1980 Jeep CJ5

Description

Nothing says fun in the sun like a Jeep CJ, and you won't find many flashier ways to get out in the wild than this 1980 Jeep CJ5. Gorgeous paint, an all-new interior, two tops, and a bulletproof drivetrain all make this the one to own if you're looking for a little nostalgia to go with your off-roading fun.

There are a lot of off-roading fans who prefer the CJ5's tidier proportions and you can easily see the direct link to the earliest Jeeps serving on the front lines in WWII. However, I'll wager that the GIs back in the '40s would have killed for one this nice. The deep metallic red paint sparkles, the Renegade decal package is brand new, and everywhere you look someone has spent time and money perfecting the little stuff. It was treated to a frame-off restoration in 2010, which means all the little things that start to plague older CJs have been fixed and it's ready to enjoy without a second thought. The finish looks fantastic, and it's obvious that it was stripped to a bare tub for the work, because that luscious paint covers every visible surface. It shines up beautifully, and with chrome bumpers, protective rocker moldings, new mirrors, and fresh fender flares, it's ready to kick up some dirt.

The entire interior was freshened at the same time, including seats, carpets, and all the little stuff that you really want fully operational when you're out in the bush. The seat covers are simply beautiful, a great combination of style and utility because they seem impervious to dirt yet don't get hot and sticky in the sun like vinyl. Carpets are a luxurious touch that make the CJ much more civilized when you're just cruising, and a locking center console adds valuable storage. Interior dress-up includes a gorgeous Grant steering wheel, polished dash inserts, and bright, crisp gauges that look factory fresh. There's nothing in this Jeep that hasn't been replaced, restored, polished, or detailed, and it makes a huge difference in a vehicle where the interior is so exposed and part of the overall theme. A new tan top with matching doors is included, as well as a bikini top that's a lot easier to throw on there in case you get caught or to ward off the sun.

Jeep's indestructible 258 cubic inch inline-six makes the perfect powerplant for the lightweight CJ5. Rebuilt a few years ago and with perhaps 10,000 miles on the powertrain, it runs quite well on the streets, with great torque to make the Jeep feel quick on the streets, yet perfectly happy pulling it along in low-low gear just off idle. The engine bay is so clean that it's unlikely that this CJ has been off-roading since the work was done. The 4-speed manual transmission and 2-speed transfer case were rebuilt at the same time, so it shifts easily and the traditionally rugged hardware will still take you anywhere you want to go. The undercarriage was recently detailed so it looks tidy and clean, and there's a brand new muffler to give it that burly Jeep sound. Handsome polished aluminum wheels sparkle on the already flashy Jeep and carry big 31x10.5-15 radials that fill the fenders.

We've been watching it happen over the past few years and there's no denying that vintage CJs are red hot now. This is one of the nicer ones we've featured and for the money, there's no better way to visit the great outdoors. Call today!