With the imminent return of Jeep’s Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, I thought it appropriate to take a look at an early version of the full-size Jeep SJ that helped launch the SUV craze, specifically, a 1974 Jeep Cherokee. This example is going to need some help, so let’s see what we have here. This Jeep is located in Chico, California and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,575 with nineteen bids tendered as of this writing.

The Wagoneer was originally introduced in ’63 and was offered in both two and four-door body styles as well as a panel truck version of the two-door. The two-door Wagoneer continued in production through 1968 when it was dropped due to slow sales. However, in 1974 the two-door body style was revived and dubbed as the Cherokee – it was believed that the Cherokee would draw a younger demographic than the four-door Wagoneer and it was the first time that use of the acronym SUV surfaced. In 1977, a four-door version joined the Cherokee line-up as a down-stream model to the Wagoneer and the Cherokee stayed in production through 1983. In ’84, the name was transferred to the uber-successful Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

This Cherokee’s biggest drawback is its engine, it doesn’t have one. Decoding the VIN indicates that it was originally equipped with a 175 net HP, 360 CI, AMC V8 engine. Gear changing occurs courtesy of a GM Turbo-Hydramatic, three-speed automatic transmission, still in place, working in concert with Jeep’s Quadra Trac four-wheel-drive arrangement. The GM transmission must have incorporated an AMC-specific bolt pattern as the one installed doesn’t look like that utilized by Chevrolet or BOP.  The seller states, “Engine froze several years ago, was removed and was going to get a swap but never got around to it“.

The bodywork of this Cherokee is claimed to be 99% rust-free and super straight. The included images bear out that claim. There is some minor surface rust showing on the front painted bumper, and some emanating from the tailgate hinges but it is a clean and straight presentation; this is an exterior that could really be left as is. There is a single image of the underside included and from what can be seen, it appears to be sound, there is surface rust but nothing invasive. The aftermarket aluminum wheels are a nice addition, though they, and the tires, appear to be undersized compared to what would have been original and better suited for off-road escapades.

So, if this is the first SUV, the “U” could have originated from the interior because it is utilitarian in nature. That said, it is completely as expected. The rubber floor mat is in OK shape though the driver’s door panel is missing. The dashboard is a wide expanse of painted steel and is showing signs of very light surface rust. There are only glimpses of the seats and they appear to be tired and dirty. Under the dash is an A/C unit that may have been factory original but it looks more like a dealer-installed item and that steering column looks like a GM piece. Nice to see is the condition of the dash pad, it looks new!

So, what do you think, drop in an engine and you’re good to go, right? It will probably take more than that and then there’s the decision as to whether one should source an AMC engine or reach out for something a bit more adventuresome. Either way, this Jeep Cherokee looks like a good starting point for a project, wouldn’t you agree?