1986 Jeep CJ7 Renegade

Description

There's a noteworthy segment of the hobby that's always been a little overlooked, but that's changing today. And by noteworthy, I mean all you guys who like to go out and play in the dirt on weekends, and we're seeing a big resurgence in the 4x4 area, because we just can't seem to keep machines like this 1986 Jeep CJ7 Renegade in stock.

All Jeeps seem to sell quickly, but if you ask any Jeeper for his favorite off-roader, the CJ7 comes up more often than just about anything else. The ideal combination of old-school looks, brute-force simplicity, and modern reliability, the CJ7 is the off-roader that you could also drive to work every day. This one is an awesome survivor still wearing its original paint, save for the doors, which were repainted not too long ago. The gold paint is in great condition for its age, so nice that you'll think twice about plunging into the underbrush with it, but also nice enough to draw a crowd wherever you park it. Correct Renegade decals look fantastic, adding some welcome contrast and the high-impact color combination will look great for decades to come. There's no evidence of issues in the usual spots above the rear wheels or around the tailgate, and this particular CJ has been dressed up with a Warn winch, tow hooks, and custom step plates that all add to its off-roading credibility.

The tan bucket seat interior is also largely original, more proof that the three owners taking care of this Jeep over the past 30 years were good at their jobs. The front buckets show some minor wear but nothing worth noting and the back seat looks barely used. Tan carpets make this late-production CJ feel a bit more luxurious and when the hardtop and doors are in place, it could easily be your daily driver today. The factory steering wheel is still in good shape and the center-mounted gauges are all fully functional. You'll be pleased to learn that factory A/C remains fully functional thanks to a new compressor and the factory radio has been upgraded to an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit. Of particular importance is the shift lever, which shows five gears instead of the usual three or four, so this 4x4 is actually a decent highway cruiser if you like the wind in your hair. And, of course, the removable hardtop and steel doors mean this is a Jeep that's usable year-round.

AMC's durable 4.2-liter inline six is popular for a reason: it doesn't break and delivers the kind of low-end torque that makes rough going a pleasure. The engine bay is really, really clean, suggesting that it hasn't seen any off-road action in a long time, and it's almost completely stock in every way that matters. There's a factory air cleaner and carburetor, a correct ignition system, and even a stock exhaust manifold leading to a single exhaust system with catalytic converter underneath, so you know the restorer was a stickler for detail. Recent work includes the heater core, front wheel bearings, a full brake job including new rotors and brake booster, some new gaskets, a fresh radiator and heater core, and a rebuilt carburetor, so it's ready to enjoy. The suspension has a mild lift that includes heavy-duty off-road shocks, so it has the hardware to get into the rough stuff, and those big 33x12.50-15 off-road radials look awesome on black wheels.

Like the VW Beetle and the MGB, the ever-popular Jeep CJ has found a new market with collectors and is on an upward trajectory. Get on board early with one of the nicest original CJs we've seen in years. Call today!