1976 Jeep CJ5

Description

Jeep created an undeniable winner when it rolled out the CJ-5. Such was the car's appeal that its manufacturer kept it in production for a full three decades while continuing to release new lines alongside it. This recently restored 1976 Jeep CJ-5 is a great representative of the model - it's an agile mountain goat on wheels and it has fun written all over it. Its sharp exterior features some great touches and there's upgraded power under the hood to propel it over any obstacle in the way.

While the CJ-5 has an extensive military heritage and was designed with a sort of "no-nonsense" functionality in mind, its appealingly rugged demeanor attracted quite a legion of civilian fans over the years. This CJ-5 arrives at the present looking incredibly darned sharp after a thorough, and very recent restoration where it received a new metal tub, and all-new steel everywhere but the hood. Now that's what I call a nut-and-bolt restoration. It was put together the right way, and we have the restoration pictures to prove it, and the result is a laser-straight Jeep with great gaps, precise fitment, and an almost 'better-than-new' presentation. Its appealing turquoise paint is in strong condition because it's very fresh, with a good shine from front to back, and even though it could probably benefit from a cut-and-buff to smooth it out even further, it's still look incredibly nice in person. The close-set headlights have a definite military spirit to them as they sit in a painted grille that matches perfectly with the rest of the exterior while bracketed by a pair of fog lights to add some distinction. Come around to the side and you'll find another clue that this Jeep was designed for real off-road action, where its compact wheelbase contributes to its ability to navigate challenging terrain. There's a stock bumper painted in black up front, and it matches the simple bumper in the rear, and we really like that they left off any oversized fender flares, allowing the crisp sheetmetal to do most of the talking instead. They opted for black hardware throughout including the hood hooks, all the exposed hinges, side mirrors, tailgate straps, and even the trim surrounding the headlights were blacked-out too, and the contrasting colors work together perfectly. Somehow, this CJ5 manages to look tough and dainty at the same time.

The usual stock and spartan interior of the early CJ-5 was also fully spruced up, and now features fresh black vinyl front buckets and a matching rear bench, so everyone rides in comfort in this classic. The buckets are posted up on new rails, and they straddle shifters for the 4-speed manual transmission and 2-speed transfer case, while the crystal-clear windshield ahead of the driver still drops down – one of the coolest features of a classic Jeep. An original Jeep steering wheel sits atop the original column, while just in front of it the turquoise-painted dash area is also looking sharp - with a minimalist presentation that includes the classic all-in-one gauge that handles the basics and a couple of white-faced auxiliary units that cover the rest. The black roll bar is nice and shiny, and it bolts right into the tub, which was professionally covered with a black spray-in bedliner material that looks great and is very easy to maintain. Amenities include a newer Boss AM/FM/BT/AUX stereo and a pair of speakers and a set of seatbelts fore and aft, but that's about all you'll ever get in a CJ from this vintage, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. If you're dying for entertainment, look up. Or stick your legs outside the door openings. Trust us, the experience is better than any stereo or A/C system could ever be. Despite the CJ-5's relatively modest wheelbase, there's enough room for four (in a pinch), and if it's more cargo space you seek, the rear bench can be removed fairly easily.

A 4.2 liter inline 6 cylinder sits under the hood (aka the 258 CI I6) to power this Jeep over any terrain you might wish to conquer. The engine is in good form after a recent refreshing, starting up promptly and running strong thanks to a newer carb, newer wiring, and aluminum radiator all on tap. Shifts are very smooth thanks to the addition of a 4-speed manual transmission, and it spins an uber-rugged Dana rear end out back. Should you decide to take temporary leave of the road, with a flick of the lever just in front of the distinctive shifter, you can engage 4-wheel drive and, with this CJ-5's generous wheel clearance and travel, its ability to handle obstacles is substantial. There are accommodations for more civilized conditions, as well, as responsive steering and brakes and wheel cylinders that were broken down to the bone and rebuilt back up with correct parts, all of which help provide the road manners you'd want in a frequent driver. And if it's a throaty soundtrack that you seek, the long-tube headers at the side of the block feed into a newer exhaust system that sounds fantastic. This timeless 4-wheel drive classic sits on a set of flashy 15-inch white 'wagon' wheels, outfitted with beefy 34x9.5x15 all-terrain tires.

Looking sharp, packing plenty of power and offering undeniable nostalgic appeal, this Jeep CJ-5 would be a great acquisition for the collector and off-road enthusiast alike. Call today!