Sometimes a collector vehicle can be both attractive and utilitarian. A classic Jeep could be the perfect ticket to outdoor adventure, yet still feel right at home at a Saturday night cruise-in.
The Pick of the Day is a 1977 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Las Cruces, New Mexico. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Jeep is frame-off restored and has matching numbers to the engine,” the listing reads. This CJ has been upgraded with some special equipment including a five-inch Rough Country suspension lift, a chrome grille, polished-aluminum 15-inch wheels, BFGoodrich 33-inch all-terrain tires, dual sideview mirrors, nerf bars, KC off-road lighting, a tow hitch, and a swing-away spare tire in the rear.
The CJ, or Civilian Jeep, originated in the mid-1940s under the Willys-Overland corporation as a street-ready version of the military-grade sport-utility vehicle. It remained in production through various subsequent generations, and in 1976, the seventh-generation (or CJ-7) debuted. Several engineering changes went into effect along with the redesign: Among them, the wheelbase was stretched by ten inches when compared to prior models, and the chassis used new parallel longitudinal rails.
One of the unique attributes of the CJ is its interior convertible versatility; the soft top and doors can be removed for open-air motoring. This restored Jeep offers accommodations including newer cloth Bestop front and rear seats, a center console, a custom steering wheel, and all-weather floor mats. In addition to the factory gauge setup, an inclinometer has been added which could come in handy on technical trails.
This Jeep isn’t just redone cosmetically – it also comes with a list of performance updates. Power for this CJ comes from a rebuilt (and reportedly numbers-matching) 304cid V8 with fewer than 800 miles driven since completion of the restoration. The manual transmission was rebuilt, and torque is fed to all four wheels (manually locking Warn hubs engage the wheels up front). Recent maintenance according to the listing included the installation of steel fuel lines, and replacement of the fuel pump, solenoid, battery, shock absorbers, and leaf springs.
“Documentation of parts and labor included. Full list of new items available upon request,” the listing concludes. The CJ-7 generation lasted until 1986 and remains a hot collector-item today. The seller is asking $45,000 for this well-sorted Renegade, which is ready to turn the key and enjoy – whether on the trail or on the turnpike.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
