Highlights

Exceptionally rare Japanese J55, the final edition of Mitsubishi jeeps
Presentable form with scope for improvement over the summer
Robust, dependable diesel engine
Incredibly capable 4x4
Less than 12 thousand miles displayed on the clock

The Appeal

Small, rugged simple styling with a vertically slotted grille, surely it must be a CJ era Jeep? Not quite the case. In fact what we have here is a rather rare, Japanese built J55 Jeep. After securing the licensing to build Jeeps in the early 1950s, Mitsubishi would adapt and build them under the J series name right the way until 1998, finishing off with what is argued to be the best of them all, the final edition J55. With an uprated 2.7 litre diesel engine and that glorious, rugged utilitarian styling, the J55 is undoubtedly a thoroughbred 4x4 with a hint more exclusivity than your standard Jeep.

R199 RMW, a 1998 J55, has been under the same ownership for some 14 years now. Presenting well, it's been maintained to a high standard and is in good mechanical form, there is a gentle patina beginning to surface in areas leaving the truck with scope for improvement whilst being in an entirely usable state in the meantime.

If you’re looking to delve into the world of classic Japanese 4x4’s this J55 will surely make a great and stylish candidate for the role.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in 01/06/1998
Originally a Japanese truck
Purchased and brought into the UK by the current owner 15/09/2009
Not long after purchase the J55 was taken over the the Isle of Man where it remained for the following ten years before being brought back into the UK in July 2019
Accompanied by a good selection of invoices for parts bought and work undertaken to maintain the Jeep throughout its current ownership
Comes with a selection of spare parts
Mitsubishi J50 series parts and diagram manual also present
Fully UK registered
We are informed the truck arrived in the UK and was MOT’d with 4,893 miles, and now sits on just 11,878 miles, indicating incredibly limited use throughout the years, corroborated by the online MOT records
V5 registration document present with the vehicle
Current MOT valid until February 2024
Two sets of keys

The Interior

Rugged, utilitarian interior space. Precisely what one wants from a truck of this nature
Simple and well presented, with a good honest patina exhibiting around the cabin
In good original form, with the vendor advising it remains unchanged since its arrival from Japan
Seating for four with two front passenger seats and then smaller side mounted folding seats in the rear section
Front and rear seats are in good shape, boasting quality upholstery and very limited signs of wear
Simple and effective metal dash panel, finished in the same colour as the exterior. Housing a cluster of gauges and switchgear
Gauges are all reported to be in good working order
Central mounted radio head unit, we are unsure whether this is working
A smart selection of Japanese stickers and factory operating diagrams can be found throughout the front passenger section
Front passenger seat can be completely folded forwards for added space and storage
Bottle jack and original tool set are stowed within an interior storage compartment

The Exterior

Classic Willys, CJ Jeep styling with subtle changes at the hands of Mitsubishi
Finished in a simple gloss grey paint scheme, in presentable form
There are patches and areas of patina and what appears to be surface rust making themselves known throughout the bodywork after an extended period of time spent on the Isle of Man
16” black steel wheels with off road tyres sit at all four corners, with a fifth spare residing on the rear of the truck
A set of four original white wheels and tyres also come with the J55
Subtle chrome trim in places, in good overall form
Removable contrasting black soft top roof, being 25 years old it does present with signs of age but is in good overall form
The vendor informs that some of the side windows have been replaced but that the zips could benefit from attention in places
Lighting and glass is all of a good standard, with a wonderful triple wiper setup sitting on the front windscreen
Typical Japanese style, wing mounted side mirrors
Comes with an alternative “bikini” roof, which is in a like new state

The Mechanics

Uprated 2.7 litre diesel engine as this is the final iteration J55 Jeep
100hp reported from Mitsubishi to aid with comfort and capability in modern traffic and at higher motorway speeds
In good overall mechanical order, highly original and presentable
Engine presents in good honest form and is reported to run excellently
Brakes have been overhauled with new lines fitted around a year ago
Inspection underneath shows that whilst the truck was undersealed in 2012, surface rust has broken through on the chassis, however a recent MOT gives peace of mind that the truck is still in good solid order
Vendor advises that the rubber dust boots on the front axle need replacing, with new ones accompanying the truck on sale
Backed by a wealth of parts support with the vendor advising that nearly all parts for the truck can still be sourced and purchased new in Japan
Excellent off road capability, with reports stating that 30-31” tyres can be fitted without modification if desired

Summary

Jump in, turn the key and head for the nearest off road track. These Mitsubishi Jeeps really are something and among those in the know are considered to be one of the best off roaders you can buy. With its rugged styling, solid diesel engine and removable top, this final year J55 Jeep is a wonderful example of the Mitsubishi off road division on top form.

A good original truck, R199 RMW makes a wonderful alternative offroader that with some general love and care will surely go on for many years to come, on or off the beaten track.

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