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Spokers And Flares: 1981 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

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Most folks are more familiar with the four-door version of this vehicle; the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. The Cherokee was considered sportier, and this upscale Laredo model certainly looks the part. It’s currently located in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania and is up for sale here on eBay, where bidding is quite spirited to say the least!

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No, it’s not totally pristine, as you can see from the right front corner in this picture. But the fact that it’s still sporting it’s original paint and tape stripes overcomes that as far as I’m concerned. I love the chrome “spoker” wheels and of course, the outlined raised white letter tires. The angular fender flares really add to the rugged appearance. It’s also obvious from the Jeep hardtop in this picture and all the paraphernalia in the first picture that the seller loves Jeeps!

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With the roof rack and the large cargo area behind the seats, there’s a lot of hauling capacity in this early SUV. To be honest, I’m surprised there isn’t a trailer hitch on the back bumper. The seller tells us that the truck is essentially rust-free and that it came from Georgia about a year and a half ago. They have included many pictures included detailed ones from underneath to back that up.

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That is certainly an unusual interior, with three distinct material colors in each seat. As you can see in the left picture, the driver’s seat needs a few panels replaced. It will be difficult to get an exact match to the material, I’m guessing.

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Here’s the engine! Needless to say, it looks very original, although I’m pretty sure that air conditioning is aftermarket–isn’t it? Unfortunately, the seller hasn’t started the engine, although they have turned it over. They think the old gas should be drained before trying to start it, and I can’t argue with that, but I sure wish they had taken the time to do so–it wouldn’t take that long! Does this rugged looking SUV appeal to you?

Comments

  1. Avatar krash

    cool two door that definitely is need of some tlc….good luck to the buyer…

    Like 0
  2. Avatar sir mike

    had a 74 standard Cherokee and a 78 like this with the Chief flares.Loved both of them BUT they came from the factory with rust already starting.And i live in PA also..rust belt..so this should be viewed in person if possible.They really rusted in our climate…This one does look nice in the pictures….

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    • Avatar Russ

      A good friend of mine bought a brand new ’79 Cherokee. It wasn’t all that old when one day he looked down on it from a second floor window and the whole roof of the thing was showing rust about to come through the charcoal metallic paint. He hadn’t notice that at ground level. Evidently they used some really poor steel in these Jeeps. IMO fruitless and frustrating to try and keep something nice when it’s made of junk.

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  3. Avatar Kevin

    That AC unit looks original.
    (…looks same as was on my ’71 Matador, back in the day.)
    :-)

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    • Avatar Kevin

      That is factory air. My 79 j10 had Factory air and the same exact setup

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Chris

    I just bought an 88 wagoneer for my wife for our anniversary. These things are getting collectible and perfect ones bring real money.

    I think they have the distinction of being the newest car made that did not have fuel injection.

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  5. Avatar Charles

    Jeep used that style compressor for their factory air units, so it could be a factory option.

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  6. Avatar AMC STEVE

    The AC is factory. I owned a 83 Laredo that had every option in it and this one doesn’t as the seller states. It has no pw or pl or hitch. The interior is nothing special just the stock brown that is very common in these trucks.
    I’m surprised at the bid for a non running truck right now but they are getting rare in this condition, nice truck.

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    • Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

      That’s a Laredo interior, part of the Laredo package. Stock, basic was…well, basic

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Tom S.

    Sold! $8,075.00, 37 bids.

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    • Avatar JOHN M. STECZ

      yes i was the buyer and i still have the Jeep

      Like 0
  8. Avatar JCW

    I had a 76 2dr with air and a 401 wow what a beast. Nice ride fun and powerful. Another of the AMC vehicles wish I still had. Like a 70 Machine 390-4 speed and 74 Javelin w/401-4 speed that was faster than the machine.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Zak L.

    Any idea who’s Auto Shop is in the pictures? I can’t quite figure out exactly which shade the Blue CJ7 Renegade is. It’s in the background of the first picture of this page.

    Like 0

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