Introducing “Chief - TJ”. It is documented as “Special Edition Group” on factory build sheet but doesn’t mention specifically what edition. All the features & details are matched to build sheet including “Extreme Sport Badge” minus four wheels & tyre size. Spare wheel is correct with original tyre.
This TJ was sold new in Japan in 2004 and made it to New Zealand in June 2005 with just 7900kms. It had 3 previous owners in New Zealand. I managed to get in touch with owner no. 2 who used it as a promotional vehicle for his business, he mentioned that it had “Chief” badge / emblem on the both sides of bonnet and a “Trail Rated” badge on one side, that he removed for his business promotion decals. He mentioned that those badges are still lurking somewhere in his garage and he indeed spotted them few years back. He promised if he finds it will ship it to me. Last owners had it since 2016.
Vehicle importing from Japan is fairly common in New Zealand, I got in touch with one of the vehicle importer in Auckland and he told me that for Asian markets Jeep did run some special editions that were different to North America & Europe. If I conclude it’s build sheet by “North American” description, then this TJ is “Columbia Edition with Rocky Mountain Seats” and “Chief” badge slapped on the bonnet / hood.
This TJ is bone stock with just 60000 kms when I picked it (Now it is 60918 kms). Never been modified or used for off-road (Which is a shame really) and not a single additional hole drilled ever to mount any after market accessories. Interior is mint and even the windshield is still factory original.
This TJ was sold new in Japan in 2004 and made it to New Zealand in June 2005 with just 7900kms. It had 3 previous owners in New Zealand. I managed to get in touch with owner no. 2 who used it as a promotional vehicle for his business, he mentioned that it had “Chief” badge / emblem on the both sides of bonnet and a “Trail Rated” badge on one side, that he removed for his business promotion decals. He mentioned that those badges are still lurking somewhere in his garage and he indeed spotted them few years back. He promised if he finds it will ship it to me. Last owners had it since 2016.
Vehicle importing from Japan is fairly common in New Zealand, I got in touch with one of the vehicle importer in Auckland and he told me that for Asian markets Jeep did run some special editions that were different to North America & Europe. If I conclude it’s build sheet by “North American” description, then this TJ is “Columbia Edition with Rocky Mountain Seats” and “Chief” badge slapped on the bonnet / hood.
This TJ is bone stock with just 60000 kms when I picked it (Now it is 60918 kms). Never been modified or used for off-road (Which is a shame really) and not a single additional hole drilled ever to mount any after market accessories. Interior is mint and even the windshield is still factory original.
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