On May 13, 1986, the very first Jeep Wranglers - internally the "YJ" - hit showrooms across North America. The YJ was the successor to the long-running CJ, a model that had been the workhorse for Jeep (under various manufacturer names) since 1944.
The YJ introduced two popular options packages - the Islander and the Renegade - in 1988 and 1990, respectively, intending to broaden the Wrangler's appeal with supplementary style and accessory options.
It was also the first time that Jeep would leverage the term "Sahara" to describe a trim level. The YJ Wrangler Sahara was a premium trim level that primarily differed by way of the exterior paint options, interior seat cloth, body-colored trim, a special set of wheel, and premium standard audio equipment.
The Model.
However, perhaps the most unique variation of the YJ was the Islander, a short-run options package that distinguished itself with an iconic sunset graphics package.
The Islander could be purchased in a variety of colors - Bright Red, Pacific Blue, Malibu Yellow, Navajo Turqoise, or White - and was available with either engine option.
Additionally, the Islander featured high-back gray seats, carpeted floors, side steps, body-color wheel flares, optional 5-spoke wheels (not seen on this specific example), and optional 20-gallon fuel tank.
Beyond cosmetics, the Islander was otherwise a standard YJ. But those super sweet 90s graphics are anything but standard. And thanks to the exceptional maintenance and care from the prior owner, this particular YJ Islander is in outstanding shape both inside and out.
The Specs.
Early YJs are now surpassing their 30th birthdays, so finding a clean, original YJ like this one has become an increasingly difficult task for collectors and enthusiasts. Although somewhere around 685,000 YJs were produced, 1st Generation Wranglers were pushed hard to their limits off-road and then, unfortunately, laid to rest.
And, with the explosion of the new Ford Bronco, more and more collectors are either holding on to their YJs, or offering for sale at a premium. Sales data collected by Classic.com conveys a 13% increase in value over the past year for YJs, including a Sahara recently selling at auction for $32,250.
This particular YJ Islander is a one-owner example from Colorado - a salt-free state - that took great care to maintain it to original spec, save for a few modest modifications by way of a roof rack, lift, and beefier tires.Â
Otherwise, this is all-original and impeccable shape, including the exterior graphics, seats, dash, and motor. While it will be harder to find examples in such remarkable shape in the future, this well-priced Islander is available today for its next caretaker.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 67,602 original miles
- 4.2L carbureted AMC 258 I6
- 112 hp @ 3200 rpm, 210 ft lb @ 2000
- Aisin AX-15 5-speed manual transmission
- NP231 Command-Trac transfer case with 2H - 4H - N - 4L shift pattern
- Dana 30 vacuum-disconnect front axle
- Dana 35 rear axle
- Sport-style roll-bar
