For Sale: 1976 Jeep CJ7 in Ft Worth, Texas

Hard to have more fun on four wheels than with a Jeep CJ7, especially one as dialed-in as this brilliant first-year production 1976 Jeep CJ7. With a classic Firecracker Red paint job, a stout 304 V8 engine, and trail-rated hardware atop an aggressive lift, it's ready to do some serious off-roading, and you just can't beat that old-school look and anvil-like durability that the CJ7 brings.

We're finally getting to the point where these CJs are legitimate collector's items, but you'll probably discover that very few are finished to this level because they're so often ragged out on the trails. The shape is unmistakable, especially with the metal doors and soft top removed, and thanks to a very nice, high driver-quality Firecracker Red paint job and a set of 5 beefy polished alloys, a black roll bar, and dual nerf bars, it looks incredible. The body and tub are all steel, so this CJ will last forever with proper care, and maintain its value much better than all the fiberglass re-pops out on the market today. Thanks to professional workmanship throughout, it feels tight and fits together quite well, and while a lot of these CJs led hard lives, this one has obviously been taking it easy since the work was completed. Heck, some Jeep guys might scoff at how bright and shiny this one is, but nobody will argue that this isn't a great-looking off-roader. Add in the black fender flares, black rollbar bumpers fore and aft, big black mirrors, and that matching spare tire hanging off the back, and it looks to be ready for just about anything.

Inside, this one is almost too nice to venture into the dirt, with sporty front vinyl bucket seats and plenty of cargo space out back thanks to a deleted rear bench that's largely superfluous because of its diminutive size. There's also a useful Max-Built Command center console with storage and cup holders, and a pair of nice-fitting Rugged Ridge rubber floor mats over the floors, which were neatly lined with spray-in bedliner material that provides much-needed sound deadening and heat insulation, not to mention that they can easily be hosed off in a few seconds after a day out on the trails. The gauges look great in the painted red dash, highlighted by the large speedometer in the center (fuel and temperature are now measured by the auxiliary gauges under the dash), and the clock and tachometer on either side of the steering wheel. There's no radio or A/C, but if you really rely on those things they an be easily added, but quite frankly the open-air fun of owning a vintage Jeep is more entertaining than anything found inside the aftermarket catalog. A Grant GT steering wheel was added and it really makes it feel far more sophisticated than you'd expect inside, and it's joined on the column by a shifter that manages the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that makes this V8-powered Jeep feel like a go-anywhere muscle car rather than a utilitarian machine. There still aren't many vehicles that are more fun to drive than a CJ.

In 1976, most Jeeps carried the 4.2 liter inline-six, which was certainly adequate, but for all the torque lovers, the 304 V8 was the motor of choice. Believed to be the original engine, it's topped with an Edelbrock carburetor and intake manifold, and delivers big power for fun on or off the pavement. New power steering is probably mandatory with those giant tires and it carries an all-new power brake master cylinder that manages the drums and makes stopping drama-free. The black Edelbrock air cleaner matches the blacked-out valve covers, and stock exhaust manifolds feed a custom dual exhaust system with side exits that sounds awesome. The chassis is in great condition, including the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and Jeep's Quadra-Trac full time 4WD with Low Range (controlled by a small lever on the side of the transmission tunnel), the 2-speed transfer case, and plenty of new hardware including all-new polyurethane bushings throughout and balanced drive shafts. Beefy Rancho off-road shocks manage the lift kit, which provides plenty of ground clearance for some pretty hairy rock-crawling with room for those giant 35x12.50-15 all-terrain radials wrapped around brand new 15-inch alloy wheels that add a bit of sparkle to this tough vintage Jeep.

A muscle car for the dirt? You'd better believe it. Not many CJs get refinished to this level, so when you find one this nice, don't hesitate. Call today!