Simple, rugged, and endlessly recognizable, the early Jeep CJ-5 has earned a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts and collectors alike. This 1963 example, listed on craigslist in Brentwood, California, is described as an original survivor that still gets out and about under its own power. The seller is asking $7,500 and is upfront about both the Jeep’s highlights and the mechanical issue that prompted the price reduction. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
According to the listing, this CJ-5 is powered by its original engine and backed by a manual transmission with four-wheel drive. The seller says it starts every time without any issues and describes it as a fun vehicle to drive. They also note that it draws plenty of attention wherever it goes, calling it a “major head turner.” Originality is a big part of this Jeep’s appeal. The seller states that it retains its original engine, paint, front seats, odometer, and transmission. They also mention having the original paperwork from 1963, an item that could be especially interesting to buyers who appreciate documentation with vintage vehicles.
The Jeep is equipped with 31×10.50R15LT tires that the seller says were recently purchased. In addition, the sale includes the removable top, giving the next owner the option of open-air driving or added weather protection depending on how they plan to use it. The listing shows approximately 30,000 miles on the odometer, but it’s important to note that Craigslist also identifies the odometer as broken and rolled over. As with many vehicles of this age, prospective buyers will likely want to verify the mileage history for themselves rather than relying on the displayed reading. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this ad is the seller’s honesty. They explain that the asking price was lowered because the engine has a noise. Beyond that, no additional details are provided regarding the source or severity of the issue, making it something interested buyers will likely want to inspect in person before making a decision.
Classic CJ-5s have always attracted enthusiasts looking for a no-frills driving experience. Their compact size, removable top, and straightforward mechanical design make them popular candidates for everything from weekend trail rides to local cruise nights. Finding one that the seller describes as largely original, complete with its paperwork, is the kind of listing that tends to spark interest, even if it comes with a known mechanical concern. This Jeep doesn’t pretend to be perfect, and that’s part of its appeal. The seller lays out what they know, notes the engine noise, and leaves it to the next owner to decide whether it’s ready for continued enjoyment, mechanical attention, or something more extensive.
Would you keep this 1963 CJ-5 as an original driver, or would you take the opportunity to give it a full mechanical refresh while preserving its vintage character?
My friend bought a ’61 for about the same money. [but with no engine noise] that started, ran and stopped “okay”. We started at the rear bumper replacing parts that were worn out. All the springs, shackles, shackles mounts, axle bearings, Diff. input bearing, U-joints, brakes, brake lines, transfer case intermediate shaft and bearings, and we weren’t even to the door openings yet. All new steering parts, wheel bearings, front brakes, axle U-bolts. [the P.O. used “all-thread”] and on and on. About $5000 in parts later it was a nice driving Jeep with no issues. What amazed me is how decent it drove with so much really worn out! I guess that’s just how indestructible these things are.
Looks like a fun one, but it might attract more of the original Jeep followers if we were to know if this has the (1st year?) optional 4 spd., if the included top is a hardtop, soft top on just a bikini cover. Too, even in the desert these had an issue with rust over time particularly around the rear leaf springs.
Engine noise? Could be a further bargaining point depending on what it sounds like and the parts availability. Then again the most popular conversion around here for the stock 4cyl when it went south was a V6 transplant-it really opened eyes on the Rubicon Run the first few years they showed up!
Another interesting point-you gave up the price in this article, Elizabeth! Adds to the interest so thank you.
A lot of potential here, though definitely NOT one for any form of commuting-unless it’s on any San Francisco area freeway in commuter traffic.
Don’t all motors make noise? Thing is, you folks are used to these Asian sewing machine motors that you can’t hear running. If I said to every boss I drove for, that motor is making a noise, I’d be out of work. Just drive the darn thing,,, It appears this Jeep was towed all over creation, and seems the seller doesn’t know much, as usual. Doesn’t say what motor, I read probably the 134/4 cylinder, as I read, ’64 was the 1st in line 6. “It’s a manual transmission and a 4wd”,,,no foolin’, see, they have to say that nowadays, and that’s the way it’s going.