When it made its debut at the 1996 Detroit Motor Show, the new “TJ” JEEP Wrangler was a huge hit with fans of the marque.
Replacing the previous “YJ” generation, the new model was a return to a much more traditional form for the utility JEEP and was just what fans of the marque were asking for. The Wrangler was, after all, the US equivalent of the classic Land Rover, and by adding square headlamps and other Eighties accoutrements, JEEP had managed to lose some of the utility model’s “properness” and heritage along the way.
But with the TJ, it was a case of right first-time. It got the round headlights and seven-slot grille that typified the original Willys JEEP and had stayed with the model right up until the YJ’s debut in 1986. It was traditional enough to cut the mustard not only as a leisure vehicle but also as a working one, with notable volume customers being the US Military and Postal Service, the latter of which ordered right-hand-drive models as it meant the postie could alight kerbside.
We have the mailman to thank for the UK Wranglers, for without the US Mail volume the business case may not have been there to justify RHD production. There was demand from Japan and South Africa as well as the UK, but without the US Mail the volumes might never have been enough to justify the engineering cost. You learn something new every day…
The one offered for sale here is a 2006 Renegade ‘Sahara’ edition, one of the final edition TJs, which benefits from the last-of-the-line facelift. It saw improved trim, ride and handling as well as some new colours and bold special editions, the Sahara being the more off-road oriented of them.
TJ Wranglers are already becoming collectable. Later JK versions were still brilliant off-road, but were more advanced mechanically whereas the TJ still features the old AMC-derived 4.0-litre straight six – an engine that’s tough as anything and easy to maintain. To JEEP enthusiasts, the TJ will always be the Wrangler’s high watermark.
This one’s a cracker – in the best colour scheme
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
New MOT on sale
RHD Import to the UK in 2017 – originally supplied to Japan
Partial service history
ULEZ compliant
Japanese service book and original owners manual
Two sets of keys
Original shipping documents and export certificate
THE INTERIOR
Hard-wearing two-tone grey cloth upholstery in good order
Matching two-tone black and grey dash, also in excellent condition
Hard plastic wipe clean door trims and manual windows – full off-road utility specification!
Pioneer aftermarket USB stereo
Air conditioning
Twin power outlets including separate USB charging port
Rock-and-roll foldaway rear seat
Internal roll cage
THE EXTERIOR
Smart solid black paint – recently fully detailed
New soft-top roof
Factory option detachable hard top
Plastic wheel arches recently repainted
Chrome modular wheels with chunky Bridgestone Dueller A/T tyres
Very solid underneath with only minor surface corrosion to chassis
THE MECHANICS
4.0-litre AMC-derived straight six
Automatic transmission
Drives very well according to the vendor – no known or declared issues
Will be supplied with new MOT
SUMMARY
This is a great example of the best of the Wranglers – true the spirit of the Willys Jeep but at the same time modern enough to use as everyday transport, with good performance, ABS, airbags and other features that the original could only dream of.
As an example of a cult modern classic, it’s a brilliant choice, with the added advantage of being a soft-top in the summer and a hardtop for those winter months. Plus, it’s exempt from the London ULEZ and similar emissions schemes, unlike most diesel SUVs of its era.
Notice to bidders
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.
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2006 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
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