This Jeep Ferrari Mashup Reminds Us Of The First Lamborghini

Jun. 15, 2021 5:00 PM ET by Sebastian Cenizo Classic Cars / 14 Comments

If you can't buy it, build it.

The story of Lamborghini's origins as a carmaker is well-documented. Ferruccio Lamborghini was displeased with Enzo Ferrari's clear reluctance to build a good road car that was reliable and honestly built. Enzo was an exacting man who did only as he pleased, and to hell with everyone else. His nonchalance over keeping customers happy lost him many wealthy customers, but while Ferruccio's tale is well-known, that of Bill Harrah is not.

The Nevada businessman requested a four-wheel-drive Ferrari from Enzo in 1969 and, like so many others who asked for things Enzo didn't believe in, was quickly dismissed. What came next was not the birth of a new supercar maker, just one man's dream car.

To build his vision, Harrah got his own mechanics to combine the components of a 1969 Ferrari 365GT with those of a 1969 Jeep Wagoneer, a car that became known as the Jerrari. According to stories told of this car's history, the decision to go with Ferrari power came about after one of Harrah's mechanics crashed the 365GT. As a result, the engine and front clip of the Fezza were saved. Since Harrah was an avid car collector with a large team caring for over 1,500 cars, the work was all done in-house. And what a build it turned out to be.

The Ferrari transmission was swapped out for a four-speed from Borg-Warner, and the sump was changed to make space for a front differential to clear the motor, but the vehicle retained the Wagoneer's stock brakes and suspension, although Monroe shock absorbers did help. Outside, Harrah's team sculpted the bodywork too, shaping the Ferrari front end onto the boxy wagon. With 320 horsepower, a racing green paint job, and a custom Prancing Kangaroo badge, it's quite a cool car from the exterior. Inside is just as subtle and classy, with the Ferrari's steering wheel and pedals being the only changes. Sadly, the Ferrari motor was later swapped for a 390 cubic inch Chevy small-block, but it's still worthy of your attention. If you're transfixed, the Jerrari is for sale on Classic Driver in Germany. Price on application.