I found a DJ-5 for sale (see below) that had a Safari-Kar data plate. I did some research to learn more about these vehicles.
Safari-Kar International was a company from Woodruff Avenue in San Bernardino, California, that purchased, restored, and resold postal jeeps. It was launched in 1993. Don’t confuse it with a weird car by the same name called the SafariKar.
As best as I can learn, the company sold remanufactured DJs and two different kits. One to swap the steering and chop and modify the back half and another for soft top kits. At their height they remanufactured around 30 jeeps a month. They also signed up twelve independent manufactures.
By 1995 the company ran into a legal problem. They were reselling the vehicles with a new odometer as a modern vehicle. But, by doing so the law dictated the ‘kars’ had to meet modern safety regulations. (you can read an entire article about the company in a 1995 article from Automotive news (also archived at the bottom of this page).
Four Wheeler Magazine may have reported on this modification in a 1993-1994 article, but I have yet to confirm that. They did reference a DJ in a later Cheap Jeep article, but with no mention of a soft top.
Here are a few links:
Here is one Safari-Kar for sale: 1995 DJ-5 Safari-Kar Jeep Flower Mound, TX $6500.
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4760795466.html
AMC 1976 CLASSIC JEEP
Up for sale is a one of a kind classic 1976 Jeep
Year: 1976
Transmission: Auto
Model: Safari
Price: $5,000 firm Will not take a penny less was asking $6,000 reduced for quick sale .
If not sold by this weekend will be trading for a small cabin.
Miles: ONLY 28,000 on rebuilt motor
Rebuilt transmission
Clear Texas title
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