The three long-time, top-selling vehicles in the US are full-size pickups from Detroit’s big three. But, there was a time when pickup buyers had more choices, including the rugged, off-road-ready Jeep J10. How capable was the J10? Put it this way: the US military favored it for use in the world’s harshest environments.
One of the rare and sought-after civilian models of the J10 was recently listed on eBay.
Shop now for Jeep pickups
1978 Jeep J10 pickup - view from driver's side - seat, steering wheel, dashboard
Lengthy Production Run
Although rarely seen today, the Jeep J10 pickup remained in production for two and a half decades—spanning from the 1963 model year through 1987. Although its features, trim packages, powertrain options, and name changed over the years, the Jeep pickup soldiered on without a major redesign. That marks an unusually long run for any production vehicle.
Like its more common competitors from Chevrolet and Ford, the Jeep pickup was offered in a variety of models, with a host of engine choices and with rear- or all-wheel drive. Jeep innovations in the category include the first full-size pickup combining four-wheel-drive with an independent front suspension.
Unmodded Survivor
The Jeep J10 pickup on offer hails from Colorado’s relatively dry and rust-free climate. It’s a four-wheel-drive 1978 model from the last year of production. This truck represents the pinnacle of J10 evolution, benefiting from decades of development and the upgraded brakes, frame, and other components added over the years.
Like all J10 pickups, this one is a single cab layout, with seating for three across in a single bench seat. The truck is largely original and unmodified, with only surface rust and minimal wear, reflecting a life of honest work by a caring owner. The original trim and badging are in place, and the truck is mostly free of dents or other damage.
Inside, the tan vinyl seat upholstery is in similarly good condition, showing only minimal wear. The matching dashboard, door panels, and headliner are free of rips or cracks and present a businesslike appearance with few frills. Factory extras include power steering, tinted windows, oversized side mirrors for towing, and air-conditioning (which is complete but not functional). The owners upgraded to a Nakamichi audio system.
Shop now for Jeep J10 partsChecks All the Boxes
Under the hood, the original 360-cubic-inch V-8 is mated to a three-speed manual transmission and a floor shifter. The powertrain is said to run well with no issues. Recent work includes a rebuilt carburetor, battery, radiator, and tune-up.
This 1978 Jeep J10 shows fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer. It’s possible that the odometer has rolled over.
Either way, this is an honest, presentable, and reasonably priced truck that does not hide any secrets under a shoddy respray or poor bodywork. What you see is what you get, and the chances are high that you won’t see another one like this in your town anytime soon.
Shop now for Jeep pickups
