BaT Auction: 1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief 4×4 at No Reserve

This 1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief was reportedly sold new by Roy Bridges AMC, Jeep, Nash, and Renault in Birmingham, Alabama and was recently acquired by the selling dealer out of Illinois. The truck is finished in Golden Ginger Metallic over a tan cloth interior and is powered by a 401ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case. Maintenance completed in 2019 reportedly included fluid changes, suspension work, and replacement tires. This FSJ is now offered at no reserve by the selling dealer in Michigan with period manuals and a clean Illinois title.

The Cherokee Chief featured specific trim and graphics, as well as fender flares and wider axles than the standard SJ. This example is finished in Golden Ginger Metallic, and the paint shows heavy fading as well as other blemishes captured in the photo gallery below.

Body-colored 15″ spoked steel wheels feature manually-locking front hubs and are fitted with 31″×10.50″ Atlas Priva A/T rubber displaying 2017 and 2019 date codes. The shocks and suspension bushings are said to be have been replaced in 2019.

The cabin is outfitted with the optional ‘S’ interior package and features seats trimmed in Levi’s tan cloth upholstery along with matching door panel inserts. The carpeting has been removed, and equipment includes a sport steering wheel mounted to a tilt steering column, air conditioning, an AM/FM cassette radio, and a power-operated rear tailgate window.

The 100-mph speedometer contains a five-digit odometer that indicates approximately 35k miles, though total mileage is unknown.

The 401ci V8 is topped with a single four-barrel carburetor and sends power to all four wheels through a GM TH400 three-speed automatic transmission, a Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system, and a 3.54:1 rear end. Fluid changes are said to have been completed prior to the seller’s acquisition.

Corrosion is evident on the underside, additional photos of which are provided in the gallery below. A walk-around video with the engine idling is presented below.