1981 Jeep J10 4x4

This gorgeous vehicle just returned from the Peterson Automotive Museum, so you know it’s an impeccable specimen.

Before there was Vigilante, there was Jeep Heritage. Same meticulous attention to detail but more of a classic restoration for the purist who wants the vehicle that looks like it just rolled out of the brochure

In the early 1980s, the Honcho Sportside was the ultimate luxury options package for Jeep’s J-10 pickup, blending bold graphics, flared fenders, all-terrain tires, and stylish accessories. Introduced in 1976 to target the emerging sport truck market, including younger buyers who wanted a truck more for leisure than for work, the Honcho evolved to include upscale features like power windows, an electronic clock, and bucket seats that were typically found only in passenger cars. By 1981 power steering became standard across all Jeep models, further enhancing its comfort and drivability.

The Honcho embodied the sport truck trend of the 1980s and ’90s, serving as both a performance machine and a fashion statement. Jeep updated its graphics each year to keep the design fresh. This example from 1981-one of just 1,264 Honcho Sportsides produced from 1980 to 1983-has been fully restored to reflect the distinctive look of the 1980 model.

Body restoration method: Rotisserie classic
Interior restoration: Highest level, as close as possible to stock
Chassis: Original, powder coated
Suspension: Leafspring, Bilstein shocks
Engine: Original, rebuilt AMC 401 with multipoint fuel injection
Transmission: Original, rebuilt Torqueflite 727 3 speed automatic
Transfer case: Original, rebuilt New Process 208 part time 4WD
Axles: Original, fully rebuilt, powder coated. Dana 44 front, AMC 20 rear
Brakes: Original, single piston disc front/ rear drums
Climate control: Original, A/C and heater system
Gauge cluster: Original, restored original gauges
Wheels: Original refinished