Some off-roaders present so beautifully that it seems wrong to subject them to mud and slime. Such is the case with this 1979 Jeep CJ-7 Golden Eagle. It recently emerged following a nut-and-bolt refurbishment, and finding anything to criticize is virtually impossible. However, it is more than a pretty face, with its fuel-injected 360 V8 delivering substantial performance gains that many potential buyers will welcome. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J for spotting the Jeep listed here on Craigslist in Laguna Beach, California. You could dive into a life of adventure after handing the seller $62,500.
Jeep introduced the CJ-7 for the 1976 model year. It remained available until 1986, and while many consider it an evolution of the existing CJ-5, the latest offering was physically larger, featuring changes below the surface to improve overall strength and stability. This 1979 CJ-7 is the Golden Eagle variant, which the seller confirms recently emerged following a nut-and-bolt refurbishment. The vehicle presents superbly in Wimbledon White, with no apparent paint or panel imperfections. The underside shots are equally impressive, suggesting this classic hasn’t seen dirt or mud since the build ended. The exterior color accentuates the distinctive Golden Eagle decals and contrasts with a new Dark Tan Bestop soft-top. Rounding out the exterior is a chunky set of 15″ polished alloy wheels, wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler tires.
The seller refers to this Jeep as restored, but I think refurbished is a more appropriate term. It retains its original, rebuilt three-speed manual transmission and Dana 20 transfer case, but the numbers-matching 304ci V8 is ancient history. The powerplant under the hood is an AMC unit, but it is a rebuilt 360. The news doesn’t end there, because it sucks in fuel and air via a Howell fuel injection system, and the spent gases exit via Hedman ceramic-coated headers and a 2½” dual exhaust with Borla mufflers. In keeping with a “total package’ approach, the Jeep benefits from a 2½” lift, utilizing components from Fox Shocks and Old Man Emu. An MSD ignition system supplies a healthy spark, while power-assisted steering and brakes make maneuvering a breeze in confined spaces. The Jeep’s odometer shows 3,700 miles, which appears to be the distance covered since this build ended. The vehicle runs and drives perfectly, as demonstrated in this YouTube video.
I genuinely believe that this CJ-7 has no weaknesses, a belief supported by the interior shots. As with the rest of the vehicle, it looks almost factory-fresh following the recent refurbishment. The Tan upholstered surfaces are wear-free, while the carpet and retro-style stereo add a touch of class and luxury. The paint is crisp, the wheel is seemingly perfect, and the center console/armrest is a practical addition. It features a fold-and-tumble rear seat to increase versatility.
This 1979 Jeep CJ-7 Golden Eagle makes a positive first impression, which is heightened once you view the seller’s video. It is as close as you could possibly come to owning a new CJ-7 of this vintage, although the engine upgrades would make it a pretty effective weapon in most circumstances. That brings us to the price, which isn’t chicken feed. It is well above the market average, although it is worth noting that those same words perfectly describe the vehicle’s overall condition. As a guide, I located a previous, unsuccessful listing for this CJ-7. It failed to reach its reserve at an online auction in December 2025, when bidding stalled at $61,000. The asking price isn’t far above that figure, which makes me wonder whether the seller should have negotiated harder at the time. Do you think this Jeep will find a new home, or will compromise be crucial to success?
Great write-up Adam and an amazing CJ-7. My brother in law had a 77 CJ-7 in the late 80s and we plowed through hundreds of miles of the Gila and Salt River bottoms in the southwest Phoenix area. Similar level of off road setup but that’s where the similarities end. It would be a shame to own this beast and not use it to it’s full potential.
Thank you so much for the kind words, MrB. They are always appreciated, and it was a pleasure to write about this Jeep. One of the downsides of writing for Barn Finds is that there are so many classics that I would love to park in my garage. This CJ-7 joins that list!
Oh boy, Daisy Duke ( Catherine Bach) all over again. When the author said “underside shots”, I was clearly misled, :D,, hers was a 1980, close enough, and originally had “Golden Eagle” on the hood, but was removed and replaced with “Dixie” in later episodes. It was a minor shot in the arm for Jeep, with the CJ getting dated, still, almost 38,000 Jeeps were sold in ’79, but no breakdown on how many were Golden Eagles. Some say less than 500. You know me, I’m a stickler for original, V8,,meh, the 6 does just fine( the 4 doesn’t), but a really nice Jeep, for sure. Kind of funny, I look at this, and see both the original CJ and the transition to the YJ.