Vehicle Description
Before the current SUV craze, there was only one name in full-sized
4x4 SUVs: Jeep Cherokee. Descended from the Wagoneer, this 1979
Jeep Cherokee Chief is one of the best we've seen, a strong-running
off-roader that's sure to attract a lot of attention anywhere it
goes, whether it's a car show or a romp in the dirt.
Quite honestly, we haven't seen one of these in years, let alone
one this clean. Still wearing the original paint and decals, this
Cherokee has lived the easy life with someone who loved it. The
angular lines are instantly familiar, although the fact that it has
only two doors might be something our younger readers may not have
seen before. Don't worry, that's how they were and you'll find that
this one still has all the space and capabilities you'd expect.
Aside from a few minor touch-ups here and there, the body and paint
are in fantastic condition for their age and given these trucks'
propensity to rust almost instantly, this one obviously lived in a
dry climate because it's quite straight and clean. A few heavy-duty
off-road type upgrades have been added, most notably the grille
guard up front and the cool roof rack, as well as LED lighting
(including the headlights!). There's also a custom rear bumper and
a giant spare tire carrier that can handle the big off-road meats
this truck is wearing. It certainly looks ready for an adventure,
don't you think?
Inside, it's pure 1979 but that's a good thing. Check out the
sporty bucket seats that are wearing their original seat covers,
the long list of options, and the cavernous cargo bay. This was the
top-of-the-line in 1979 and a rather expensive machine, so the
upholstery looks and feels upscale, there are neatly tailored door
panels, and the carpets are quite plush and show only modest wear.
Options include a tilt wheel, cold A/C, and a sunroof overhead that
really makes a difference inside. The original radio is gone,
replaced by a modern AM/FM/CD stereo head unit and it appears that
everything is operational, a real rarity for an AMC product in the
'70s! The gauges are clear, bright, and cover all the important
stuff and the 65,660 miles showing on the odometer are authentic.
As I mentioned, the cargo area is enormous and includes plush
carpets and stainless rub strips that dress it up a bit.
The only engine you could get in your Cherokee Chief was a 360
cubic inch V8, and it makes the big SUV feel quite muscular around
town. It's obviously the truck's original engine and it has been
properly maintained throughout its life so it runs superbly. Recent
work includes new gaskets, seals, and hoses, which are particularly
important on an off-road vehicle, but it is mostly stock so it
retains its good road manners and decent performance. Corporate
turquoise engine enamel is bright inside the brown engine bay, and
you'll note that it's equipped with power steering and power front
disc brakes, so even with those big tires it remains easy to
handle. The 3-speed automatic transmission feeds a very advanced
transfer case that offers full-time all-wheel-drive, which was a
Jeep exclusive in 1979. Heavy-duty axles, twin steering
stabilizers, and a Flowmaster exhaust system all make it a lot of
fun to drive. Oversized black wheels lend it a hardcore look and
carry brand new 33x12.50-15 Cooper off-road radials.
Go try to find another one this nice. If you like vintage
off-roaders but enjoy your creature comforts, this Cherokee Chief
delivers in a very big way. Call now!
