A great example of the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, the Jeep CJ5 enjoyed an unbelievable 29-year production run, cutting its teeth as a bona fide descendant of the Willys military vehicles put to work in the aftermath of the Korean War. That run ended some 35 years ago and you don't see CJ5s on the road all that often nowadays, making this 1977 Jeep CJ5, with its rugged, timeless looks and sure-footed nature, all that more of a great find.
It may have been designed with practical utility as a priority, but this CJ5 also greets the present day looking great. Its red paint is in consistently nice condition, covering the Jeep's relatively compact form with a great shine that prompts you to take a second look to distinguish this classic all-terrain vehicle from its more modern counterparts, as its fresh appearance is completely at odds with its more than 40 years of service. The clues to its more vintage military lineage are there - in the more narrowly set headlights and relatively modest wheelbase that adds to its obstacle-surmounting prowess. Of course, the sturdy winch mounted on its front bumper provides an unmistakable clue that this 4-wheel mountain goat was designed for rigorous service in often unforgiving conditions. The beneficiary of a thorough restoration, it cuts an impressive figure with new black doors and stone guards decorating its sides, fresh looking bumpers in front and back, and a new-looking hard top resting securely in place above.
A very freshinterior sits inside those new doors. The two-tone front bucket seats are nearly new, sporting a decidedly modern look and, as is the case with the bench seat in back, are well-padded and comfortable. They straddle a center console that's also been refurbished and features some lockable storage space for valuables. The seating is just above a floor and interior wheel wells that feature a spray-on liner for durability that has done its job well, as there are no glaring imperfections to be found inside. Up front, the dash area has been rebuilt from scratch, featuring smooth red steel and a chrome-framed instrument cluster that harbors an assortment of gauges with an original look and very clear lenses. While the CJ5 certainly has a "no-nonsense" heritage, there are some welcome comfort features included, in the form of air conditioning that will certainly come in handy whether you find yourself on the asphalt or off, as well as an AM/FM/CD player to provide the tunes for your adventures.
A 4.2 liter inline 6 cylinder sits under the hood to power this Jeep over any terrain you might wish to conquer. The engine is in good form, starting up promptly and running strong. Should you decide to take temporary leave of the road, with a flick of the lever just in front of the distinctive Hurst shifter, you can engage 4-wheel drive and, with this CJ5's generous wheel clearance and travel, its ability to handle obstacles is substantial. There are accommodations for more civilized conditions, as well, as power steering and front disc brakes help provide the road manners you'd want in a frequent driver. This timeless 4-wheel drive classic sits on a set of 15" M/T wheels, outfitted with sizable 33x12.5x15 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R tires.
Refurbished to an impressive level both inside and out, but retaining heaps of nostalgic appeal, this Jeep CJ5 would be a great acquisition for collector and off-road enthusiast alike. Call today!