1980 Jeep CJ5

Description

Streetside Classics has kind of become a go-to place for Jeeps, and this 1980 Jeep CJ5 is merely the latest in a long line of restored, trail-ready fun examples with a reasonable price. Thanks to dialed-in mechanicals, it's ready to go anywhere, and with a fresh-and-clean white-and-blue pearl paint job, it's ready to look good doing it too. There's a tidy interior too, but quite frankly we like that they didn't go overboard with the cosmetics, so you won't think twice about heading out onto the trails.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a great-looking CJ. It's got recent paint and the bright white finish is brilliant enough to look right on the boxy Jeep bodywork, especially as it was further punctuated by blue pearl metallic that was laid inside its mixture. But when we see Jeeps restored to high levels, we realize that they're never going to go out and play in the dirt ever again, and that's really a shame. But thankfully, this one still has the hardware to go out in the elements, and despite its handsome appearance, one could easily just go out and enjoy this CJ as intended because it's very nice, but not exactly a perfect show piece that has lost its original purpose. One of the things we like best about the CJ5 is its closer relation to the military-spec Jeeps (heck, you can still see a place where the shovel used to fit just behind the driver's door!) and the shorter wheelbase makes this the most maneuverable vehicle in the dirt this side of a lawn mower. The paint job looks great from any angle and shines up really well, although it's the kind of Jeep that you shouldn't worry when it gets bumped and scratched when you're out having fun. And care-free fun is really what this is all about, right? Fortunately, it's geared for it, and features a painted grille and bright headlights up front, dual side mirrors, heavy duty bumpers fore and aft, a fold-down front windshield, oversized tires, and a sturdy spare tire carrier out back.

As far as a Jeep can be all-new, the interior is freshly outfitted with new tan Rugged Ridge bucket seats up front and a matching bench in the rear, which are probably a real smart idea when you're bouncing around without doors. The interior is the usual industrial-strength Jeep, with a steel dashboard painted to match the exterior, simple stock gauges with bright markings, and the floors are covered with black spray-on bedliner material, so no worries about getting the carpet dirty. Just hose it out when you're done playing. The color combination inside is attractive and very outdoorsy, with nothing added that doesn't help it in its mission. Like most Jeeps, options are sparse, although you do get seatbelts for the buckets and matching rear bench, a grippy Grant steering wheel atop a tilt column, and a JVC AM/FM/CD/AUX under the dash. No self-respecting Jeep would be seen without a manual transmission, with this one sporting four gears for optimum performance off-road. Jeeps are the ultimate open-air experience, but should you need to bundle up, a complete top set is affordable and readily available from the open-market, and for now a bikini top is provided.

The tough-as-nails 2.5L cubic inch inline-four "Iron Duke" powered Jeeps for decades and this one runs great. It's basic under the hood, with familiar details like a heavy-duty air cleaner and alternator perched up high where it won't get wet. The presentation is tidy, with bright AMC Blue enamel on the engine and air cleaner, and a bright white firewall and inner fenders that match the exterior paint. And before you think a 4-cylinder is inadequate in a Jeep, bear in mind that this thing barely weighs 2800 pounds, so performance is entertaining. It's also bulletproof reliable, which is really what you want when you're climbing around somewhere remote, and a big aluminum radiator was added up front to help keep the temperatures manageable in all conditions. This Jeep also includes front disc brakes, which are always useful for vehicles with big tires, as well as a 4-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly. The 2-speed transfer case handles the 4WD system properly and this CJ was fitted with a newer single exhaust system that has just the right grumble to it. The undercarriage wasn't over-restored but again it's very solid and just right for playing on the trails. Blacked-out steel wheels with 30x9.50-15 off-road radials have been fitted and the stance is awesome, finishing off the tough-looking Jeep perfectly.

We sell a lot of Jeeps and this one is definitely ready to show-off or play. At this price, how can you lose? Call now!