Vehicle Description
There's no denying the fun and versatility that a Jeep offers. This
1978 Jeep CJ5 Golden Eagle represents the best of the classic "old
school" CJs, and combines the rugged good looks of the traditional
off-roader with daily driver friendliness that includes a V8
engine, comfortable seats, and a great stereo system. You recognize
them from a quarter-mile away with their unmistakable round
headlights and 7-slot grille. Jeepers wave to each other the way
motorcyclists do, and as any of them will tell you, owning a CJ
like this is a lifestyle, not mere transportation. Fortunately,
this CJ stands out with its handsome white and black color scheme.
The repaint is in great condition with a shine that's just right:
it looks awesome when you take it to work on sunny days, and on
weekends you can go to that local cruise-in and hold your head
high! The Golden Eagle graphics are surely inspired by the other
highly decorated machines of the period, but tie into the Jeep's
distinctly American heritage; is there any vehicle more patriotic
than this? And if you do take it out in the brush, you'll
appreciate the front bumper with grille guard and light bar,
tubular step bumpers, and the oversize tires. Inside, the Jeep is
basic, but that also means that it's virtually indestructible. Have
some fun with the top and doors off, then hose it out, that's the
name of the game. The seats are new, so they fit well and are quite
comfortable for a day of play, and the floor has been covered with
bed liner material so its easier to keep clean. The controls will
look as familiar to your grandfather who fought in the Korean War
as they do to you, with the cool steering wheel, traditional round
shifter knob for the 3-speed, and gauges clustered in the center of
the dash. There's also a factory tachometer to the right of the
steering wheel, a clock to the left (where it's supposed to be).
The original radio is gone, replaced by a newer Pioneer AM/FM/CD
stereo system, which powers a pair of speakers in their own
enclosures in the back seat area. Removable doors and a good soft
top mean that it seals up tightly enough to be driven regularly,
especially with the massive heater that'll keep you warm no matter
what. Power comes from AMC's powerful 304 cubic inch V8, which
delivers muscle car punch in the lightweight CJ. This one has
around 1,000 miles since it has been rebuilt and mildly upgraded
with a small cam and an open-element air cleaner, but otherwise
it's the same trail-rated machinery that has been doing the job for
decades. There's a rebuilt carburetor, fresh engine enamel to make
it look good, and a aluminum radiator up front. In fact, it looks
like there are a lot of new components living under the hood and it
drives superbly. The suspension is fortified with a slight lift kit
and new shocks all around, and a newer side-exit exhaust system
gives it just the right grumble and may even free up a few
horsepower. This one is also very clean underneath. That
off-road-ready stance comes from a set of 33x12.50-15 Wild Spirit
tires on flashy aluminum wheels. Tradition is alive and well for
Jeep fans, and the CJ5 holds a very special place in the
off-roading hall of fame. Golden Eagles don't pop-up often, and
they never last, especially when they're in such great shape.
Financing available to qualified buyers.
