You don’t often find a CJ7 this well-preserved, and even rarer in original paint and decals. This 1979 Jeep CJ7 Renegade is finished in Morocco Buff and still wears its factory striping and trim. Power comes from the original 304 cubic inch V8 paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, and with just over 71,000 miles showing, it’s a Southern survivor that hasn’t seen the abuse or corrosion that plagues many classic Jeeps. The seller notes that it retains its original wheels, now wrapped in a fresh set of five 31×10.50 tires. See it here on eBay with a clean title and what looks like a well-preserved body and undercarriage.
The seller points out several rare and desirable options on this example, including power steering, power brakes, tilt steering column, factory tachometer, and factory clock. These kinds of comfort features were less common on utilitarian Jeeps of this era, but they add considerable usability, especially if you plan to drive and enjoy it on a regular basis. Inside, the brown denim seats with buttons are said to be original as well, and they complement the exterior finish nicely. The hardtop is not mentioned, so it appears this one is being sold as a soft-top or open-air example, though pictures may show otherwise.
The 304 V8 is a factory option that adds real grunt to these relatively lightweight Jeeps, and the 3-speed manual is simple and rugged, just like the rest of the drivetrain. The seller claims it starts easily and runs well, and the bottom of the Jeep looks very clean in the listing photos, suggesting this one has been well-kept or at least spared northern winters and salted roads.
What’s most appealing about this Jeep is how complete and unmodified it appears. So many CJs have been repainted, lifted, cut up, or heavily modified. This one stands out for being clean, intact, and outfitted just the way it left the factory. For the collector or enthusiast looking for a turn-key example with real character and originality, this could be an excellent find.
Are original-paint Renegades like this destined to be the next hot commodity in the vintage 4×4 world?
Far as I’m concerned it’s a near perfect Jeep in great colors too. 3sp stick suits it just fine, especially with the 304. 👍
The seller seems to list a lot of vehicles for sale.
Meh, ’nuff said about Jeeps,,they don’t get any nicer than this.
I’m not a jeep person but is it typical to see all the rivet dimples?
If you’re referring to the spot welds, yes. All CJ type bodies look this way from the factory. They were not known for perfect looks in the body prep as the intended use of these were utilitarian. That is why you see very few black colored Jeeps, as black paint reveals body imperfections.
OMG 😲 I bought a new 79 jaust like that, motor, trans, interior, ragtop, I added the bikini top. I’d put the bikini top at memorial day and take it off come labor day. Wind and rain be damned. Mine was the dark brown color , the orange Renegade stripes really popped on that dark brown. I kept it 11 years and 81K miles. Never owed me a cent. Only things I ever needed to change was the factory carburetor was junk so in my young mind it made perfect sense to put a 500 cfm Holley deuce on it. It was money but oh so thirsty like 10 MPG. I did go through a lot of heater cores. I got to where I bet I could do one faster than a Stealership. I think I swapped out 5 or 6 of them. The heater and defroster were both jokes of course, even after putting on an aftermarket hardtop neither did much. I loved that Jeep, wish I still had it. Mine cost $8000 new out the door. Seemed like a fortune back then. My Jeep could tell some stories. Great to relive so many memories from a simpler time. I wish the new owner well with it. Wish it were me……
Reminds me of Daisy’s Jeep from the Dukes.