Car Spot: 1986 Jeep Wrangler

The next chapter in the little Jeep’s history

It had a tough act to follow when Jeep introduced the new Wrangler (YJ) in 1986. The CJ had been there when the boys returned from WW II and introduced a whole new crowd into the fun of off-roading. But the trusty steed was getting up there in age and needed some updating. First was handling and safety. The vehicle is not a low-slung sports car. It needs to traverse rocks and rivers and stuff like that so it needs more ground clearance and there were some rollovers. The new Jeep had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, and better handling, along with more passenger comfort features. The YJ, introduced in 1986 as an 87 model, retained the CJ’s leaf spring suspension however, the springs were wider, and the first Wrangler had trackbar suspension links and anti-roll bars for improved handling and safety, making it less likely to flip over. American Motors also designed the new Jeep to become more of a daily driver.

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Easily identifiable by its square headlights, which some of the hardcore Jeepers hated, it was available with two AMC engines 2.5 L I4 or optional 4.2 L 258 I6. Power outputs at the time of introduction were 117 hp or the fuel-injected four-cylinder, while the carburetted ‘six only produced 112 hp but with more than fifty percent more torque than the smaller engine. It was mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. While it was built worldwide in North America it was first assembled in AMC’s plant in Brampton, Ontario, and later moved to its current home in Toledo. Buyers could choose from a base model for just under nine grand move up to the mid-level Laredo, or loaded up Sahara.

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My spot this week, an 86 Jeep Wrangler (YJ) Production Serial 001 was the first off the production line at the AMC Jeep Plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. This Jeep features the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and the first application of an aluminum 2-speed 4wd transfer case previously used in the XJ Cherokee. It is painted in the original Autumn Brown Poly and features swing away tailgate among other new features. There were 685,070 more produced before it was replaced by the TJ in 1997.

These Jeeps can be had for cheap. According to Hagerty, an 87 Wrangler Sport can be bought in Fair condition for $4,600, Good for $11,100, Excellent for $17,400, and Concours for $17,500. I’m thinking if this were to be for sale, quite a bit more. But still, have you priced new ones? What a fun summer car and I’m on the hunt for one.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my spot this week. Come back next Friday for another one and some of its history. Have a great weekend and Happy New Year.