As the Jeep® brand’s longest produced pickup, the J-Series (originally known as the “Gladiator”), started production in 1962, as a 1963 model. Based on the beloved Wagoneer (SJ) platform, the Gladiator/J-Series remained in production until 1988. While the Wagoneer gets most of the attention today as a piece of Americana, the J-Series was a tough, hard-working, pickup that was overshadowed by its SUV sibling. However, we would question the J-Series as one of the best-looking pickups ever produced during the late-1970s.
Owned by famed NASCAR crew chief and former team owner, Ray Evernham, this absolutely beautiful 1979 Jeep J-10 pickup has been used as his personal vehicle. Up-fitted to make the J-10 suitable as not only a showpiece but to be used for work, this is one of the best examples of the J-10 we have seen in recent years.
Thanks to the addition of its widebody fenders, 3-inch lift kit, and chromed Mickey Thompson wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Baja Classic III tires, the J-10 has a stunning presence and aggressive appearance. Painted in a beautiful black exterior color highlighted with bright red accents, the truck looks sporty yet classic with all of its chrome trim. The bed has been coated with a spray-in bed liner, making sure that it will hold up under rugged use.
There is also the addition of power disc brakes and power steering with the N3 steering stabilizer, so this Jeep pickup can stop and turn as good as a modern pickup. A floor-mounted shifter engages the transfer case that feeds power to the differentials, which now have ribbed gear covers and feature front locking hubs.
Under the hood, lies a 6.6-liter (401 cubic-inch) AMC 4-barrel V8 engine, Evernham has equipped it with a Holly 600 CFM “Street Warrior” carb, an MSD coil, and Edelbrock ribbed cast valve covers. The 401 is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission (a true man’s pickup).
Inside, there is a black-colored interior with bucket seats, an engine-turned dash facing, an auxiliary under dash gauge cluster, AM/FM audio equipment, a locking center console, and a three-spoke steering wheel.
The truck is scheduled to cross the auction block on Saturday, May 21st. To see more pictures and get more details on how to bid on it, you can visit the truck’s dedicated Mecum page.
Ray Evernham’s 1979 Jeep® J-10 Image Gallery:
