If there’s one name that means go-anywhere utility, it’s Jeep. Around the world, the acronym that became the greatest lineup of 4x4s ever made is now the standard by which all others are measured, And while it’s interesting to see that the traditional Jeeps, including the CJ series and the Wranger, are often crude and proud of it, the full-sized Jeeps, including this incredible 2437 original mile J10 pickup truck, are really rather polished. Adorned in perfect ‘70s Levi’s regalia, this incredible survivor shows us just how good state-of-the-art 4x4 utility really was.

Yes, you read that correctly, this beautiful pickup shows just 2439 original miles, making it quite possibly the lowest-mileage example in the world. It has the added distinction of coming from the collection of a noted motorsports personality and is loaded with options and features, not the least of which is a full-time 4-wheel-drive system that was cutting-edge in 1978. The beautiful blue-gray bodywork presents extremely well, with the color seeming to change with the light. It shows some wear in the bed and a few places where it’s been touched up, but there’s no question this is a legitimate survivor. The strong, linear look was a Jeep styling trademark and it’s hard to argue against this being one of the most attractive pickups of the ‘70s, particularly with the flared fenders and that single chrome body side molding. It isn’t showy but it has a high-quality look that’s extremely appealing. And while experts may point at the chrome front bumper and painted rear bumper, that is indeed how it came from the factory, as a chrome 1-piece rear bumper wasn’t available until 1980—that’s just how AMC did it. The bed also features a bolt-in roll bar and there’s a matching brush guard up front, adding to the Jeep’s already impressive off-road look. After a close look at this truck, there’s just no question that the 2437 miles showing on the odometer are legit.

The Levi’s edition features (obviously) a blue denim interior with contrasting orange stitching that should look familiar to anyone who has worn pants. The ‘70s were big on fashion tie-ins and this is one of the more successful efforts, as the overall effect isn’t gaudy or dated, but rather attractive and tasteful. The seat upholstery remains in excellent condition with almost zero wear on the seats themselves and the matching door panels don’t even look like they’ve seen sunlight. The only possible demerits inside are the wear on the rubber floor mat below the pedals and some minor scratching on the tilt steering column, but in a survivor like this it would probably be a mistake to replace those pieces. The beautiful engine-turned instrument panel looks crisp and bright with gauges that show sharp faces and clear lenses and for a 1978 truck, the array of dials is pretty comprehensive. Pushbutton heat controls are to the left and the AM/FM radio is to the right. There’s also an under-dash A/C system that’s a rare and desirable upgrade. You’ll note that unlike many 4x4s of the period, there are no levers on the floor for the transfer case, which is because Jeep’s clever Quadra-Track offers a center differential, eliminating the need to shift between 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel drive. It also offers a sliding rear window, which provides pleasant ventilation without a lot of wind, making this pickup a very pleasant vehicle to drive (that is, if you’re willing to run up some miles on it).

The engine is a 360 cubic inch V8 that still carries almost all its original equipment. Aside from routine maintenance items designed to keep it in top mechanical condition, it’s just as the factory delivered it back in 1978. The big air cleaner and compressor for the air-conditioning system take up most of the space up top, but you can see that the factory-applied corporate blue engine enamel remains in place, the inspection decals are still firmly attached to their surfaces, and even the cold air hose is like new. It starts easily with a nice V8 rumble from the standard single exhaust system and with power steering and brakes, it remains easy to drive in tight quarters.

The engine’s backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission and the aforementioned Quadra-Track center differential. It’s actually a Borg-Warner system and in operation it’s almost completely transparent, invisibly shuttling power where it can do the most good. You’ll note there are no levers, no locking hubs, and none of the usual get stuck-wait-shift-try again antics that part-time 4-wheel drive systems offer. Using this Jeep like most SUVs today, you’ll never wonder about its capabilities, the Jeep will just do what you ask without a lot of drama. The undercarriage is completely original and very nicely maintained, with correct finishes throughout and even what might the original spare tire hanging out back. Handsome chrome wheels are fitted with big 31x10.50-15 BFGoodrich T/A radials, the lone deviation from stock specs but you can hardly argue with how good they look on the truck.

Extensively documented with the original window sticker, owner’s manuals, brochures, warranty booklets, and every other piece of paper that you got with your new Jeep in 1978, this remarkable survivor is a very rare find for the Jeep aficionado and a remarkably polished truck from an era when most were little more than disposable tools. You just won’t find one nicer than this!