1976 Jeep Cherokee Chief S

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Why It's Curated: This 1976 Jeep Cherokee Chief S is for sale in Phoenix, Az. This Cherokee Chief S represents a comprehensive collector-quality restoration of one of the most desirable full-size Cherokee variants. The Chief S trim was the premium offering in Jeep's lineup, and this example benefits from Arizona's rust-free environment throughout its life. The restoration encompasses every major system, including a fully rebuilt 360 AMC V8 now enhanced with modern fuel injection for improved reliability and performance. The striking two-tone paint scheme featuring black with blue and white pearl accents showcases professional bodywork, while the interior maintains authentic Chief design elements with period-correct seat patterns and door panels. The addition of a front locking differential enhances its off-road capability. With its zero-rust Arizona provenance and comprehensive restoration addressing both mechanical and cosmetic elements, this Chief S exemplifies the quality and attention to detail that defines a properly curated classic 4x4.

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Model History: The 1976 Jeep Cherokee Chief S emerged during a pivotal period when American Motors Corporation was establishing the full-size Cherokee as a premium alternative to traditional station wagons and emerging SUV competitors. Introduced in 1974 as part of the SJ generation, the Cherokee represented AMC's ambitious entry into the luxury 4x4 market, competing directly with the Chevrolet Blazer and Ford Bronco. The Chief S trim level sat at the apex of the Cherokee hierarchy, featuring distinctive woodgrain exterior accents, upgraded interior appointments, and premium comfort features that differentiated it from base models. Built on a robust 109-inch wheelbase with solid axles front and rear, these Cherokees were engineered for both highway comfort and serious off-road capability, powered by AMC's proven 360 cubic-inch V8 that delivered substantial torque for towing and trail work. The 1976 model year marked the Cherokee's maturation as a refined yet capable platform, incorporating lessons learned from the early SJ years while maintaining the rugged construction that would define AMC's approach to 4x4 vehicles. Unlike contemporary competitors that often prioritized either comfort or capability, the Cherokee Chief S successfully bridged both worlds with features like optional Quadra-Trac automatic four-wheel drive and a sophisticated suspension design that provided surprising on-road composure. The distinctive Chief trim's visual identity, with its bold graphics and premium appointments, helped establish the template for luxury SUVs that would dominate the market decades later. Today, these full-size Cherokees represent the final chapter of AMC's independent engineering philosophy, making well-preserved examples increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate their unique blend of American muscle, practical utility, and distinctive styling that stands apart from more common domestic alternatives.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1976
Make: jeep
Model: cherokee chief S
Trim: Chief S
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 131,789
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Number of Forward Gears: 3
Engine: 5.9 AMC FUEL INJECTION
Exterior Color: 2 TONE PAINT RESTORATION - BLACK WITH BLUE PEARL & WHITE PEARL
Interior Color: BLACK
State of Registration: Arizona
Vehicle Location: Phoenix
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Engine & Transmission:
FULLY RESTORED ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
FULLY REBUILT

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Locking Differentials: Front Locking Differential

Exterior & Interior:
FULL BODY AND PAINT RESTORATION - ORIGINAL ARIZONA CHEROKEE WITH ZERO RUST!  FULL INTERIOR RESTORATION WITH ALL ORIGINAL CHIEF DESIGN IN SEATS AND ALL DOOR AND REAR PANELS. BLACK SUEDE ROOF LINER & VISORS;
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Other Notable Features or Functions:
FULL BODY & POWERTRAIN RESTORATION
THIS IS A COLLECTOR QUALITY CHEROKEE CHIEF S MODEL WITH ALL ORIGINAL INTERIOR, RESTORED POWERTRAIN WITH UPGRADED FUEL INJECTION 360AMC

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
FLAWLESS ARIZONA JEEP CHEROKEE CHIEF WITH ZERO RUST