moparnut
Administrator
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Inquire - Southport, CT - The Classic Car Gallery is proud to present the first new car ever purchased by two term President Barack Obama! Back in 2000, when President Obama was serving as State Senator of Illinois he could be found driving this Black on Black 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD. Carrying a rich history and tons of supporting documentation this run of the mill SUV was once the chariot that drove around the United States’ supreme commander in chief.It was during President Obama’s term as a Illinois State Senator when on August 8, 2000, he purchased this brand new 2000, Jeep Grand Cherokee. During that time Barack was married (Michelle) and had one young daughter (Malia Ann), it can be safely assumed that the Jeep was used for typical day to day trips; to and from work, to the store, vacations etc. In 2004, after putting 84,210 miles on the car, Obama sold the Jeep as a trade-in to Park Plaza Dodge of Forest Park, Illinois. The Jeep was then sold to its second owner on September 2, 2004, not knowing of its historical significance only until Obama’s importance as a political figure began to emerge. Upon discovering its relevant prior ownership she brought the truck to auction in 2010.
There is a host of documentation to supporting this Jeep’s modern historical importance. A copy of the title of when President Obama owned the car is supplied to authenticate prior ownership. The original window sticker from when Obama traded the car in at Park Plaza Dodge is included adding to the provenance. Several articles from The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Westport News and The Advocate cover the trucks amazing history from the time historical memorabilia collector John Reznikoff purchased the car at the 2010 Robert Edward Auction. John then sold the truck to a local private car collector where it has been cherished ever since.
Upon delivery to our showroom we found tucked away in the center console a packet of documents that are extremely special to the story of the truck. An assortment of artifacts were found, including handwritten notes to the then Senator, business cards, receipts and garage keycards to the Grant Park Garage in Illinois where then senator Obama parked his car. Best of all, is a handwritten note by Senator Obama himself for a 6 inch subway sandwich ordered with turkey, lettuce, tomato, pickle, cucumber, green peppers, black olives and spicy mustard on wheat bread; a sandwich which around The Classic Car Gallery has become known as “The Obama!”. To add to the fun, a 1998 copy of “IZ in Concert” was found preserved in the tapedeck, a popular Hawaiian band favored by Senator Obama.
The president of University Archives, John Reznikoff, can be seen in the link below speaking about the truck’s importance and authenticity.
http://www.universityarchives.com/In-the-News/Audio---Video/Obama-Jeep.aspx
Although the truck is being sold as a piece of presidential collectable memorabilia, the Jeep is in good mechanical condition and runs and drives well. Great efforts were made to ensure that the cosmetics were exceptional and mechanicals were all in working order. The paint shines with a deep luster and all exterior surfaces are blemish free due to a recent cosmetic restoration. The interior was kept original, does not show much wear and the seats are preserved with seat covers to prevent any deterioration from use. All mechanical and electrical components are in working order.
The local collector took great pride of ownership in the truck and earned the name “Obama.” A host of maintenance, reconditioning and sympathetic restoration was completed between 2010-2011 including but not limited to the following;
Full Exterior Paint Restoration
Remove all bumpers, panels, mouldings and trim
Remove all glass and shadowline trim
Repair, overhaul and refinish all paint bearing exterior surfaces
Install new gaskets, mouldings and ancillary components
Air Conditioning System Overhaul
Evacuate system
Replace evaporator and blend door
Recharge system with r134a
Brake System Service
Replace main brake line front to rear
Bleed and flush entire system
Cosmetics
Install refinished wheels
Install new floor mats
The truck is available for viewing at our Southport showroom during business hours and would surely be a wonderful addition to any collector whether it be for presidential, historical or automobilia purposes. The net proceeds of the sale will be donated to support an Endowed Scholarship Fund at The University of Pennsylvania, the alma mater of the current collector.
Link to ad on Hemmings.com
