Highlights
- Chassis based on Willy Jeep
- Japanese import
- Well presented inside and out
THE APPEAL
What a great chance to own a 4x4 based on the chassis of the famous Willys Jeep. The Jeep has come from Japan, and is showing just 4,999 kilometres, believed to be 104,999 kilometres. The 4x4 is in great condition with all original features, and mechanically it is running as it should.
Perfect for any classic 4x4 fan who is looking for something a little different and to stand out from the rest with the usual run of the mill 4x4s.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Registered initially 1st April 1981
- Registered in the UK 1st September 2021
- MOT valid until 5th June 2023
Coming from Japan, the Mitsubishi Jeep has little history with it. That being the case, we can only go on the condition, and it presents well with an excellent body both on the outside and underside, which is very clean. The seller imported the vehicle in September 2021, to add to his collection of classic 4x4 cars. He has now decided to change vehicles, and the Jeep has been given a full MOT and is ready for its new home.
THE INTERIOR
- Clean interior
- Well presented
- Column shift change
Inside the Jeep is well presented for the age of the vehicle. Starting with the driver's seat, this does look to have been replaced at some point with a material option over the standard vinyl seat, but it is in good order with no signs of excessive wear. The passenger seat is slightly wider than a standard seat but not quite a two-seater. Again, this is also in good order with no damage to point out. In the rear, there are two vinyl covered single seals, both in good condition.
The dashboard is finished in body colour to match the lower half of the Jeep. There are a few small chips in keeping with the age, but this adds some character and patina. The switches all look to be the originals which do have some slight signs of wear to them but are all reported to be working as they should. The instruments are also reported to be working correctly, with the odometer showing 4,999 Kilometers as mentioned, believed to be 104,999 Kilometers or 65,243 miles.
They chose to use a vinyl covering for the Mitsubishi Jeep flooring. This is mainly in good condition apart from a split in the driver's side which runs from the accelerator backwards toward the seat. Above, the headlining is in good condition with just a small amount of sagging as you would expect for the age. In the back, the flooring is the same material and in good condition.
THE EXTERIOR
- Based on a Willys Jeep
- Well presented
- Japanese import
- Good tyres
Looking very similar to a Willy’s Jeep from the front but with a fixed roof and back, the Mitsubishi Jeep is quite a rare thing and especially in this condition. Starting at the front, there are no real stone chips to mention. The bumper is straight and has two spotlights fitted that are in good order. The headlights are also free from any cracks in the lenses, however, there is a small amount of surface corrosion inside the reflector and on the chrome surround. The bonnet opens and closes as it should, and is held locked down by two safety catches on either side. The windscreen is free from any chips, and the seal looks to be in relatively good condition.
Around to both sides, there are no noticeable dings or dents to mention, and the jeep looks to be nice and straight. The doors align with an even panel gap, open easily and close with a firm hand. There are some small signs of blistering to the bottom of the driver's door, but nothing has broken through the paint. The windows both in the doors and rear quarters have just some light age related marks, but nothing too excessive and the seals appear to have very little perishing.
To the rear, the spare wheel is alloy and different to the other wheels. This is mounted to a frame that unclips and swings out of the way to access the nearside door. Both doors open as they should and look to align correctly. The light lenses are free from splits or cracks, and there are two overrider-style bumpers, with one doubling up as the step to aid getting into the rear. The wheels are finished in the same colour as the lower section. These look to be in good condition, and the tyres have a good amount of tread remaining.
THE MECHANICS
- 2.7 litre diesel engine
- Four-speed gearbox
- Four-wheel-drive
Since coming to the UK, the Jeep hasn't really been used much. However, a complete check-over of the mechanics has been done to ensure it is all working as it should be with no issues. The Jeep fires up as it should and comes to a smooth idle within seconds of starting.
It is reported to pull strongly through the gears in high or lo range with no untoward noises coming from the transmission or engine. The Jeep recently passed an MOT test which shows that the brakes are working as they should with no juddering through the pedal.
It is reported to pull strongly through the gears in high or lo range with no untoward noises coming from the transmission or engine. The Jeep recently passed an MOT test which shows that the brakes are working as they should with no juddering through the pedal.
SUMMARY
This is an excellent opportunity for any 4x4 enthusiast to own something as close to a Willy Jeep as possible. The Mitsubishi Jeep is in great condition on the underside, outside and inside and runs like a dream.
With the Mitsubishi J24 Jeep’s being extremely rare, it will undoubtedly cause some head turning as you are seen driving down the road and would look great on a show field at any classic car event.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
