Highlights

JDM import
Recent service and 4 new tyres
Cleanly present throughout
Hardtop

The Appeal

There are not many vehicles out there that can claim the credit for starting a whole genre of transportation, but the direct progression of the Jeep's visual design and retaining the separate body-to-frame and rigid live axles offer a clue to its ancestry. In its TJ form, the Wrangler is the second generation of the model that debuted in 1986. With improvements to safety and comfort, it still offered a great balance of authenticity to allow the driver to explore the trails without too much of a compromise to road handling, thanks to its modern suspension set-up.

Powered by a durable and long-lived 4.0-litre straight-six AMC-derived engine, it was the RHD availability in 1997 that finally gave the Jeep a viable place in the 4x4 UK market. Placing the car as both a lifestyle machine as well as a workhorse, it is one of the few US-built cars that have maintained a steady following in the UK.

Imported via Japan in 2023, this very original and neatly presented 1999 Jeep Wrangler 4.0 is the Sahara edition of the car, distinguished by the wider body-coloured fender flares and rocker sills to complement its unique interior trim treatment. It has a fair amount of Japanese maintenance with it but also has just seen a recent UK service and four new tyres for good measure. Sold with its hardtop, as well as an MOT to June 2024, it's all ready for UK use.

The History and Paperwork

Japanese market model
Registered in the UK in 2023
Original JDM manual and wallet
Mileage certificate of verification
Evidence of Japanese maintenance and servicing
UK Service carried out in June 2023 along with 4 new tyres
V5c present
MOT to June 2024

The Interior

Premium fabric high-back bucket seats in decent shape, with no significant flaws
Carpets all intact with no signs of prolonged off-road use
Dashboard in excellent order, with very little in terms of wear
Dials and switches are all in good shape
All functions said to work including air conditioning and its power steering
Original FM Stereo/Tape player
The steering wheel and gear lever are intact
No significant scuffs on the trim or door cards
The rear luggage area is in a very tidy state

The Exterior

Solid throughout, with minimal evidence of off-roading
Chassis rails and floor pan in very clean condition
Inner wheel wells and sills are in good shape
The exterior is neatly presented, with its full doors opening and closing with ease
Metal panels appear to be free of any discernible corrosion or dents
Black paintwork has a decent lustre with a handful of age-related marks
A few scuffs were noted on the plastic bumpers but not enough to distract
Mild signs of age on the Hardtop, but is free of damage and provides a good fit onto the body
Hardtop boot flap struts will need replacing
The Sahara unique trim is in good shape which includes the Diamond plate rocker guards and body-colour bumper flares
Side steps in good condition
The alloys are in excellent condition with no significant scuffs
A full set of new Joyroad tyres

The Mechanics

4.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine

3-speed 32RH automatic

• The engine starts up with no hesitation and ticks over evenly with no undulations

• No warning lights flagged up on the dashboard

• No reports of engine temperature or oil pressure issues

• Said to drive and stop well, with no outstanding faults

• Engine cleanly presented with decent hoses and ancillaries

• Mild signs of age on the exhaust pipe but doesn’t appear to be blowing

Summary

A rugged, go-anywhere image with an undeniable heritage is something that any manufacturer would be proud of, but to retain the qualities that made the original so iconic is a genuine feat. Of course, like the previous owners of this Wrangler, you don’t necessarily need to climb peaks or green lane it, but this example could be the ideal vehicle, given its solid condition and excellent presentation to let your hair down and set this charmingly little Jeep free into its natural environment.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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