Early XJ pic.... just had to share

[dasbulliwagen]

I can't remember where I stole this from, but I just had to put it up here for everybodys enjoyment.

 

[Automan2164]

My eyes burn!

 

Rob

[JeepcoMJ]

Note the independant front end...yuck. Kinc of a dodge shadow/spirit look to it

[Zenobian_84]

Oh jeez. don't want to imagine how the Comanche would have looked if THAT was the final design for the XJ

Thankfully, they gave it a more rugged "Jeep" look.

[87Warrior]

Note the independant front end...yuck. Kinc of a dodge shadow/spirit look to it

Yep and the article even brags about Jeep retaining a solid front axle.

[mvusse]

Am I the only one to notice that prototype has a leaf sprung front axle?

[ComancheKid45]

Am I the only one to notice that prototype has a leaf sprung front axle?

 

 

Yeah theres definently a pumpkin stiking down on the left side, thats not IFS were seeing, its a leaf sprung soild axle setup :nuts:

 

O yeah, I'm gonna also agree with :ack: but wouldnt it be super cool if we could find out if this thing is acctually hiding in a warehouse somewhere kinda like the Thundercheif? That would be heck of a find! :D

[jimoshel]

I'm thinking that piece that looks like a A arn is actually the exhaust pipe. Also it looks like the bumpers bent. :???:

[HKB3]

I'm thinking that piece that looks like a A arn is actually the exhaust pipe. Also it looks like the bumpers bent. :???:

This^

[Automan2164]

That front end looks very similar to the Eagle.

 

Rob

[Sir Sam]

Clearly this is an early test mule, the body stampings(IE main chassis) looks finalized, but I would bet dollars to donuts the front end was intentionally obscured with that weird half @$$ grill for a reason.

 

It's entirely possible this test mule was meant for something like emissions validation tests....hence why it is not a production vehicle.

 

It had to be on the road for some miles, but they didn't want the final aesthetics revealed yet.

[neohic]

LOVE IT!!! Okay, so the front end could use a change up but look at those wheels, mirrors, and the goofy fender flares! Throw on a Waggy grill and a blue interior and it's a hit!

[Incommando]

Those of us old enough to have been jeep fans back then remember that the XJ was panned as a huge POS and the end of the jeep line when it was introduced.

 

Think Volvo 240 wagon...

[Sir Sam]

Those of us old enough to have been jeep fans back then remember that the XJ was panned as a huge POS and the end of the jeep line when it was introduced.

 

Think Volvo 240 wagon...

 

Seems to happen with every model, ZJ, KJ, WK, JK etc etc

[AMCJeepMJ]

Those of us old enough to have been jeep fans back then remember that the XJ was panned as a huge POS and the end of the jeep line when it was introduced.

 

Think Volvo 240 wagon...

Those 240s were upscale yuppiemobiles in the 80s. I've owned 3 of them [86, 89, 90- 2 wagons and 1 sedan] and they're tough as nails and easy to work on. Make great sleepers too with a v8 conversion.

[Comanche County]

Clearly this is an early test mule, the body stampings(IE main chassis) looks finalized, but I would bet dollars to donuts the front end was intentionally obscured with that weird half @$$ grill for a reason.

 

It's entirely possible this test mule was meant for something like emissions validation tests....hence why it is not a production vehicle.

 

It had to be on the road for some miles, but they didn't want the final aesthetics revealed yet.

 

:agree: