Like Corvettes and Range Rovers, the intended use of a vehicle – the very qualities that make it famous – can also result in it becoming damn near impossible to find an example in good condition. Jeeps obviously fall squarely into this category given its purpose since the first one rolled off the line. That’s why finding a good one today is quite a feat, even more so if it’s similar in condition to this 1985 Scrambler example here on eBay.
This Scrambler is in impressive condition, originally bought new by an accountant who passed away a few years ago. His wife and daughter are now selling off some of his assets, which also include 1970 and 1972 Chevy Blazers (separate auctions). The Blazers are selling at no reserve, but the Scrambler has a minimum price in place. That’s not stopping bidders, since it’s currently up to $25,602 with six days left! Of course, given the condition of the interior, I’m not surprised – it’s stunning.
The CJ8 Scramblers were distinguished by their longer wheelbase and special wheels and body-side graphics. The venerable 4.2L inline six is said to be in excellent running order, and with just over 25,000 original miles, it will be running for a long time to come. Given the low mileage and the original owner’s profession, I think it’s a safe bet that this Scrambler enjoyed an easy lifestyle of short drives that didn’t involve hopping over rocks. Some of you may find that a shame, but it’s also the likely reason it’s remained in such good condition.
Throw in the disc brakes and power steering and it becomes quite clear that this is a vintage Jeep that will be easy to live with while you drive it to shows and farmers markets. While it deserves to have its mileage remain low, I feel like this is a great choice for a classic you can use daily in good weather with minimal cost burdens (beyond the purchase price, of course), and you’ll likely never lose any money on it. As the saying goes, “Find me another one.”
Whew!!! It’s up over $25k already…
Nice find, but too rich for me..
Wow, what’s the guess on this one? I say 30k
Hard to believe a 1985 ANYTHING is worth this much!
Not that it matters, but those decals were not from the factory.
This is probably more info than anyone wants, but:
This is a base standard model, with the 6 cylinder option, along with a few other options shown on the window sticker.
Prior to 1985, the trim levels were: Standard, SR or SL. Basically decals and Interior trims differences. In 1985, the SR and SL were replaced with Renegade or Laredo trim options. Nice high back buckets, tach, and a bunch of chrome on the Laredo.
You could spec either a 4 speed or 5 speed. I have owned 4, these were selling years ago for $25-35K and then lower in recent years. Maybe they will go back up.
This one is nice with the low mileage, but I would expect the undercarriage shots to be cleaner. Probably going to need an exhaust replacement, and some vacuum line replacements, fuel tank and carb help too. Obviously sitting a long time, so when this thing starts being driven regularly, there are going to be leaks from the 258. This one has the dreaded plastic valve cover, and will leak like crazy.
The US Forrest service bought a bunch of these when new. The sold them all within a couple of years. For some reason they labeled them as an unsafe vehicle that could not be driven off-road. I don’t know why, but when you bought one from them, you had to sighn a waver.