Description
• Ultra-rare low mileage silver Grizzly
• Valuable late-model differentiating upgrades
• Over £1000 invested in last 100 miles
• ULEZ compliant
• Genuine UK original (not import)
Averaging just 3k miles pa from new, this Jeep has clearly been cherished; owned long-term by a fellow enthusiast who undertook regular servicing and a light restoration in 2016, investing £7300 over the next few years at approx. 55k miles. Mileage now is 69k.
Having purchased my first Jeep in 1982, I’ve owned most models over the intervening years and have a deep affection for the classic Wrangler ‘TJ’, introduced in the mid-90s with production slowing at the end of the decade.
After a long search I acquired a late ‘Mark 2’ Grizzly. I absolutely love it - and, then, when I saw another Grizzly come up for sale last year I bought it for my wife as a surprise Christmas present.
I invested over £1000 on a major service and useful upgrades (more below). However, notwithstanding my best intentions, she prefers her Mini Cooper! Much as I am strongly tempted to keep both, the Grizzly has done less than 100 miles since, and it makes no economic sense to keep two.
If you’re looking for an individual Wrangler, this version is virtually unique: ‘How Many Left’ shows only 60 Grizzlies currently licensed, and the only model produced in this lovely metallic silver.
The Grizzly benefits from several factory enhancements, including an important engine upgrade designed to improve on-road driving particularly: distributor-less direct-ignition system, re-designed cylinder head, new exhaust manifold and dual-catalyst system and 2. 25" exhaust, etc.; it produces more power (190bhp), and more torque (235 lb-ft). The ABS system was also updated, as was the manual transmission. Similarly, the controls for the lights are integrated to the steering column together with intermittent wipe for more convenience and easy use. The engine is a definite improvement being stronger and smoother, and pulls really well.
What do these Grizzly updates mean on the road?
It is effortless and cruises comfortably at low rpm: 55-60mph is 1500rpm and 70mph is less than 2000 rpm.
And I get 40% better mpg with the Grizzly than any of the prior TJs I’ve owned.
Further, this particular car has a number of useful upgrades to enhance ownership:
• It was specified from new with the factory hardtop – very unusual – with rear wash/ wipe
• Superb LED headlamps
• Hella driving lamps for additional high-beam distance
• Top-of-the-range Kenwood DAB radio/ CD/ Bluetooth phone and music and USB, together with Alpine speakers
• Side bars (steps)
• Taller 16” ‘Ultra Star’ wheels, with Grabber AT2 tyres, which fill the arches much better than the smaller wheels of prior models
• Locking wheel nuts
• Battery isolator – helpful when stored
The iconic Wrangler makes a very stylish and tremendously versatile classic. Timeless looks combined with rarity guarantee a warm and enthusiastic welcome at any venue. And selectable part time or full time 4WD ensures regardless of the weather you can arrive and exit safely. The General Grabber AT2 tyres will make all the difference when required (and give some peace of mind from pot holes). All have 7mm tread depth.
The factory hardtop makes for a very refined TJ – yet the full convertible experience takes only ten minutes to achieve. Remove just 6 bolts, release two windscreen header clips, unplug the rear wash/ wipe, and the top lifts off. Should you wish to go further, the windscreen folds flat onto the bonnet and the doors remove, too.
The upgraded LED headlights are a real benefit… they give an easy to see ‘halo’ like modern day time running lights and both the dip and main beam are superb. I was initially sceptical when laying out £500 for a set for my other Grizzly, then found them completely transformational and one of the best purchases I’ve made.
A TJ is easy to live with. They are surprisingly compact (shorter than a 3-series), easy to manoeuvre and park. They are not complex like a modern car, and are easy to work on either for the owner or a 'normal' garage. Parts are typically reasonably priced and widely available. Road tax is currently £400pa.
It may have seemed rash to buy a second Grizzly without really checking with my wife first but, as I explained, it is very hard to find an original, not off-roaded nor messed with, low-mileage TJ.... let alone the compelling spec. and rarity of this Grizzly version.
At 24 years old it is of course not a new car, but it is in very good condition for its age as can be seen in the photos.
All TJs are extremely characterful and tremendous fun to own.
Thus they have a strong following and are appreciating in value, so ownership costs can be very favourable.
An original and unmodified example in this condition must surely be a great bet for future growth - moreso with the later more-economical engine and such a rare limited edition. History......
Current MoT, was done less than 100 miles ago, expires 17th December 2026.
Major Service and miscellaneous items also completed in December at a cost of over one thousand pounds, and only a few miles covered since:
Replace air filter, engine oil & filter, filler cap, spark plugs.
Brake service: strip and clean rear brake drums, adjust and lubricate handbrake mechanism; strip and lubricate front callipers/ pads; change brake fluid.
Test and strengthen antifreeze.
Check gearbox and differential levels.
Check clutch fluid and power steering fluid.
Replace broken oil filler cap.
Instal Kenwood DAB stereo unit and upgraded Alpine speakers.
Fit genuine Mopar '4. 0L' decals from USA.
Light restoration undertaken by AM Restorations in Plymouth. Aug 2016, mileage approx. 55k. This, plus maintenance and service bills around this period for c £7300 present.
All MoT Certificates Present:
• 16/ 9/ 02 vehicle registered
• 24/ 9/ 05 12, 596 miles
• 22/ 9/ 06 16, 810 miles
• 24/ 9/ 07 19, 985 miles
• 17/ 9/ 08 23, 185 miles
• 17/ 10/ 09 28, 263 miles
• 10/ 9/ 10 34, 301 miles
• 23/ 9/ 11 39, 027 miles
• 19/ 9/ 12 40, 858 miles
• 17/ 9/ 13 42, 336 miles
• 29/ 8/ 14 43, 112 miles
• 23/ 9/ 15 50, 665 miles
• 15/ 9/ 16 55, 629 miles
• 31/ 8/ 17 57, 246 miles
• 6/ 9/ 18 58, 420 miles
• 6/ 9/ 19 59, 410 miles
• 27/ 8/ 20 59, 963 miles
• 1/ 7/ 21 60, 657 miles
• 31/ 8/ 22 61, 223 miles
• 18/ 12/ 23 62, 447 miles
• 7/ 12/ 24 66, 502 miles
• 26/ 11/ 25 69, 906 miles
Mileage now: 69, 992.
In December 2025 I commissioned a major service and various upgrades in preparation to present the car to my wife. So I believe the significant things are taken care of. That said, inevitably with a twenty four year old, there will be some small things the next owner might wish to attend to:
Over badly broken road surfaces, there is an occasional light knock from the suspension... most likely the sway bar drop link(s).. which are prone to wearing. Inexpensive at around £30, and straightforward to fit. Another common issue, one of the heated rear window connectors has come away from the glass. Update: when posting the advert, I explained that the passenger door handle needed to be replaced and the part had not arrived - it has now been completed (in the photos, you'll see the passenger door card without the handle, rest assured the correct item is now there!).
Since the Christmas present idea wasn't well received, and having just spent a considerable amount in preparation, I rather lost my appetite for spending any further .... but I appreciate that these things need attention and, for a serious buyer, will make a fair adjustment in recognition.
