If the off-road adventure Mecca of Moab, Utah named an official mascot, it would probably be a Jeep. This 1981 Jeep CJ7 in Riverton, Utah, served the staff and visitors of Moab’s Arches National Park before retiring to civilian life. Now this running, driving park souvenir can be yours with a high bid here on eBay, where at least 17 prospectors have speculated on this well-kept nugget.
Styled with the flair of a laundry appliance, the Jeep’s sheet metal dash delivers necessary telemetry and controls in one of the few vehicles of its day to offer a fold-down windshield. Want to change the wiper motor? No problem; it’s in that box just in front of the driver. The Civilian Jeep aka CJ grew from the American Army Jeeps of World War II, the name coming from its designation as a GP or General Purpose scout vehicle. Thanks to Silodrome for the history lesson.
The “GM Fuel Injected” straight six is known for torque and smooth operation, generally lasting about 250,000 road miles between rebuilds. Extensive off-road journeys may cut that measurement short, but few motors have propelled vehicles over more natural terrain than the sturdy 258 cid (4.2L) I6. The passing mention of fuel injection and some extra wires leave questions unanswered on this originally carbureted 4×4.
Originally green, this government-issued steed likely gained a tan paint job and the RV-type roof vent as “poor man’s air conditioning” for the Utah dessert. The white “wagon wheels” make a perfect period upgrade, though the spare now extends beyond the dual metal hoops that serve as a rear bumper. While many modern ‘wheelers wouldn’t venture across their back yard without Descent Control and Air Lockers, the trusty CJ7 is quite capable off road, and at least one traversed the Pan-American Highway, from Argentina to Alaska, all without ABS or traction control. What’s the craziest Jeep adventure you’ve experienced or witnessed?
Beautiful, One of the last real Jeeps after the CJ’s I’m not impressed.
I’m with Ray, if our own Michelle wants a Jeep, this is the model to begin looking at. CJ7s are the result of years of refinements before the somewhat radical change of the YJs. The seller seems to think the “park” reference is a merit, when in fact, it is actually a deterrent, like buying an old police car. They get rid of them for a reason. I can say from experience, Jeeps require a lot of attention. Just because it started yesterday, doesn’t guarantee it will go today. HOWEVER, unless it breaks in half( like a certain bicycle did to me) it’s always a Jeep, and I love mine ( ’91 YJ) and well worth repairing. I can’t think of another vehicle that has stood the test of time better than a Jeep.
For the record, $15gs buys a nicer Jeep, I looked. Still a nice find, but not rare by any means.
The value here is, in contrary to Howard (seems a pattern with us), is the well known reality that a ‘fleet vehicle’ or company vehicle is treated to regular maintenance and quality parts. This might even have a file of service records. Also, typically, used more gently and infrequently than a daily driver. Comparing to a police car is like apples to slim jims. Police cars get worked hard and dirty, kept idling all day and night long, persuits, not a fair comparison at all. ALSO, this is from a very dry region, so thats most likely a rust free original AMC tub. Now factor the 258ci with fi !, and a winch that was made in USA unlike alll the winches in todays market..
THAT is why this Jeep is rare and worthy.
To his point, 15k buys a decent Jeep, but ive seen 7s sell for much more.
If it was original paint, id be bidding already.
The “GM fuel injection” mentioned is likely a Howell EFI kit which really adds a lot of reliability and driveability to the 258.
Neat old rig that should be fun to own and drive.
The value here is, in contrary to Howard (seems a pattern with us), is the well known reality that a ‘fleet vehicle’ or company vehicle is treated to regular maintenance and quality parts. This might even have a file of service records. Also, typically, used more gently and infrequently than a daily driver. Comparing to a police car is like apples to slim jims. Police cars get worked hard and dirty, kept idling all day and night long, persuits, not a fair comparison at all. ALSO, this is from a very dry region, so thats most likely a rust free original AMC tub. Now factor the 258ci with fi !, and a winch that was made in USA unlike alll the winches in todays market..
THAT is why this Jeep is rare and worthy.
To his point, 15k buys a decent Jeep, but ive seen 7s sell for much more.
If it was original paint, id be bidding already.
In college a friend and I co-purchased a 78 CJ7 Golden Eagle which was about 10 years old at a seizure auction. Had the 5.0 V8 glass pack mufflers, a lift so high it had a 2 step mini ladder on each side and a full welded roll cage. One night on the way to dinner with 2 GFs, Rich was driving and we’re stuck on an off ramp with 40+ cars in front of us turning left with no light. We, naturally, are turning right. There’s a fairly decent slope to the right. Rich asks what I think. Yeah we can make it I think.
Rich looks at Beth and Melissa in the back and says, You girls have your seatbelts on? They say yes and go back to chatting. Rich pulls out to the right. About 50 yards later our Jeep begins to lift the left wheels lmfao. Damn thing, Rich cursing, the girls screaming, me having visions of imminent death, rolls onto right side, then into it’s top, left side, and of course, ends up on it’s wheels, V8 rumbling, everyone tossed around but unharmed.
Well, says Rich, lets go to dinner!
That’s the kind of event you never forget and makes you a lifelong Jeep fan.
That’s one of the best Jeep stories I’ve heard, and also the most Jeep of the stories.
Silodrome may assert that the jeep (lower case) name came from the GP (General Purpose) designation, but that is hardly the consensus. The original WWII vehicle was formally known as a “Truck, 1/4-ton, 4X4”, sometimes including “utility” or “reconnaissance.”
Some contend that the go-anywhere, do-anything nature of the vehicle prompted the jeep nickname inspired by the Eugene the Jeep character in the 1930’s Popeye comic strip. Some feel it was rooted in Ford’s GP model designation for its early production vehicle (wherein “G” indicated a government contract and “P” identified the 80-inch wheelbase). And, others, like Silodrome, contend its rooted in GP, as in General Purpose. Thus, the exact origin is hardly a settled matter.
Also, the “dual metal hoops that serve as a rear bumper” are known as bumperettes.
Any vintage Jeep is a fun vehicle. A Jeep with a good story—such as a history as an official National Parks vehicle—is even more fun!