1 of 1,264 ever built. That’s rare, but ones like this example are about one in a zillion. For sale by JeepHeritage out of Columbus, TX is this stunner 1981 Jeep J-10 Honcho Sportside. This full-fledged restoration was completed by the team at JeepHeritage about a decade ago and sold to a lucky owner who put about 35,000 miles on it post-restoration. When the owner put it back up for sale, JeepHeritage was quick to snatch it back up.
They’re offering it for $145,000, which will include a number of upgrades that are in the works, including multipoint fuel injection, hydroboost, and four wheel disc brakes. They’re about to make an already badass truck even more badass, and just in time for you to buy it.
The Boss Jeep: 1981 Jeep J-10 Honcho Stepside.
The J-10 is a full-size pickup truck that Jeep built from 1962 to 1988 that was based on the large Jeep Wagoneer (SJ) platform–although it was only known as J-Series (J-10 and J-20) from 1971 to 1988. Between 1962 and 1971 Jeep simply called it the Jeep Gladiator. The truck’s design is noteworthy for remaining in production for more than 26 years on a single platform.
This particular example is called the “Honcho,” which is Espanol for “boss.” And boss it was. Offered from 1976 through 1988, this trim package consisted of bold striping and decals, and was offered with factory extras such as the Levi's interior or a roll bar. Exactly what came in the Honcho package varied by year, but one thing that was constant was the wide-track look of the Jeep Cherokee Chief. The Honcho package was only available on the sportside (stepside) and short bed trucks.
Between 1974 and 1983, only 1,264 Honcho package trucks were produced. They’re hard to find, and even if you do, they’re often not in pristine restored condition. You could get one restored, but why wait 15+ months to wait for a new build when you can get this stage 2 rig in a month’s time or less.
Jeep J-10 Honcho Performance & Specifications.
Despite being a 10 year old restoration, this 41 year old rig is in fantastic condition, a fact confirmed in the seller-provided photos. A list of detailed specs is provided below, including the Stage 2 items that JeepHeritage will complete upon purchase. They’ll also provide full photo documentation and description of the build and service done prior to purchase.
MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE:
- AMC 401 cubic inch V8 motor
- Multipoint fuel injection (to be added)
- Hydroboost (to be added)
- Front/rear disc brakes (to be added)
INTERIOR:
- High bucket leather seats
- Full leather on dash
- Leather door panels
- Leather arm rests
- Bluetooth (to be added)
EXTERIOR:
- 6” suspension lift in the rear
- 4” lift in the front
- BF Goodrich All Terrain 35x12.5
- 15” polished wheels
- Sandblasted, galvanized and powder coated frame
- New old stock bumpers
- New old stock grille
- Full stainless steel exhaust