One-Owner 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Five-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

After virtually creating the four-wheel drive segment in 1941 with the wartime GP model, Jeep vehicles spent the following decades fueling the dreams of adventurers around the globe. The new TJ Wrangler was introduced in 1997, with a retro-look very similar to the CJ-7 but very different mechanically. Nearly 80 percent of the Wrangler was newly designed. The biggest engineering change was the new Quadra-Coil suspension, which replaced standard leaf-springs and provided a greatly improved on-road ride. Off-road capabilities were enhanced with increased axle articulation, ground clearance and more aggressive approach and departure angles. The TJ also featured a new interior, including driver and passenger airbags. The TJ retained several classic Jeep features such as round headlights, a fold-down windshield, and removable doors, as well as a choice of a soft top or removable hardtop. A factory-fitted sport bar was also standard. The TJ engine is the same 4.0-liter AMC inline-six that was used in the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The 1997 Wrangler was the fifth Jeep vehicle to win the “4x4 of the Year” award.

Some Jeeps never leave town. This single-owner special order 1997 Wrangler has been to Australia and continues to be lovingly maintained by a true Jeep adventurer.

Highlights

• Single-owner special order top-of-the-line Jeep Wrangler Sahara

• 4.0-liter AMC inline-six producing 181 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Command-Trac part-time “shift-on-the-fly” four-wheel drive

• Trac-Lok rear differential

• Finished in Stone White over Saddle and dark green cloth interior

• 15x7 five spoke Grizzly wheels with General Grabber AT2 235/75R15 all-terrain tires

• Satellite-ready Kenwood DMX908S stereo

• Sport Bar with two speakers and full padding

• The chassis number (1J4FY49S9VP504425) decodes as:

  • 1 – United States country of origin

  • J – Jeep

  • 4 – MPV vehicle type

  • F – 4001-5000 lbs GVWR

  • Y – Wrangler 4x4

  • 4 – Sahara model

  • 9 – Open Body

  • S – Engine 4.0-liter unleaded gas

  • 9 – Check digit

  • V – 1997 model year

  • P – Toledo, Ohio, #2 final assembly plant

  • 504425 – Sequential production number

Features

• Sahara graphics

• Body-colored grille

• Power front disc and rear drum brakes

• Removable Spice hardtop

• Frame metal doors

• High-back bucket seats

• Air conditioning

• Locking center console and trunk

• Lockable storage trunk

• Jeep-branded all-weather floor mats front and rear

• Dual air bags

• Side steps

• Fog lights

• Front tow hooks

• Black bumpers

Known Imperfections

• The CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows on 17 August 2009, “Accident reported: It hit a stationary object - It hit a guardrail - Damage to right front - Damage to right rear.” CARFAX further states “Vehicle functional.” Any superficial damage was repaired and is not visible.

• Right rear wheel arch flare was replaced

• Body has been repainted

• Small blemish in windshield, which has been professionally repaired with resin

Included

• Manufacturer’s literature

• Service records

• Full soft doors

• New full soft top

• Safari top

• Tonneau cover

• Hydraulic lift to remove hardtop

• Original window sticker

• All service documents from new

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this single owner 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara in Texas and Maryland. This was purchased in Wichita Falls, Texas and traveled to Australia before settling down in Maryland. The consignor, an avid Jeep enthusiast, states it has been garage-kept for the last 20 years. It currently shows 154,119 miles.