There’s something about old Jeeps that appeal to me, especially those that look like they’ve seen better days but are still ready for more. This one needs some help, but at the current price it may be worth saving anyway, especially if you are on a tight budget but can afford to “pay as you go.” Thanks to reader Matt K. for sending this find in! It’s located in Huntington, West Virginia and is listed for sale here on eBay, where bidding is currently at $360 with no reserve.
You can see some of the extent of the rust in this shot. The seller says the frame is good, while the sheet metal is pretty bad. I thought replacement bodies were available, and they are–see this link for a metal one, and this link if you want to try fiberglass. It looks like a metal body is about 40% more than a fiberglass one by the time you’ve purchased fenders, hood and the rest of the components. I realize it wouldn’t be “original” at that point, but I don’t think anyone would be starting with this vehicle if they were looking to end up with an original concours Jeep.
Unfortunately, the hardtop has a lot of rust as well, although it might be salvageable. Interiors are pretty primitive on old Jeeps like this, so it wouldn’t take too much to make it look good again. The odometer is showing 75,303 miles–probably correct as these workhorses weren’t intended for extended highway use.
The Jeep comes with two “Hurricane” engines, although nothing is said about either one’s condition. The F134 engine was used in Jeeps for almost 20 years, so maybe you could sell one of these to help fund the restoration of the other one. The engine on the left looks like it was fitted with a new or rebuilt carburetor at some point.
Surprisingly, the tailgate looks pretty good, especially compared with the rest of the body shell. I realize this project would not be for everyone–but if you are on a really tight budget and don’t mind doing a lot of work yourself, it might make sense for a long-term project. I’d certainly hate to see it scrapped. Have any of you taken on long-term projects that might not make sense to others?
In the west, this would be sold in a flash………some high school kid would put it together in his dad’s barn, drive it to school and it would be towed behind the family truck to hunt elk in the fall.
Moving slightly off topic, doesn’t US Mail use right hand drive jeeps? Might not have much of a market over there but here in Scotland RHD is perfect.
Import and sell them here might be an idea.
Also, where did all the New York yellow Checker cabs disappear too?
They are simple to change back to LHD…………………but yes, jeep and IHC among others built RHD for postal use.
Glen, the right hand drive Jeeps here in SoCal were two wheel drive. Can’t speak for the mountains or the rest of the country where it snows or rains for that matter.
Nice Console Capri….
Car porn…….
Would love with an Ecoboost engine swap.
Thanks Rancho Bella.
Sir Mike, this ‘ Ford Consul Capri ‘ has a V8 Chevy 5700cc engine instead of the original pre crossflow 1500cc engine.
V8 Chevy. POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO = AWESOME.