Early civilian Jeeps have a way of wearing their history out in the open, and this 1955 Jeep CJ5 currently listed on eBay leans fully into that honest, survivor appeal. According to the seller, this CJ5 remains all original, right down to its paint, and shows just over 64,000 original miles. Rather than being over-restored or heavily modified, it presents as a Jeep that has been maintained, refreshed where needed, and kept true to its roots.
Power comes from the original 4-cylinder Hurricane engine, paired with a manual transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The seller notes that it runs great, and recent maintenance supports that claim. A new clutch and throw-out bearing have been installed, along with a new master brake cylinder. Fluids have been serviced in the transmission, transfer case, and rear differential, which is exactly the kind of attention buyers like to see on a vintage Jeep that’s meant to be driven rather than parked.
Electrical reliability has also been addressed with a new wiring harness, a significant update that removes one of the biggest headaches often associated with early CJ ownership. New shocks have been installed, helping improve ride quality without altering the Jeep’s original character. It now rides on new Goodyear Wrangler tires, a practical choice that fits the CJ’s utilitarian nature.
Inside, the updates continue in a subtle, respectful way. The glove box interior has been refreshed, new seat covers are in place, and new 4×4 shift boots and knobs have been installed. None of these changes detract from the Jeep’s originality; instead, they make it more usable and enjoyable while preserving its vintage feel. With seating for two and a simple, purpose-built layout, the CJ5 remains exactly what it was intended to be—basic, functional, and capable.
Finished in red, this CJ5 still wears its original paint, which adds significantly to its appeal for collectors who value authenticity over perfection. It’s not described as flawless, but that’s part of the charm. Jeeps like this tell their story through use, not polish.
For someone looking to get into an early CJ without taking on a major restoration project, this example hits a sweet spot. It’s largely untouched, mechanically sorted in key areas, and ready to be enjoyed as a classic utility vehicle. Whether it’s headed for trail duty, local shows, or casual weekend drives, this 1955 CJ5 offers a rare blend of originality and usability that’s becoming harder to find.
What? Oh, right, Jeep enthusiast #1. 1st thing I noticed, that’s not a CJ speedometer, can anyone tell me what car that is from? ( I had to look that up) For being 71 years old, it looks a lot better than me( hack, wheeze) and simplicity is the key word here. “New wiring harness”, oh boy, 7 wires, and to be used as it was designed for, bouncing through the woods to grandmas house we go, I-70, not so much. Before buying my YJ, I looked at a bunch. One lady had a ’65, not much different than this, with one exception, it had a 4th lever in between the seats. I never saw that, and asked what that was for. She wasn’t clear on what it was, and simply said “a lockout for towing”, but it did go 60 mph,,,hmmm, that didn’t sound right, and later research showed, it had an almost non-existent O/D, the only way these would go 60. Had I known that, I would have bought it for sure, even though it was only hitting on 3 cylinders. Certainly not the interest of a ’67 Firebird, but reasonably priced, as CJs are getting on in years, just like me. Great find, won’t be here long.
,,,,,Willys Aero speedo,,,
The speedo is correct for a first year CJ5.
A USEFUL SUV.. no burl walnut dash, no Connolly leather, no heated/cooled cupholders.
A great and simple offroad rig that is really good at a lot of tasks.
Good find, Elizabeth.
Nevadahalftrack–It doesn’t have any of those deluxe features, but the steering wheel has all the style and pizazz of the Rolls Royce shown here !
Had one, red like this. Actually polished out pretty good. Curious engine: an F head 4 banger. It has the intake valves in the head like most overhead / push rod engines but the exhaust valves are in the block like a flathead engine.
While I had it, I bought an old scout for $500, took off the wide wheels and the overdrive unit, put them on my CJ5 and resold the scout for $500. The 2 makes used the same drive train parts. :-) Terry J
Because many may be curious… the current bid on ebay is $5200 (reserve not met), and it’s located in Tucson, AZ.
this a real jeep not those plastic P O S things Chrysler is pumping out. basic easy to repair.
The speedometer is original. I believe that style was ’55 only (maybe ’56 also).
“Early civilian Jeeps have a way of wearing their history out in the open……..”
I think we’ve found us a real writer on these pages.
Good show, Elizabeth.
Cmac. This jeep cj checks almost all the boxes I’ve been looking for. A nice toy to tinker with.
First year for the CJ-5!
Love as is!
It’s at $6000.on 12 bids, reserve not met and 5 days to go. Honest original jeep has a lot of interest.
Watching…..mine is basically the same but a 1968.
Built when Jeeps were a nickname for General Purpose (GP’s) not Just Empty Every Pocket.
Cmac. I’m new at this, and not very computer savvy. Tell me how I can bid on this 1955 jeep cj5
Nice Jeep, but unfortunately the next buyer won’t be able to help himself and he’ll ruin its originality. It happens far too often. To me the value is in the nostalgia that it represents.
I always preferred the older CJ’s with their simplicity and the basic gauges on the steel dashboard! I lost interest when they installed the padded dash in the 80’s. The last one I liked was the 80 CJ7. My brother had one and it was a blast to drive with plenty of power and the steel dash! It still exuded simplicity and was a real Jeep!
Ended at $7,302.
Reserve Not Met.
18 bids.