1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler

Description

You've undoubtedly noticed that we sell a lot of Jeeps here at Streetside Classics, and that market is red hot and rising each day. And nothing with the Jeep name on it is hotter than this 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler, which has all the rugged awesomeness of the venerable CJ with a longer bed out back, creating a Jeep/pickup hybrid that's rare as well as highly desirable.

Better yet, this one is black, which is the best possible color on a CJ of any kind. It emphasizes the chiseled upright lines and never looks dated. The Scrambler is easy to spot with its extended rear end, and it makes a notable difference in interior space, especially those of you who like to take a lot of gear with you when you go someplace remote. Finish quality is quite nice; it's an older repaint but it's holding up well and has a shine and luster that turns heads everywhere it goes. The silver decals are recent and look great on the shiny black paint, and unlike so many of its siblings, they aren't goofy orange and yellow and brown that was so popular at the time. Removable wooden bed rails add a touch of fun and emphasize this Jeep's pickup DNA, but the chrome grille, bumper with brush guard, heavy-duty full-size spare tire carrier out back, and chrome steps all say "Jeep" loud and clear.

The tan interior comes complements of BestTop using their top-of-the-line Aqua series that means waterproof durability and easy maintenance. The floor was treated to a professionally applied spray-in bedliner, so no maintenance required there, and the removable tan carpet mats add some civility without affecting it's no worries demeanor. This Jeep was always tan inside, because the dash pad appears original, and there's a matching locking center console. White-faced gauges brighten the Jeep's simple dashboard and it uses a modern AM/FM/CD stereo system and high-end marine speakers for entertainment, on road and off. There's also a Grant steering wheel that's easy to grab and the shift levers are right where you need them in the rough. Like most Jeeps, this one is best enjoyed alfresco, but in case of inclement weather and to make it more user-friendly if you're in a more urban environment, there's a bikini top and a set of steel doors and a removable hard top to turn it into a 2-seater pickup.

A fully rebuilt AMC 258 cubic inch inline-6 makes the power and it's plenty adequate for the Scrambler. The engine bay is quite tidy, with the engine looking mostly stock under the hood, which is a good thing. It's not about speed, it's about reliability, and this Jeep nails it. There are a lot of new components, including an electric fuel pump mounted up high, and for durability, the engine bay was treated to more spray-on bedliner. There's a big radiator up front to keep things cool, whether you're cruising easily at modern highway speeds, or driving up a mountain. The 4-speed manual and 2-speed transfer case offer the best of both worlds and there's a recent exhaust system complete with catalytic converter, so it's not going to be a hassle to get it registered if you need smog tests. The longer wheelbase really makes a difference in ride quality, which might be why the Scramblers are so popular, and those big 31x10.5-15 BFG off-road tires and aluminum wheels give it just the right stance.

This is a shockingly affordable Scrambler that is turn-key, ready to go anywhere. We urge you to call right now while you're thinking about it, because it will likely be gone very soon. That's how hot these are. Call now!