1983 Jeep CJ7

Description

It appears that we've become the place to go if you're looking for a high-quality Jeep CJ7, and this 1983 Laredo is only the latest in a long line of off-road-ready 4x4s that we've featured lately. And of that rather large selection, this one rises to the top with features like a great color scheme, a strong-running engine with 5-speed manual transmission, a rarely-seen restored hardtop, and a host of sensible upgrades that make the venerable CJ7 relevant even today.

Has the CJ7 become a collectors' item? All the signs are there that the market is turning and prices are on the rise. It's always our advice to buy the nicest example you can afford, and in the coming years Jeeps just like this will be defining the market. It's not perfect, of course, but for a vehicle designed to bang around in the dirt, it's pretty darned good. The bodywork is straight enough to wear that glossy black paint with pride and correct silver LAREDO decals have been installed on the hood with matching strips running along the rocker panels. The tub is very solid and shows signs of having lived a quiet life down south and probably didn't venture off-road very often at all. Chrome details like the grille, bumpers, rocker panel moldings, and even the side mirrors all glitter against the black paint. Big rubber fender flares cover the oversized tires and there's a full-sized spare out back that gives this Jeep a go-anywhere look.

The black bucket seat interior is sensibly restored with supportive bucket seats flanking a locking center console, always a critical detail on a vehicle with removable doors. The back seat is upholstered to match and the floors are covered with spray-in bedliner material that's just beautifully applied. Jeep's familiar 3-spoke steering wheel has a thick leather wrapper that helps you grab hold even in the rough stuff and you'll note that the shifter shows five gears instead of the usual four. Factory gauges are bright, crisp, and fitted in a chrome panel to brighten up the plain dashboard, which also houses a factory tach and a newer AM/FM stereo radio. Features include a tilt steering column and heavy-duty rubber mats, as well as a padded roll bar behind the seats.

The 258 cubic inch inline-six was a mainstay of CJ7 production, and in this Jeep it's exceptionally clean under the hood. Featuring lots of recent work and extremely nice detailing, it would be a shame to take this one out and get it all dirty. Note the finned valve cover, the shiny hardware and lines, and the recent tune-up parts throughout, all of which make it look and act like new. It was given a major service about 15,000 miles ago, which also included the clutch and 5-speed manual transmission and transfer case, so it's ready to enjoy today. The 5-speed offers an overdrive gear, so this Jeep is as comfortable on the highway just as much as in the dirt, and the entire undercarriage was cleaned and painted satin black for easy maintenance. A new exhaust system gives it a great six-cylinder growl and upgraded shocks and slotted brake discs improve performance no matter where you go. Those are factory wheels that have been highly polished and they carry big 33x12.50-15 Firestone Destination radials all around.

Usable Jeeps don't get much nicer than this and everything's already done so it's ready to enjoy. Call today!