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Golden Hawk: 1980 Jeep CJ7

This 1980 Jeep CJ7 is a rare Golden Hawk edition, which the seller claims makes it one of the rarest CJs you can buy. It’s a project-grade example that isn’t 100 percent correct, so even being a limited edition model, it will still require some work to make it a truly OEM-correct example. Given the Golden Hawk package was purely cosmetic in nature, getting those details right is a must. Find the Jeep here on eBay with bidding just over $3K and no reserve.

Like so many other special editions, the Golden Hawk package was created to drum up interest in the CJ and drive some new sales. Buyers would receive a Jeep with unique gold wheels (missing here), special decals and striping on the hood and the body, high-back seats, fog lamps, and a new other bits and baubles. There were no substantial upgrades to the suspension or drivetrain in general, so this really was a case of dressing up a standard CJ7.

Given how loyal Jeep enthusiasts are to the brand, however, stickers and seats have generally gotten bodies into showrooms, just like any other brand new Jeep model introduction. I can remember not too long ago there were viewing parties at the dealers for the Gladiator introduction. Like other brands with strong enthusiast followings, Jeep could get away with just adding some splashy graphics and wheels and likely see a fair amount of interest, especially when coined as a limited edition.

This Jeep is not perfect, and the seller notes it will need clutch work and a new gas tank. However, it does come with a factory hard top as well as the OEM hard doors. The body and frame are said to be solid, but the seller discloses previous rust repair on the driver’s and passenger’s side floors (patch work noticed.) While it does crank and run, it’s not driving  far due to the faulty clutch, so shipping it home may be your best bet. Is someone going to snag a rare Golden Hawk on the cheap?

Comments

  1. Avatar photo sparkster

    Andy Cohen from “junkyard empire” did tribute Jeep like this one with a 401 engine. His came out so cool he actually kept it instead of selling it after the restoration

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo Dex

      His tribute Jeep was a Golden Eagle.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar photo Eric

    What? I never knew there was a Hawk, only the Eagle, which I found out about when I was kid drooling over Daisy. Took me a while to notice the Jeep but I eventually did.

    Must have cruise control. Just take the wheel, don’t worry about the gas…..
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyfZsxthIEs

    Like 4
    • Avatar photo CJinSD

      I was a sad little kid when her Road Runner went over the cliff.

      Like 3
  3. Avatar photo FordGuy1972 Member

    Sold for $3,150 which seems like a pretty good deal. I prefer the CJ7 over the CJ5 as I’m tall and the bigger doors of the CJ7 make it a little easier to hop in. It looks pretty solid which would make a restoration a little easier and cheaper. I did have an ’81 CJ7 for awhile but traded it in for a new Ford Ranger. The heater was really inefficient and the cab was drafty so on really cold days I froze my butt off to the point where I couldn’t really drive it. It was fun to have when it was warm though.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar photo Stevieg

    A CJ7 is a bucket list vehicle for me. One day….

    Like 2
  5. Avatar photo 1Ronald

    No four banger please. Where you going to drive it? Downtown only?

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo CJinSD

      Off road.

      Like 1

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