI, 1999
  2. Johnson Sr., J. R., Personal notes in Suggested Retail Prices Jeep Vehicles. ca. 1965/1966
  3. Kaiser Jeep Corporation, Suggested Retail Prices Jeep Vehicles. [Toledo]: Kaiser Jeep Corporation, ca. 1965/1966
  4. Willys Motors Inc., Parts Peculiar to the Tuxedo Park Mark III Model CJ-5 (Indian Ceramic). [Toledo]: Willys Motors Inc. 1962
  5. Willys Motors Inc., Parts Peculiar to the Tuxedo Park Mark III Model CJ-5 (Indian Ceramic). [Toledo]: Willys Motors Inc. 1962
  6. Willys Motors Inc., Parts Peculiar to Tuxedo Park Mark IV 'Jeep' Models CJ-5A and CJ-6A. [Toledo]: Willys Motors Inc. May, 1964

Elsewhere on the web see these pages