Vehicle Description
The timeless CJ was just about the purest expression of
civilian-grade off-road fun ever created. This dialed-in 1979 Jeep
CJ-5 offers 304 V8 power, cool colors, terrific options, and a
high-end restoration not typically found on these rugged 4x4s,
making it fairly rare in its own right, but that doesn't mean it
isn't capable of going into some pretty gnarly territory.
The Golden Eagle appearance package dressed up the CJ5 in great
'70s fashion, with vivid colors and legendary decals, and this Dark
Copper Metallic beauty decked-out with the full hood treatment
looks fantastic. I wonder if the Jeep designers ever heard from the
guys over at Pontiac once this Jeep hit the streets, but I suppose
that was the fashion and it's a look that is suddenly very much
back in demand. The glossy dark copper paint is modern urethane so
it shines up very nicely after a day of playing in the dirt, and
while Jeeps were never renowned for their fit and finish, this one
really looks great. The hood decals are actually painted on and
very nicely done, accurately replicating the original look, and
they elected to forgo the profile Golden Eagle-spec pinstripes that
normally come with the decal package, opting for that deep,
lustrous paint to do most of the talking instead. Don't get us
wrong, it's still a tough 4x4, but this is one of the cleanest Jeep
CJs we've ever featured. Shiny black fender flares cover the
oversized tires and it includes correct little details like side
marker lights, proper Jeep taillights, and a glossy black frame
rail cover up front. They didn't skimp on the shiny stuff either,
including chrome bumper covers, a chrome grille guard, bright
rocker panel trim and accompanying side steps, and even the smaller
details like the hood hinges and tie-downs, side mirrors, and cowl
cover are polished up and are the perfect complement to the slick
finish.
Recently installed tan Bestop seats anchor the nicely appointed
interior, with tall buckets up front and a matching bench in the
rear. The same dark copper paint used on the body covers every
unfinished interior surface inside the tub, including the dash and
roll bar, and the painted floors were covered in plush black
carpets that make the Jeep feel luxurious even in its alfresco
state. There's also a wood-rimmed Grant GT steering wheel mounted
atop a tilt column that matches the color theme, and the flanking
clock to the left, and tachometer to the right of the wheel are
indicative of a higher-end trim level, which means this CJ-5 was
very likely born as an original Golden Eagle. The same centrally
located Jeep gauges in the center of the dash that have been a Jeep
trademark for decades are surrounded by a bright chrome bezel,
matching the shiny glove box door and grab bar, and the Jeep dash
pad features a badge that matches the exterior paint. There's a
retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo that provides the tunes, seatbelts
fore and aft, and rugged floor mats that protect the carpets.
Nothing was overlooked during this Jeep's build, and the proof is
in the pudding.
AMC's reliable 304 cubic inch V8 is all about torque and virtually
indestructible, and driving through a 3-speed manual gearbox and a
two-speed transfer case it will go just about anywhere. It's rare
to see a V8 Jeep and it looks great under the hood with matching
Dark Copper paint in the engine bay, on the valve covers and air
intake, and even on the block itself. It comes topped with a
2-barrel carburetor, a chrome air cleaner and radiator shroud,
features an MSD ignition that helps it spark easily, and breathes
through a set of Hedman headers that feed into a throaty dual
exhaust system below. And speaking of the undercarriage, it's a
thing of beauty, with matching paint on the underside of the tub,
lots of chrome and polished pieces, and newer components
throughout. Of course, with a body-off restoration, the frame was
totally accessible during the build, so it received glossy black
paint, and upgrades like a modest lift, performance shocks, and a
new gas tank all look great. Power steering and front disc brakes
are along for the show, and sinister-looking 20-inch Fuel wheels
are wrapped in rugged 33x12.5x20 off-road tires that finish off
this CJ-5 perfectly.
Go ahead, have some fun, this Jeep was built for it. Professionally
built with lots of top-shelf gear, it represents perhaps the
ultimate way to have fun on four wheels in the great outdoors. Call
today!
