Even though Jeep culture revolves around exploring the rugged outdoors, leveraging all-terrain, all-weather capability, sometimes a classic CJ is just “too nice” to get dirty.
The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Jeep CJ-7 offered for sale on ClassicCars.com by its Belton, Texas, owner of 15 years. Not only does this Jeep stay on the pavement, it’s only been wet twice during that timeframe – and that was when it was washed, the seller says.
This CJ was treated to an overhaul of its cosmetic and mechanical condition, outlined in detail in the classified listing. The body was media-blasted to bare metal and resprayed in GM Pure White, with Renegade graphics subsequently applied in red, orange and yellow hues.
“All bodywork and paint professionally done,” the ad states. “The vehicle has only been wet twice since the repaint and that was when it was washed.”
The interior benefitted from similar refurbishment, including replacement of the factory buckets with tan cloth Bestop seats, a new dash pad, and Rhino lining throughout the cabin. The level of detail extends to chrome dress-up hardware for the hinges, sideview mirrors and other trim. A removable front tow bar and tow light kit were added, and chrome wheels provide extra curb appeal.
The CJ-series origin dates to the mid-1940s with the CJ-1, the civilian Jeep (thus CJ) version of the compact, versatile MB military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland for World War II. The platform evolved across incremental changes through its discontinuation after 1986, eventually selling more than 1.5 million units in the United States over its roughly four-decade lifespan.
When the CJ-7 iteration debuted in 1976, the wheelbase had been stretched by 10 inches compared with previous models, and refinements were made to the chassis architecture: The springs and shock absorbers were mounted closer to the outside of the body to improve handling and stability. Overall design of the CJ remained consistent otherwise as a small open-bodied off-road vehicle built for the masses.
Power for this CJ comes from a 4.2-liter inline-6 coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and a rebuilt dual-range transfer case. Mechanically, the drivetrain is described as being well-sorted, with service performed to the water pump, thermostat, master cylinder, gaskets, tires, carburetor, fuel pump, starter, battery, spark plugs and fluids.
Although the CJ’s odometer reads 172,000 miles, the long list of recent maintenance should provide peace of mind about its roadworthiness.
“This Jeep has not been lift-modified and rides smoothly at highway speed,” the listing states. “Great parade vehicle.”
And perhaps, given its fine condition, the pavement is the best place for this CJ to remain.
The seller is asking $22,500 for this classic Renegade, which includes extra goodies such as a bikini top, shop manuals, a car cover and cargo carrier.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
You buy a Jeep to go on the backroads not look pretty in it sitting at a red light!
That price is ridiculous with that high of miles and repainted. I’ve owned Jeep’s for 40 years…..
🤣🤣
What is the best price you would take. Cash