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.

And we have the mailman to thank for the UK Wranglers, too, for without the US Mail 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 2004 Renegade ‘Sahara’ edition, which benefits from the last-of-the-line facelift that carried the model through to 2006. 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. Even the sand-coloured paint scheme points towards its utilitarian roots.

TJ Wranglers are already becoming collectable. Later JK versions were still undeniably 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.

The current owner bought the vehicle back in February 2015, becoming the 7th listed owner. During his ownership the Wrangler has been serviced annually and had any repairs carried out as and when needed, though he is very keen to point out that it has been impeccably reliable throughout his ownership. Please note, the ownership has changed between the owner and his son and back to the present owner, since their original acquisition of the vehicle, which is why the vehicle is showing as having 9 owners.

Along with a UK V5 and a current MoT certificate valid until November 2020, the JEEP comes with an owners pack containing a handbook, service guide, dealer directory and a business card from the original dealership’s supplying salesman.

The original “JEEP Privileges” leather wallet is also present.

It’s an inelegant climb up into the JEEP’s cabin if you’re not used to it, but once inside it’s in exceptional order – the grey fabric seats are in excellent condition and almost unmarked, the door cards and carpets are excellent and the floors have been protected by personalised over-mats bearing the car’s registration number.

The Sahara Edition roll cage is protected by foam wraparound covers that match the interior trim and also protect passengers from a nasty bump on the head, especially when the hardtop is removed.

Rear access is via a split tailgate, with a quick release mechanism to collapse the rear seat and add extra practicality to the load bay.

The cabin has a utilitarian feel but is well-equipped, with air conditioning, cruise control, a smart six-dial dash and a modern Kenwood stereo system.

With chrome side bars, headlight and tail-light protectors, aftermarket spot lamps, brushed aluminium wheels and beefy General Grabber all-terrain tyres, the JEEP looks every inch the gruff off-roader it’s supposed to be.

But despite its inarguable off-road prowess, the Wrangler has clearly never been abused. The underside is undamaged by rough terrain and is in solid order, with only a few small areas of surface corrosion that are easily treated, while the upper bodywork looks fantastic in its metallic sand-coloured hue.

The removable hard top is in excellent order with no signs of damage or sun fading, the latter of which is quite common on this model.

Aside from a couple of very small stone chips on the bonnet, some scuff marks on the driver’s door and some pitted chrome around the door handle escutcheons, the JEEP presents very well and is clearly a cherished, clean and well-loved vehicle.

JEEP’s 3,956cc straight six can trace its roots back to the 1960s and the AMC 258 engine that debuted in the 1964 Rambler Typhoon. But old school means old tech, and that means that the Wrangler is one of the few cars of its era that is simplicity itself to work on.

The 4.0-litre derivative came along in 1987 and developed between 175bhp and 190bhp, the latter of which is the power output of this Renegade Sahara Edition. The engine is renowned for its low-down responsiveness and its longevity – it’s widely regarded as one of the most durable and dependable engines made in America.

The engine sounds fantastic, with a deep guttural rumble that’s quickly offset by smoothness and responsiveness under load. It fires up instantly from cold, while fresh filters all round are evidence of a very recent service.

Looks, heritage, iconography? This JEEP has the lot. It’s one of the coolest and beefiest-looking versions of a vehicle that was already a legend to begin with and it is in exceptional condition for its age.

Couple that to the fact it’s a great specification, is mechanically superb and is spotless inside and you have the perfect recipe for a car that will only increase in value as it gets older.

Oh, and did we mention the off-road ability? A JEEP can out Land Rover a Land Rover, and the Wrangler is arguably one of the best off-roaders in the world. That’s one of the reasons they hold their value so well. The other is that they’re an enduring icon. And this one is exceptional – of that, make no mistake.

The number plate on this vehicle is not included in the sale.  




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