But it is mostly new. The CJ3B’s frame is made in Washington and much of the body sheet metal is stamped in the Philippines. The engine is a 4-cylinder General Motors Ecotec that produces 210 horsepower. The axles are modified versions of the units in today’s Jeep Rubicon; most of the driveline comes from well-established industry suppliers.

All of the modern components make the Icon a more reliable, repairable vehicle than any restoration of a 50-year-old could be — and a more usable off-roader than a straight replica of the original Willys would be. Gone are trouble spots from the original design like the leaf springs (which can limit the wheel travel needed to negotiate rough terrain), a balky choke cable (electronic fuel injection assures quick starting) and weak drum brakes (there are discs at all four corners).

Still, a list of improvements does not reveal the whole story. That lies in the telling of how those bits and pieces were chosen and procured, which is a direct reflection of Mr. Ward’s character — or, some would say, his obsession for perfection in all details.

Describing himself as a “bit of a technical geek,” Mr. Ward enthusiastically leaps into a briefing of what it took to make the CJ. Calling on skills developed as a stage actor, he detailed the process of machining the billet aluminum dashboard knobs, procuring a NASA-grade LED reverse light and protecting every body panel in a durable military-grade powder-coat finish. Ask about the soft top and you receive a deep technical briefing on what it takes to find the world’s best zippers, strongest snaps and most durable fabrics.

The CJ3B is available in Old School and New School versions, which vary in the design of their rollover bars, suspensions and tire size. Further variations are sure to follow. But the restless mind of Mr. Ward is already plotting out other automotive icons — can’t avoid the word — to replicate. Next up could be a Ford Bronco or a battery-powered Volkswagen Thing.

Whatever his next “inspired by” product is, Mr. Ward said, it will be made to last, not a disposable consumer item. “Something already in our culture,” he said, “and not made for a short shelf life.”