1986 Jeep CJ7

Description

The undisputed king of go-anywhere survivability has to be the Jeep CJ7, and with collectors discovering that these are seriously fun machines, Jeeps like this 1986 Jeep CJ7 won't be this affordable for too much longer. We're already seeing it here, where it's getting harder and harder to keep good Jeeps in stock.

With a variety of off-road-ready upgrades, this one looks as rough and rugged as John Wayne in a gun belt. Hailing from the warm, dry southern US, none of the usual body issues are a factor here, with solid sheetmetal even above the rear wheels and in the tailgate. The original tub looks so good, and hasn't been covered up with bed-liner or carpet to show off what is really a rare sight: clean, rust-free pans in a CJ! The shiny black paint still looks good, but not so perfect you'd be afraid to head into the brush with it. There's also a silver and gray stripe running down the center of the hood, which matches the LAREDO lettering on the sides, so it's hard not to get noticed when you're driving this 4x4. Goodies include chrome bumpers, a matching chrome grille, and shiny tubular steps for climbing aboard. The net effect is that this is a hardcore backpack that you can drive anywhere.

The sticks to the original setup, but the condition of the floors and dashboard suggest that this Jeep has led a good life and hasn't been abused or neglected. High-back bucket BestTop seats are comfortable enough for bouncing around off-road, and the floor has been protected with heavy-duty mats, a smart upgrade and probably one that makes a lot of sense in a vehicle designed to play in the mud. All the original gauges are still in their original positions, and while this one isn't long on options and upgrades, it gets the basics right, with a fat steering wheel, 4-speed manual transmission, AM/FM/CD stereo, and a chrome grab bar for the passenger (believe me, if you're doing it right, you're gonna need it). The back seat is neatly finished in matching black vinyl and the padding on the roll bar is neatly fitted, so it's clean and orderly. This jeep also includes a removable hardtop and steel doors, and a bikini top, so it's a great year-round cruiser that's great for any occasion.

AMC's 258 cubic inch inline-six still runs beautifully and should continue to do so for many years if you take care of it properly. Torquey and robust, this is the engine you want pulling through the worst slop Mother Nature can throw at you. Virtually bulletproof, it also has the low-end torque you need and gentle throttle tip-in on the rebuilt carburetor makes it easy to feel your way through the slippery stuff. The 4-speed manual feeds the stock 2-speed transfer case and seriously beefy axles at both ends, with the front end being fitted with locking hubs. Tall gears and low range give it rock-crawling stability, but thanks to the oversized tires, it can cruise relatively easily at highway speeds in high range. The suspension also features stock springs and ride height, so it's has exactly the right attitude and functionality without being tall and tippy on the streets. Attractive 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels look flashy and wear beefy BFGoodrich All-Terrain radials that are ready to get dirty.

With chiseled good looks and plenty of performance, this awesome CJ is a lot of fun, both on and off road. Call today!