A “Golden Eagle” Jeep CJ-7 is perhaps one of the more instantly recognizable special edition Jeeps ever made. Combine that with the optional Levi’s interior, and you have a desirable specimen. The Jeep shown here on eBay retains its period-correct details identifying it as a Golden Eagle edition, and the seller explains that it was acquired from the long term original owner and is believed to still wear mostly original paint.
I personally don’t have much of a connection to Jeeps of this vintage, but I can certainly understand why they still enjoy a strong following. You can’t beat the proportions of a light-duty off-roader like this, and compared to the new Jeep models, this Golden Eagle looks delightfully simple and spartan. No gussied up four-door Jeeps with rental cars-grade interiors to be found here. Isn’t it amazing what the Jeep brand has become compared to the models that originally made it so popular with enthusiasts?
The interior is in excellent shape, and as noted above, it has the optional Levi’s upholstery on the rear jump seat. The front “low back” buckets are recent replacements, with the seller noting they were sourced from Best Top for a more modern look. The rest of the cabin is largely original, with the listing noting that this Golden Eagle came well equipped with factory tilt, power steering, and power brakes.
Now, what makes this Golden Eagle Jeep even cooler is that it left the factory with the optional 304 V8. That engine, sadly, was yanked at some point in the past and replaced with a more modern 350 engine with fuel injection. I’m deeply conflicted, as the 350 makes sense in every way, but I do wish this V8 Jeep still had its original engine. A Golden Eagle with strong cosmetics and a numbers-matching mill would command top dollar, so finding a home for this one at a fair price with the non-original engine is the trick the seller must pull off.
There really is such a thing as a “Jeep thing”. Maybe drivers of exotic sports cars wave at each other, I don’t know. All I know, is there is a kindred feeling among all “7 slot grill” drivers. I don’t see Highrunner[sic] drivers doing that.
As said, the CJ7 was the most refined CJ, and this is a nice one. Naturally, I don’t like a V8 Jeep anything. I equate it to the 3 bears deal, the V8 too much, the 4 cyl. not enough, the 6, just right. The CJ is a poor highway vehicle, in any form, and a V8 just makes things worse. The tow bar connections on the front tell me this was probably pulled behind a motorhome for many of the 101k miles. Great find.
Back to the Jeep thing. On a recent cc trip, I rented a Kia Soul, that I didn’t care for. While I couldn’t imagine driving my 4 cyl. YJ cross country in 105 heat, upon return, I got in my Jeep, and hugged the steering wheel. On the way home, everyone was passing me. I was going 58 mph, windows down, and a big smile. I love my Jeep.
Love jeeps, and i say they look best in brown or beige Howard.
Funny you mention Brown. My 79 Renegade was brown with orange stripes. Had it 11 years I could go back in time and keep it. Miss it this day 😪. In 11 years and 88K miles the only issue was a starter and the wonky stock carburetor. I swapped in a 500cm Holley duece and it was was fine after that. It’s only issue was thirst. The MPG was terrible, but very reliable. 😆 The AMC 304 V8 is a great motor.
Couldn’t agree more, Howard. I like this CJ a lot, but I like my TJ and JK a lot also, and I enjoy waving at my neighbors and friends around town. About every 10th vehicle in CO seems to be a Wrangler, so I have to pay attention. :)
Think I’ll drop the top, drive down to the local brewery, and shop for brake parts, exhaust parts, and suspension parts while I have a pint. It’s a Jeep thing…
If you went back and traced the reason for the engine swap you’d probably find that the original engine had a major malfunction. It doesn’t make sense to just swap one V8 for another. Nice rig.
What the heck is going on with the gas tank, and whats the pressure cylinder mounted to the frame?
For the serious off roader there are several modifications needed on a rig like this. First, dual tanks like we had on our Blazer to make sure we got to where we wanted to go and get back. This looks like they just put in a much larger tank. Compressed air system gives the ability to fix punctured tires, a good idea as there many things in the forests and deserts that can puncture tires. Notice the small air pressure gauge and adjusting knob on the rear of the right fender. My guess it’s hooked up to a 12 volt compressor just below it. Need that large tank underneath to handle filling the big off road tires.
Makes sense, except for the lost departure clearance with the tank sticking down. Those mods must be a western thing. Don’t need the range or air in the east. Although that tank would be good for faster airing tires back up coming off the beach.
I’m sure that’s exactly what it’s for, re-filling the tires. Once, on a particularly busy back road, Marshall Pass Rd., it is incredibly rough, so much so, I’m afraid to take my Jeep back there. A guy with a newer Rubicon had the hood up and a 12v compressor. I stopped, as is the practice for all Jeep drivers, if any problems, he said, thanks, but no. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he lets almost all the air out of the tires for back there for a much better ride. Think Honda 3 wheeler. IDK,,seemed like a pretty big hassle to me.
When did AMC make a 350 V-8? Wink, wink….
Better stock up on the cat litter.
Looks like A/C compressor has been converted to on board air system,very common in the the real Jeep community,not the ones with ducks in the dash. .
Took another look Rw and you are right but you don’t have to lose the AC to do it on the compressor that’s in this one.
I bought a new 79 CJ -7 Renegade with a softtop, 304, 3 speed, with Levi package. It cost $8000 even.
My buddy in high school could pop wheelies with his CJ-5 ! Of course a 304 with a 4 speed with transfer case in low range but it made him a legend in his own mind anyhow! We would pile in to sneak down to Krystals for some sliders that were 25 cents each those were the days!
I had the CJ5 version of this in black, complete with the original 304. I used it as a daily driver in college. It sucked on the highway, but was great for tooling around campus with the top removed. I bought it for $3500 in 1999, replaced the top, tires, and seats. I had the engine rebuilt and a new clutch installed. I eventually sold it for $5000 in about 2003 to pay off our house lot before we started building the house. They’re great vehicles for tooling around town, backroads, and of course off road. I almost wish I had it back, but I wouldn’t really want my 17 year old son driving it.
As for the 8 vs 6 cylinder, I’ve owned both and I’d go with the V8 every time if given a choice. It’s fun to hear it burbling as you cruise along.
One yr newer (scrambler’s the only 1 to have) w/the 258 & I’d buy. The only 1 to have… then load it up w/accessories: 4 or 5 tops (alsaka postal, 1/2 cab, glass, rag, bikini), etc… did I say “the only 1 to have”?
Writer doesn’ if it has frame rot as most of them. With all the junk under the hood id say it suspension has gone thru heel rock climbing. 350 a bjeep with the way it is geared.ad choice. Gas hog in the way its geared give me the inline 6 any day..
We had 79 Golden Eagle and drove for 12 years before it was totaled trying to avoid hitting a dog that ran out in front of us. I replaced the original 2bb carb with a 4bbl carb because the gas mileage was so bad. The mileage went from 9mpg to 18 mpg at 55 mph.
Funny, I too had a ‘79 Golden Eagle (the lighter gold than the listing) that I wrecked avoiding a dog. Had the Quadra track option that was the envy of all my 44” Chevy truck drivers as it was the only thing that could pull them out when they got stuck