For Sale: 1981 Jeep CJ7 in Ft Worth, Texas

The undisputed king of go-anywhere survivability has to be the Jeep CJ7, and with an incredible amount of preservation that's rarely seen in the Jeep world, this awesome 1981 Laredo proves that these vintage 4x4 vehicles are here to stay within the collector market. But don't let those insane low miles fool you (only 22,010 actual miles to be exact) because this is still one tough 'ol girl, and there's virtually no mud you can't grind through, no stream you can't ford, and no rock you can't climb in this spectacular CJ-7 Laredo.

The Laredo was the top-of-the-line CJ trim level, a package that gave the utilitarian Jeep a look-at-me makeover that's probably the off-road equivalent of the Trans Am screaming chicken hood decal. And still coated in its factory coat of Olympic White paint, it looks as handsome and rugged as John Wayne in a gun belt. Hailing from the warm, dry southern US, none of the usual issues are a factor here, with solid sheetmetal even above the rear wheels and in the tailgate. The paint is unbelievably all-original and remains in very good driver condition and the decals are still bright and vivid so it's hard not to get noticed when you're driving this 4x4. Goodies include a chrome grille, chrome front bumper cover, side steps, fender flares, rear chrome bumperettes, and a swing-away rear tire carrier out back with a 5th matching Laredo wheel. The net effect is that this is a hardcore backpack that you can drive. Anywhere.

The Nutmeg interior got a bit of a refreshing makeover not long ago, including a beautifully upholstered set of Laredo bucket seats that hold you in place far better than the slippery, flat original buckets that came equipped in the lower trim CJ models. Likewise, the dash pad, door panels, and even the visors all match, so it all has a consistently fresh look. The carpets are plush and protected with heavy-duty Jeep vinyl mats, and the painted areas of the doors, pillars and dash show exactly how incredibly preserved this low-mileage Jeep really is. A custom center console locks for security in the open Jeep, a retro-style AM/FM/AUX radio is fitted neatly inside the dash, and the factory A/C system blow nice and cold thank to an R134a refrigerant upgrade. All the original gauges are fully functional (including the Laredo-spec tachometer and clock on either side of the steering wheel), and all the weather seals are tight, so it's surprisingly devoid of squeaks and rattles. The Jeep comes with both a removable hard top (complete with a sunroof) and steel doors, and a minimalist bikini top offers a modicum of protection without diluting the open-air experience.

A numbers-matching 304 cubic inch V8 runs beautifully and is the off-roader's first choice in a CJ. Torquey and robust, this is the engine you want pulling through the worst slop Mother Nature can throw at you. Virtually bulletproof, it also has the low-end torque you need and gentle throttle tip-in makes it easy to feel your way through the slippery stuff. Presented beautifully under the hood, appearing just as it did in 1981, sans the Optima gel-cell battery. The automatic transmission shifts well and feeds the stock 2-speed transfer case and the stock axles, so it's still very friendly on the pavement, which is obviously where it spent most of its life. The exhaust system includes a newer chambered muffler that gives the Jeep a nice low rumble, and it's remarkably clean underneath, suggesting not a lot of time out in the dirt. Power steering and power front disc brakes ensure a great ride, and 15-inch polish aluminum Laredo wheels with giant 32x11.50x15 Falken white-letter off-road tires.

Fully documented with its original window sticker and owner's manual, this awesome Laredo is a lot of fun, both on and off road. Call today!