Vehicle Description
It's hard to have more fun on four wheels than with a Jeep CJ7,
especially one as dialed-in as this 1981 white-on-tan beauty. With
a great paint job and a strong 304 V8 engine mated to a rather rare
automatic transmission, it's barely seen a gravel road, let alone
serious off-roading, but it's ready, willing, and able to take on
any condition you put in front of it.
We're finally getting to the point where these CJs are legitimate
collector's items, but you'll probably discover that very few are
restored to a level worth showing-off outside of the trails. It was
repainted some time not too long ago and has a great shine and very
solid bodywork that suggests this Jeep has always been loved, and
even though it's not perfect and has a few signs of use, you'll
never hesitate to hop in and have some fun anytime. The CJ's shape
is unmistakable, especially with the step bars and roll bar in
place, and thanks to that bright white paint job, shiny
diamond-plate body armor, and a set of black fender flares, it
looks incredible. With professional workmanship throughout and
recent receipts to the tune of almost $7k, 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 and staying out of the
mud since the work was completed. Heck, some Jeep guys might scoff
at how bright and shiny this one is, but with big chrome roll
bumper up front, iconic driving lights and fog lights, and a
slightly aggressive look on those oversized all-terrain tires, I
don't think anyone will question its off-road credentials.
Inside, this one is almost too nice to venture into the dirt, with
fresh tan Bestop high-back buckets up front, along with a matching
tan Bestop rear bench out back that look like they've barely seen
anything scarier than a dusty pair of jeans. There's also matching
tan carpets on the floors that insulate the tub - an elegant rarity
against the usual bedliner-lined floors found in CJs - and even the
black dash pad is a really cool piece offering dual cupholders up
against the fold-down windshield. The gauges look stock and are in
their stock configuration, save for an auxiliary temperature gauge
discreetly attached below, and the entire dash was panted white to
match the body with the chrome gauge bezel really helping it pop.
There's a modern retro-style stereo in the stock location of the
dash, although it looks like you'll have to add some speakers if
you really want some open-air tunes, while a rather rare and 100%
stock Jeep steering wheel is joined on the column by the shifter
that manages the automatic transmission below. Of course, a bikini
top make this a perfect beach cruiser with some all-weather
capabilities, going a long way towards civilizing the all-purpose
Jeep. And even though CJs don't have a ton of room inside, the rear
cargo area does have enough room for some light luggage or car show
accessories, and it too was covered in matching tan carpets for a
very complete look.
In 1981, most Jeeps were getting wheezing six cylinder engines
which didn't do much to move them through the mud with tall tires.
That's all been remedied here thanks to the muscle-bound 304 cubic
inch V8 which exhibits a serious excess horsepower and torque.
Recently rebuilt (less than a year ago), it's nestled neatly in the
engine bay and fitted with a freshened carburetor, newer wiring and
hoses, and newer power steering and power front discs brake
systems, so it's ready to rock today. Stock-style headers dump
directly into a mellow-sounding exhaust system that tucks up into
the frame so no worries about ground clearance, and there's even a
catalytic convertor still on hand should your state require any
emissions testing, although at this age it's likely doubtful. When
the motor was rebuilt the transmission was as well according the
receipts we have on hand, and that 3-speed automatic transmission
and 2-speed transfer case are perfect companions for someone
actually looking to drive and enjoy their Jeep regularly. The
reworked power front disc brakes are responsive and with power
steering, those giant 31-inch Yokohama tires wrapped around chrome
Laredo-style wheels are easy to manage no matter where you are.
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!
