Of the Millions of XJs, How Many Left Are as Rust-Free as This 1997 Jeep Cherokee?
01/31/2022
From 1984 to 2001, Jeep built 2,884,172 units of the XJ series Jeep Cherokee. A favorite snack of the tin worm, it's getting harder and harder to find one with intact floors, sills, and fenders, despite that significant production number. Which makes this 1997 Jeep Cherokee up for bids on Hemmings Auctions a rarity not just for its rust-free body and stock appearance, but for the fact that it seems to have preserved that condition through 199,000 miles of travel. From the auction listing:
The seller of this 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport XJ says that he’s owned and maintained it for the last 17 years. While the mileage isn’t unusual for a vehicle of this year, the photos appear to show a clean, cared-for, rust-free example of the popular XJ compact SUV.
The key to XJ performance is this engine: The 4.0-liter fuel-injected inline-six, which is known for long life and relatively easy maintenance. The seller notes that this example has been “cured of any oil leaks and starts easily, with no smoke.” The engine bay appears to be very clean for the year and the mileage, per the provided photos. The engine is teamed with an Aisin-Warner AW4 four-speed automatic transmission, which the seller says shifts as it should. The Cherokee is equipped with a Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive system and a Corporate 8.25-inch rear axle with a Dana M30 up front.
The seller reports that the Cherokee was repainted in 2006 and describes its condition as “good.” The paint appears to have no significant defects visible in the photos and, with its long Florida history, it doesn’t appear to have had significant rust repair when it was painted. The moldings and emblems look to be in good condition in the photos, with apparently none of the fading that occurred on rubber trim on vehicles of this age. The front and rear bumpers appear to be in excellent condition, and the seller reports that the exterior lighting is all functional. The only significant modification outside is the addition of a Class III receiver under the rear bumper.
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No-Reserve, 17-Years-Owned 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport XJ
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Like the Nomad, plenty of hot rodders got their hands on two-door Safari wagons. Some of them even cannibalized Pontiacs to resurrect the more-popular Nomads. This ’57 Safari has been customized in multiple ways, starting with the replacement of its original 347-cu.in. V8 with a rebuilt 428-cu.in. powerplant out of a 1968 Bonneville. It is mated to a Strat-Flight Hydra-Matic transmission that has also been rebuilt, according to the seller’s notes.
The shiny purple metallic paint is a far cry from the original two-tone that featured Charcoal Gray as the primary color with Silver Beige complementing it, according to the firewall body tag. Inside, the original leather interior has been replaced with gray cloth upholstery and carpet that works well with the violet exterior. As an original factory-air car, this Safari was already equipped with vents and controls for A/C. Rather than the original equipment, it now is cooled by an aftermarket air-conditioning system. Other upgrades include front disc brakes to help with stopping the truly unique wagon.
The seller is keen to note that the chrome components have been properly rechromed, including the bars and “PONTIAC” lettering on the tailgate, which are typically pitted on these vehicles. The steering wheel looks to be in great shape, as does the dashboard and instrument panel. The installation of the 428 did require the loss of power steering, but the brakes are power assisted.
Head on over to Hemmings Auctions to take a look at this uncommon 1957 Pontiac Star Chief Custom Safari.
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