With summer fast approaching, the minds of many will turn to the idea of off-road adventures. Picking the ideal candidate can be challenging, but this 1970 Jeep CJ-5 could be a strong contender. It is a genuine barn find with 17,000 miles showing on its odometer. Lifting the hood reveals the range-topping V6, while the overdrive increases its versatility. The seller has listed the Jeep here on eBay in Calhan, Colorado. They set their BIN at $9,500, and it appears they are firm on that figure.
Launched in 1954, the CJ-5 was a model of longevity. It remained on sale until 1983, with global sales of over 600,000 vehicles. This CJ-5 rolled off the line in 1970 and would have looked stunning in its prime with sparkling Avacado Mist paint. The exterior now looks slightly baked, and it is unclear whether the tired paint would respond favorably to intensive attention using a high-quality polish. If not, the buyer would be left to choose between a cosmetic refresh and preserving this classic as a genuine survivor. On a more positive note, the panels are surprisingly straight and free from significant blemishes, and there is no evidence of penetrating rust. The glass looks good, and the Kelsey Hayes alloy wheels should assist this Jeep when the going gets tough.
Life aboard the CJ-5 represents motoring at its most basic. The buyer doesn’t receive air conditioning or power accessories, and there is no radio. However, this interior’s greatest strength is its practicality. The new seats are trimmed in Black vinyl, and there is no carpet on the floors. That means that mud and slime won’t be an issue, and cleaning the interior after a day of adventure would require little beyond a bucket, a sponge, and a hose. That thought will undoubtedly appeal to many potential owners.
Lifting the hood confirms that the first owner ordered this Jeep with the range-topping 225ci “Dauntless” V6. They teamed the V6 with a three-speed manual transmission and a Warn overdrive for added versatility. Jeep’s 1970 sales literature reports power and torque ratings of 160hp and 235 ft/lb for the Dauntless, but that only tells part of the story. The motor’s low-end torque delivery, which peaks at under 2,000rpm, makes it ideal for clawing its way through the undergrowth and across extremely harsh terrain. The seller states they recently installed a new battery, and the photos indicate the alternator is new as well. They haven’t tried starting the V6, confirming it hasn’t run for twenty-five years. However, it turns freely, meaning that revival may be relatively straightforward.
This 1970 Jeep CJ-5 could be an excellent candidate for those wishing to revive a genuine barn find. It appears free from major rust issues, while the power and torque from its V6 should allow it to tackle some pretty harsh terrain effortlessly. The View and Watch List tallies of 213 and 25, respectively, confirm that it has caught the attention of many enthusiasts seeking outdoor adventures. The sticking point could be the price, which, taken at face value, looks slightly optimistic. However, if the odometer reading is verified, it might be realistic. If that is the case, would you consider pursuing this CJ-5 further?
3 sticks, 3 pedals. 😎 👍
Pretty sure 4 sticks, if it does have overdrive, I don’t see it here.
The 3rd handle is the OD because Jeep had changed from the twin stick transfer case to the single shifter a few years prior.
I like this Jeep!!! The lightweigh CJ 5 with a V6 3 speed and a Warn Overdrive!!! I don’t remember ever seeing one with an overdrive in person. I agree with Adam. The avacado mist paint must have looked great when it was new. I want to say this Jeep has its original rims. I seem to remember these new with wheel covers and whitewall tires. This would be a blast to have and take off the beaten path. Great write up Adam, thank you very much.
Cool truck, three pedals and three sticks is what a 4WD vehicle should have. I have a 1943 Ford GPW Jeep, that’s how we roll. 283 Chevy, 6″ lift, 36″ tires and three sticks.
I just bought a 1998 GMC Yukon off Bring A Trailer. It’s a nice truck, never out of San Jose CA, but the 4WD/transfer case shifter is a series of buttons on the dash. Really ??? My nephew had one for 12 years and he said it worked OK. But it’s not near as cool as a three stick Jeep.
Jeeps always bring a smile, and for good reason, you’re looking at freedom here folks. Couple things I never realized about these, is sitting on a gas tank, especially in a war type setting would make me nervous, and that’s the brake master location? Still? It seems, for 1970, they must have eliminated the “in-out” lever with an all in one lever on the right, and the O/D appears to be the lever next to the shift lever. It should have a “Warn” ( not worn) shift knob , or a call out badge below the V6 badge. Anyone?
Nice Jeep, makes me feel a whole lot better, and being towed, who knows the mileage, speedo cable easily removed. I don’t know, man, it’s still a CJ, and if you feel this is a deal, buy mine for half the price, but then what? As much as I grumble about the 4 cylinder and stick,,,,,I still love my Jeep,,,not for sale!
Put a new battery in it and haven’t even tried to start it? Something a little fishy here to me.
That was my first thought also. I suspect it means they couldn’t get it started. That V6 probably needs a timing chain and gears and it would make a much nicer ride if that motor was replaced by the later model Buick V6 that ran a lot smoother and had more power. The early V6 as is this one was an odd firing motor while the later V6 used a balance shaft and better ignition.
The later 231s did idle smoother, this was due to a split journal design crankshaft, not a balance shaft. But they also had reduced compression like everything else in the 70s. The 225 is actually a better performing engine. I own two of them!
The add on Facebook says “engine turns over fine bit I haven’t tried to start it yet” – OUCH! OMG – looks fine but now I wonder what additionbal internal engine damage has been done :-)
Sweet Jeep!
Perhaps they just turned it over by hand? Even a couple cranks on a dry engine is better than if they’d sprayed starter fluid down the carb and fired it up.
Nice Jeep if the motor starts and the mileage is correct than that would be a big plus but the asked price is still a little salty .
Nice.
My first vehicle was a 1959 CJ5. Gave it to my friend in Alabama. He traded it to a guy to have some electrical work done in his house.
Its still going strong in the woods somewhere in Alabama…..lol
I have always found the pedals that stick up out of the floor, like on this jeep, less comfortable than the ones that hang down. .
Cool Jeep. Seems about the perfect CJ to me. ‘72-‘75 is generally considered the sweet spot but the body condition, color, wheels and period accessories should sell this one. Had a ‘70 with this V6. It liked to smoke, but it ran strong, quiet and smooth and had a neat little rasp when throttled.
I do see that the body and frame are pretty clean with no rust which is a plus here. Hard to believe that the fuel tank is mounted under the drivers seat wow.
for 56yrs old it really clean. i would like some kind of documentation of its history. i guess the price seems fair what is presented. not a jeep fan though.
I recall Glenn Ford driving one on the Cade’s County TV show on
CBS.every Sunday night in 1971.
The series lasted only one season but I can still hear the show’s theme song and see Mr. Ford tooling around the back country in that Jeep. Think Edgar
Buchanan was on that show too
but I can’t be sure. I do know that
young lady on that show was a real looker. Good program, good
Jeep.
had the same exact CJ-5, but gold. If I knew I could import this, I would have bought it already.
It’s not going to last long, that’s for sure.
Cool Jeep. So simple and ready to go.
I’m with the others here though who don’t understand why the seller hadn’t tried to start it. For the asking price it should be known up front if this is a runner.