The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a machine with a very interesting back story.

The first of Chrysler’s Jeep-branded projects (following their 1987 buyout of AMC), this was a mould-breaking luxury SUV/off-roader which featured unibody construction while most of its contemporaries were still body-on-frame.

This made it safe, tough and capable, but the real party piece was the cabin, which wasn’t austere like a Land Rover – it was kitted out with generously padded leather seats, digital display screens, and a smorgasbord of standard-fit equipment.

And curiously, while domestic models were built in Detroit, the ones on sale in Europe were assembled in Austria by Magna Steyr – the outfit that currently builds Mercedes G-Wagons among much else.

The example we have here is a facelifted version of the first-generation Grand Cherokee, the later cars receiving a fully redesigned premium interior.

And, quite frankly, it’s in incredible condition inside, outside and underneath – with just 25k miles on the clock and a substantial history file, this is evidently a car that’s been used sparingly and carefully.

It’s quite a while since we’ve seen a first-gen Grand Cherokee as neat as this – and being the high-spec Limited model, it’s got all the toys too.

The cabin of the Grand Cherokee was designed to be luxurious, and that fundamental ethos is still very much in evidence today.

The seats are generously stuffed and trimmed in soft leather, which only shows very minimal signs of wear. The front seats are electrically adjustable. Being the Limited spec, this Jeep comes with digital climate control, and the factory-fit audio system is very high-quality with Infinity Gold speakers.

The wood trim is all in lovely condition with no signs of sun damage or lacquer peel, and the carpets and headlining are in good order. Every button we pressed did what it should, and we’re assured by the seller that everything is correctly functional – even the courtesy lights in the sun visors.

Really, this interior needs to be seen to be believed; while it may be many a Jeep’s lot in life to bounce through craggy fields and accommodate muddy boots and damp kit bags, that clearly hasn’t been the case with this one.

The cabin really does feel remarkably fresh.

The choice of paint colour was a masterstroke here; while it may appear dark grey in low light, it’s actually a shade of purple – named Dark Iris – which transmogrifies and shapeshifts into something altogether more spangly in the sunshine.

The exterior is all standard spec, with its original stainless taillight guards that were specified as a £240 option from new. The desirable ‘snowflake’ alloy wheels are in great condition, with Goodyear tyres on the front and Coopers on the rear, all with decent tread.

The light lenses and window glass are all good, and all of the correct trim and badging is in place. The factory-fit roof bars and rails are present and free from scuffs.

Aside from a very minor mark on one front bumper corner, it’s all remarkably clean and tidy.

Definitely not a Jeep that’s been used for farm duties or green-laning – we’d guess that this Grand Cherokee has spent much of its life in the city and been kept indoors.

Indeed, if you look through the MOT history, the mileage has crept up by such a tiny amount over the last few years, it’s probably just been taken out for an annual outing to the MOT centre for a test and service.

As you’d imagine of a vehicle that’s designed to be rugged and tough off-road, the mechanical package in the Grand Cherokee is robust and impressive – but what may surprise you is the smoothness and refinement.

The 4.0-litre straight-six is a torquey and dependable unit, and this low-mileage example fires straight away on the first twist of the key and settles into an even idle, maintaining the correct temperature when it’s left to run.

We’re assured by the seller that the Jeep drives sweetly, with the transmission shifting smoothly and the brakes, steering and suspension all acting as they should; indeed, the more they talked about how pleasant it was to drive, the more reluctant they seemed to sell it, so you’d better get your bids in quick in case they change their mind…

‘Time-warp’ is a term that gets carelessly thrown around in car sales circles, and perhaps we wouldn’t be that hyperbolic here, but it’s certainly not far off.

Quite simply, when’s the last time you saw a late-nineties Grand Cherokee in this sort of condition?

These, as luxurious and lavishly equipped as they may be, were vehicles acquired for utility, not cherishing and pampering. So finding one that has been cherished and pampered is really quite something. 

From top to toe, inside and out, it’s a joyful window into 1990s everyday luxury.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*