Description
I love these. Perhaps one of the ultimate modern classics, the Wrangler Jeep still offers tremendous value for money when compared with the equivalent Defender. Plenty of pedigree, power and iconic styling in a package that sits well in town or country and offers fresh-air motoring for four when desired. Presented in sought-after Black with matching Bestop Sunrider soft-top, our 4. 0 litre Sahara with manual gearbox ticks all the boxes and benefits from extensive service history (17 stamps) and considerable recent investment. With prices already on the up, now is the time to buy and enjoy what must be one of the all-time great lifestyle vehicles.
As a direct descendant of the WWII Willys Jeep and later CJ-range, the Wrangler was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in 1986. With more comfort and improved handling than its predecessor, the initial YJ came with rectangular headlights but still featured separate body construction, live axles front and rear, a fold-flat screen, part-time four-wheel drive and an optional full removeable hardtop and doors. Ten years later, the TJ was launched for the 1997 model year and styling saw a reintroduction of the round headlights popular on the earlier models. Available with either a 2. 5 or 4. 0 litre engine and a choice of Sport or upmarket Sahara trim, improved safety and comfort was offered with coil-sprung suspension, driver and passenger airbags and improved heating/ ventilation systems. The Sahara also benefitted from an optional fully removeable hardtop, trail-cloth internal trim and rear seat saddlebag for extra storage.
Our Wrangler was sold new in April 1997 by Stephen James Chrysler Jeep of Enfield to a local lady who evidently continued to use the main dealer for servicing (7 stamps) before selling the Jeep in late 2001 to a local gentleman. He continued the annual maintenance employing an independent specialist to service the vehicle with a further 5 stamps to April 2006 when the Jeep was sold again to a gentleman in rural Cambridgeshire. Jaggard Brothers of Fordham took over the responsibility of looking after the vehicle for the next 3 service inspections, with the owner moving across the border into Hertfordshire during mid-2010. For the next four years, the Jeep was maintained by local independents in Royston with notable work undertaken to include a full brake overhaul, new clutch and battery. In 2015, the vehicle was sold to a gentleman based primarily in Dover who used the Jeep for a number of road trips to France albeit it was largely maintained by specialists in Kent with principal work done to include a replacement steering box and rack, new water pump, replacement front drive shaft and 4 new tyres. In 2017, the Jeep moved to Southampton where it has lived for the past 6 years, being used and enjoyed sparingly as a summer vehicle and garaged the remainder of the year. That said, this period has seen significant expenditure with a replacement drive shaft in 2018, new front wings and complete front end repaint in 2019, new radiator and replacement ECU with immobiliser delete in 2020 and complete rear brake overhaul and new ball joints in July 2023. Since acquiring the Jeep, we have continued to improve the cosmetic appearance with recent repainting of both rear wings.
The Jeep presents as in the photographs. Despite the fact that it is essentially a utility vehicle, the Gloss Black paint has retained a deep lustre and polishes up very well. Recent bodywork and paintwork are clearly evident - other than a few light scratches on the drivers` door, it is probably the tidiest Wrangler I have owned with genuinely no rust that I can find anywhere. Alloy wheels are excellent and shod with almost brand-new BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres, whilst external trim including front and rear bumpers, side steps and Bestop Sunrider soft-top are all very good. Inside, the Green and Camel trail-cloth is in great shape with no significant marks or wear whilst carpets, door-cards and dash are likewise clean and very presentable.
Turn the key and the 4. 0 litre 6-cylinder fires immediately into life. On the road, the Jeep feels responsive with predictable handling and firm brakes. Steering too is surprisingly taught and with smooth gearbox and relatively light clutch, it is genuinely one of the nicest Wranglers I have driven. In truth, the whole experience is somewhat exhilarating - you can see why it has been likened to a motorised toy. But it is a toy that could be enjoyed daily as any practical classic can. I have been using it most days for the past fortnight and it now feels like an old pair of Levi`s. I will actually be rather sad to see it go.
The Wrangler comes with comprehensive history including a full Book Pack with Operating Manual, Service and Warranty Information, Maintenance Schedule (17 stamps), a file of bills and receipts from 2013-2023, every old MoT Certificate from 2000 to date and a current Certificate to July 2024.
A genuine and very original example of an American icon with great history.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
