Lot Ended
Description
Wonderfully sound and shiny RHD Japanese import; 68k miles; new tyres;
no rust; 190bhp 4.0 straight-six with 3-speed auto transmission; removable
rear seats; detachable half-doors; DAB radio; lots to love about this
beastie!
Launched in
1996, the Wrangler TJ saw the return of the classic round headlights and slatted
metal grille of the WW2 Willys Jeep although the bone-jarring ride was long
gone, modern coil-springs replacing the leaf springs of old.
Although a 2.5 four-cylinder engine was
available, proper cowboys went for the AMC 4.0 straight-six, a famously robust
unit with a seven-bearing crank which is widely regarded by Yanks as the
toughest six-cylinder engine ever made (although classic Mercedes 280SE
fans might argue the toss on that point).
Producing 190bhp and 225lb/ft with grippy high/low range four-wheel
drive, it could sprint to 60mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed of 105mph but
its real forte was clambering up canyons that would defeat a mountain goat.
Built in February 1999, this factory RHD TJ
Sport 4.0 was imported from Japan in 2022 when it was showing 91,522 kms on the
clock (56,800 miles). It has had two owners since, the first buying it from
Concours Motor Co of Knowle in February 2023 for £12,430.
The
spec includes 3-speed auto Torque-Flite 32RH
transmission, Dana 44 rear axle with Limited Slip Diff and Dana 35 front axle.
It has the optional lightweight half-doors which simply lift off for that cool
open-air 'beach buggy' look with clip-on sidescreens for winter weather (windows
are for wimps!). The soft-top can be removed in seconds and has a robust roll
cage underneath (see last photo of a similar vehicle for reference).
There is seating for two up front plus another
two on the rear bench seat which is included (along with seat belts, all in good
condition) and simply bolts into place when required. There are also air bags
for both front seat occupants and two sets of keys.
Upgrades include powerful LED front spot lamps and LED reversing
lamps neatly fitted into the rear bumper. There is also a starter motor immobiliser
button hidden under the dash to stop anyone nicking it, plus a Sony DAB radio
hidden under a lockable panel on the centre dash console.
Now showing 108,774 kms (67,500 miles), it comes with lots of bills
for regular upkeep, virtually all by Cadley Garage of Marlborough. Highlights
include:
Feb 2023 – full
service; underbody waxoil treatment at 91,522 kms
Jan 2024 – full service at 98,463 kms
Feb 2024 – new front brake discs and pads; new rear brake shoes
and wheel cylinders; new front steering damper; new rear ARB links and D bushes
– all to address MOT advisories
June 2024 – new
front brake calipers
July 2024 – new Gates
Micro-V serpentine belt; new fuel filter and regulator; new K&N High-Flow
Lifetime engine air filter; new black headlight bezels
Aug 2024 – all transmission fluids changed (gearbox, transfer
box, LSD, front and rear axles); new Jeepey performance front sway bar link kit
Oct 2024 – new Optima Red Top
battery
April 2025 – rear brakes stripped and
adjusted to address MOT advisory
Although there
are no invoices for these items, we are told that it had another oil service and
a new set of tyres (including spare) shortly before the auction and the oil
certainly looks clean and fresh on the dipstick.
As you can see in the photos, this Jeep looks to be in lovely
condition throughout with nice glossy paintwork, a virtually unmarked interior
and an impressively rust-free underbody. The Japanese really know how to
look after their cars, they don't salt the roads and their MOT test is far
more strict than ours. They also love tuning mods and after-market gizmos but
this Jeep is reassuringly stock and original.
Driven 40 miles to the sale, it has an MOT until April 2026 with no
advisories recorded and we have greatly enjoyed hoofing it around on site - it
has bags of low-down grunt and the power steering is remarkably light
and direct, despite the beefy tyres.
Far
cooler than any Land Rover (and, dare we say it, much nicer to drive), this
chunky retro Jeep is on offer here at a very modest guide price and will be
a great way to pose around over the long hot summer that lies ahead of us. We
like it a lot!
Consigned by James Dennison –
07970 309907 – [email protected]