Vintage Levis: 1977 Jeep J10 Honcho Levi’s Edition – SOLD!

December 8th Update: We just confirmed the private seller of this ride deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!”  While this one got away, if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

While Chevy truck enthusiasts prefer their square body pickups, in our book no truck features more squareness than Jeep’s beloved J-Series line.  By the late seventies, Jeep smartly offered tape and interior packages such as this top-of-the-line 1977 Honcho Levi’s Edition 4×4  project truck currently originally listed in November 2020 on Craigslist in White Creek, New York (Albany) featuring the desirable 360 cubic inch V8 combined with the much more flexible standard two-speed transfer case. Currently offered at $4,000, researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their J10 priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $3,275 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $7,250.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has their Honcho priced between the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) appraisal of $4,800 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $11,200. 

Jeep’s full-size pickup, originally called the Gladiator until 1971 when it became the J-Series, was largely based on the company’s SJ Wagoneer platform built under the Kaiser, AMC, and Chrysler brands between 1962 to 1988.  The Jeep Gladiator J-Series is noteworthy for remaining in production for more than 26 years on the same automotive platform.  For 1977, still under AMC ownership, Jeep J-10 1/2 ton pickups included Dana‘s manual four-wheel-drive system, a more powerful 360 cubic inch V8 engine as an option, and heavier axle tubes, while power front disc brakes became standard equipment. Jeep’s innovative full-time Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system was also available with both automatic and manual transmissions, however we’re glad the example featured here makes do with the standard two-speed transfer case.

We came across this 1977 vintage TV Commercial on YouTube highlighting a virtual twin to the J10 featured in this post:

In our humble opinion, this J10 has a lot of potential upsides worthy of undertaking this truck’s restoration. Unlike the 1950s and 1960s vintage pickups, the real patina this truck currently offers just doesn’t work.  We’d rather see someone restore it to its 1970s tape stripe and Levi’s interior glory, especially when reproduction materials of both are readily available from Jeep restoration specialists.  The combination of the 360 cubic inch V8, traditional-and-simple two-speed transfer case, and three-speed manual transmission make this J10 a capable 4×4 once you get it roadworthy again.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“77 Jeep j10 Honcho pickup. Not many of these left! 360 AMC with a 3-speed stick on the floor. The truck is from SC but rusty and needs total resto, or do what I planned and give it a mechanical resto and drive it as is. Awesome rat rod/patina look. Just did some tune-up work and it runs pretty good, 175psi In all cylinders. Doesn’t smoke. Moves but needs clutch which I have new, and flywheel turned. Brakes are good, can be moved around, and put back on the road with some work. Factory roll bar and brush guard. Tilt, power steering, and brakes. Factory Levi bucket seat interior. Killer old Jeep you don’t find anymore. This a rusty truck but restorable, frame is solid, needs lots of metalwork. Serious only please”

Restore or Drive As-Is: What would do with this Jeep J10?  Comment below and let us know!