1976 Jeep CJ7

Description

While everyone was focusing on cars, it has become increasingly apparent that the Jeep CJ7 is suddenly a red-hot property. This 1976 Jeep CJ7 offers everything the off-roading enthusiast could need, from a winch, to V8 power, and combined with Jeep's legendary off-road abilities, these are collectable toys that are designed to be played with.

Now don't confuse "collectable" with "concours" because it's probably a mistake to turn a CJ into a trailer queen. Functionality is the name of the game, and while this Jeep is nice, it's not too nice to enjoy as intended. The green paint is suitably attractive and shows well over a straight body, something that's harder to find all the time. Correct Renegade decals were recently applied on the hood, so at least you know what you're dealing with, and the Jeep personality comes through loud and clear. It's also upgraded with serious off-road hardware, including a big tubular front bumper with an 8000-lb. Warn winch that's probably the most useful tool in a Jeeper's tool kit. Big rubber fender flares cover oversized rubber, a few chrome dress-up pieces make it pop, and there's a matching fifth wheel on a sturdy rack out back, which also includes an off-road jack for emergencies in the dirt.

The interior in Jeeps tend to be basic, but that's totally the point. Custom bucket seats are a big improvement over the standard Jeep chairs, and actually hold you in place in the rough stuff. The floors are coated in spray-on bedliner material, so it really is a hose-it-out proposition when you're done playing in the mud. A neat custom panel in the center of the dash replaces the factory gauges with a set of useful and legible dials, and an AM/FM/CD stereo uses a pair of heavy-duty speakers mounted front and center to provide entertainment. Controls for the 4-wheel-drive system are actually nicely hidden in the glove box, but we'll get to the mechanical upgrades in a moment. There's a locking center console for valuables, and this jeep includes a selection of tops: a bikini top for sunny days, a full soft top with doors for all-around driving, and a partial top that you'll have to figure out for yourself when to use it.

200 miles ago, a burly 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 was crammed into the Jeep's engine bay, and it makes for a very entertaining experience on or off road. It almost looks OEM in there thanks to a factory-style air cleaner with ducting, serpentine belt drive, and careful packaging that makes it a neat fit. It was fully rebuilt before being installed, so it runs superbly like a small block Chevy should and with a giant aluminum radiator, power steering, and power disc brakes, it's equipped to do battle on city streets as well as on the trails. The A/C compressor is just there to give the belt something to grab on to, so don't get your hopes up that this Jeep has somehow been domesticated, but with some work it could. On the other hand, the rebuilt 3-speed automatic transmission and 2-speed transfer case make it easy to handle the rough stuff without working too hard. A mild lift kit with adjustable shocks, a custom exhaust system, and heavy-duty axles at both ends mean that you should be able to have your fun without worrying about breakage all the time. Custom Mickey Thompson wheels with giant 35x12.50-15 Goodyear Wrangler radials give it the perfect stance and plenty of grip.

So no, jeeps aren't traditionally a show vehicle, but given how quickly these Jeeps get snatched up, there's no doubt in our mind that something big is going on the Jeep world. Call today!