1995 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Limited Edition

This is a fantastic example of the Sahara YJ, in highly original and unrestored condition, with only 42,000 miles on the clock. Being a late model from the last year of production, in right-hand drive and with automatic transmission, it’s a rare find indeed. The engine is the original 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol with multipoint fuel injection, generating 190bhp. The owner tells us it’s surprisingly good on fuel. 

He bought this Wrangler from its second keeper in 2007, and since then it has only covered around 10,000 miles. For some of this time it was kept in France and used for fun during summer visits; since then it has been in London. Throughout the owner’s tenure it has always been kept indoors, and he tells us it has never been used for towing or off-road use. In short, it’s been a cherished toy for light duties only – as you can tell from looking at it.

“Everything is entirely original,” he tells us. “Nothing has been modified and it’s been super reliable. It’s just a really fun car to drive. I really like the automatic transmission, and there’s plenty of bite from the engine. The handling feels nice and light, and it grips the road brilliantly. To be honest I’m a bit gutted to let it go.”

The Oasis Green paint has been renewed at some point within the last 10 years, so the bodywork overall looks extremely clean and tidy. Please browse our high-res images to inspect the only blemishes – as you can see, there aren’t many and they’re only skin deep.

The top of the offside front wing has some “bird lime” marks, and the nearside rear has some vertical scratches. Close inspection will reveal a few scratches and chips around the hard top, mainly around the driver’s door window and rear top-left corner. The door mirrors and bonnet catches have some surface oxidation, one of the indicator lenses is cracked, and the front bumper has lost of some its paint. If you’re concerned about cosmetic perfection, these areas could all be inexpensively addressed.

Meanwhile the five-spoke alloys are in lovely condition, with just a kerbing on one wheel, and the galvanised panels with their pinstripe and decals are all impressively straight and rust-free. It’s a handsome car.

Being a Sahara model, this is a really striking interior, with some superb features and really nicely preserved. It’s pleasingly plush, but without straying from its Spartan roots. We particularly like the green canvas high-back seats with their rear pockets. They’re in excellent condition, marred only by a small hole on the driver’s seat base. The rear bench seat, in matching trim, is virtually immaculate.

As you can see, the switchgear and plastics all around the dash are very tidy, as is the leather stitching around the steering wheel, the roll cage, and the leather-clad sun visors. There’s some surface corrosion on the metal rail above the windscreen, a common feature and nothing to worry about.

Beneath the rubber mats, the carpets in the front footwells have some darker areas of discolouration, so they will probably benefit from a shampoo treatment. Actual wear in the carpets is minimal.

The gas struts for the tailgate recently failed, so they will need replacing.

It’s an equally reassuring picture underneath. There’s no build-up of mud, and no areas of corrosion to worry about. The leaf springs look great for their age, free from any splaying, and the car doesn’t appear to be losing any fluids – although there’s some minor oil seepage around the rear diff.

The Dunlop 215/75 R15 tyres have plenty of tread and are wearing evenly. The grazed sidewall on the nearside front and slight perishing on one of the rear tyres was enough to warrant MOT advisories, but replacement needn’t be a priority.

All seems well under the bonnet as well. The insulation is intact and we’re not aware of any problems. Clips and hoses are where they are supposed to be and there are no signs of oil leaks. The original jack is present and correct, although it could do with a lick of paint.

This is a 4.0-litre (242cu) fuel-injected straight-six, engine by AMC, known for its hardy reliability and easily capable of 250k miles between rebuilds.

The warranty book shows that this Wrangler was sold new in November 1995 in Derby. It had a busy first year, covering 11,000 miles, followed by two main-dealer stamps in the service book. Also accompanying the vehicle is the Jeep Wrangler Operating Information manual.

We don’t have a lot of receipts with the vehicle, but clearly it has been well looked after. One receipt dating from 2016, while the car was in France, itemises over €1000 worth of service parts, stone-chip paint and two new calipers.

To pass its latest MOT, dated April 14th, the car received new wiper blades and the handbrake mechanism was adjusted. It passed with only a couple of advisories relating to the tyres (as mentioned above).

Just in time for summer, this is a great opportunity to get your hands on a rare and iconic 4x4. Safari editions don’t appear for sale very often, and it’s even rarer to find an automatic example with such a low mileage, and so obviously free from major corrosion. This one is in fantastic condition, and if you can keep it that way its virtually guaranteed to hold its value.

More importantly though, it’ll be bloody good fun. For the full wind-in-your-hair experience, removing 12 screws will allow you to lift the whole roof off and fold the windscreen flat (canvas hoods are readily available to buy).

To acquire a Land Rover Defender in similar condition would cost you considerably more… and it wouldn’t have 190bhp.

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £8,000 - £12,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.