For Sale: 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler in Ft Worth, Texas

Jeep has recently rolled out a Wrangler-based pickup, but the idea certainly isn't new. This neatly preserved 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler is proof of concept from almost forty years ago, and is dressed in a bright copper color scheme that works perfectly with the hot-rod Jeep's burly 350 cubic inch V8 living under the hood. With this 4x4, you can go anywhere, carry everything, and do it in a hurry, all with the confidence of having a really good looking rig that attracts people everywhere it goes.

The CJ8 was a longer version of the CJ7, which had both the benefit of increasing cargo capacity and improving the on-road ride. Only a handful were built during six years of production, and the productions numbers in the first year, 1981, were only 8,355 (although this was the most successful year for the CJ8), so finding one this nice today is quite unexpected. It has been neatly maintained and refinished as needed during its life, and the driver-quality Copper Brown Metallic paint it wears today has an awesome look that is a lot flashier than you'd expect for 1981, but works extremely well today. The hard doors and hood fit well, Scrambler decals have been reinstalled, and there's a newer bikini top for all-weather comfort. This Jeep also features a large cargo bay (it's strictly a two-seater, although rear bench seats are available on the secondary market) and aggressive rubber flares for the fenders which allow oversized tires and protect the bodywork when you're off road. A chrome grille guard, simple chrome bumper with an attached LED light bar, a roll bar, and a full-size rear-mounted spare with a matching rim to give it a no-nonsense look that suits it well.

Like all CJs, the CJ8 Scrambler is basic inside, catering to the guy who understands that playing outside is a dirty affair. Fortunately, comfort and simplicity can live together in the form of supportive Saddle vinyl bucket seats over a floor covered with plush carpet up front, and painted metal in the cargo area. Have fun, get dirty, hose it all off and do it again, it's the Jeep way. The interior package appears to be for the SR Sport, which was the top-off-the-line trim package for 1981 in a Scrambler, and basically mimicked the highly-desirable Laredo package in the smaller CJ models. Everything is stock other than an aftermarket gauge right underneath the clock to the left of the original, leather-wrapped Jeep steering wheel that's been in place for decades, but there is no radio, which shouldn't be a surprise; you're not going to miss it. A center console provides some weatherproof storage and a pair of cup holders (good luck with those on the trail!), and there's a leather-wrapped grab bar for passengers. You'll also note the 4-speed manual transmission shifter right next to the 2-speed transfer case lever, which means this Scrambler is a killer out on the trails.

To go with its added size, this CJ8 Scrambler carries a reliable Chevy 350 cubic inch V8 under the squared-off hood. With plenty of torque to move this 4x4 over any terrain, it makes pleasant V8 noises and is the perfect partner to the 4-speed manual transmission, making climbing around off-road a low-stress proposition. The small block is fed through a Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor, and is dressed-up with a chrome open-element air cleaner, finned M/T valve covers, a big aluminum radiator, and an overall solid, albeit not overly detailed look that suggests careful maintenance during its lifetime, and we'd doubt it's ever seen much mud. It also offers power steering and front disc brakes to help out when the going gets tough, and a soundtrack provided by a Flowmaster-style dual exhaust system underneath sounds great. Manual-locking hubs provide the ultimate in reliability and traction. Big Helo wheels have a butch look and carry oversized 285/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler All-Terrain tires, but if you don't like the modern look, a set of Laredo wagon wheels come with the sale as well.

A neat footnote in Jeep history that's suddenly back in fashion, this Scrambler is also a great collectable that can still go anywhere, and you just won't find a cooler one than this. Call today!