The civilization of the military Jeep really began with the CJ5, launched in 1955. Before that, the CJ2 and 3 were only a heartbeat above their military brethren. But the CJ5 provided buyers with a slightly more compliant suspension, a slightly better-behaving heat/defrost system, and a big power improvement from AMC’s optional V8. Rounded fenders redirected mud away from occupants, so you could finally don that evening gown on your way to the charity ball (!). The CJ6 continued the march toward civility with its longer wheelbase, and by the time the CJ7 arrived, doors were commonly supplied. Trim packages became popular too, offering minor upgrades over standard specs. Not only is this 1978 CJ7 a “Levi’s” edition rig – with special upholstery – it’s also a Golden Eagle, adding eagle decals and gold-painted wheels to the base model. The black roll bar and fender extensions are fancy extras, too. This Jeep is listed here on eBay for $22,500 obo, and it’s located in Nokesville, Virginia. You can probably drive it home even in winter.
The Golden Eagle package wasn’t just for the CJ7. It was also offered in the guise of a CJ5, Cherokee, and the J10 pickup. If that makes it seem less special, you can take comfort in the fact that “real” Golden Eagles were only made from 1977 through 1983. If you’re seeing a newer Golden Eagle, that’s a commemorative edition. AMC’s 258 cu. in. in-line six sits in this engine bay, now sporting a Weber carburetor instead of the original Carter single-barrel. Gear changes are courtesy of a Borg Warner T18 manual – a nearly unbreakable transmission. Four-wheel drive is transmitted to the wheels via a Dana 20 transfer case. If I had a bone to pick with this Jeep, it’s the modern look of the Weber, its air cleaner, and that Optima battery – give me back the factory fittings, and I’ll be happy.
Inside, the upholstery is new but just in case, the seller kept the old material and it conveys with the sale. Several photos in the listing show the process of renewing the interior, including a few shots of the clean floors. The rear seat is present, and the factory tags are still on the inside of the glovebox, along with the owner’s manual. The CJ7 was situated on a new chassis, designed to reduce rollover risk. Its wheelbase isn’t quite as long as the CJ6, but it still offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
This example wears its original paint and decals, with some surface rust surrounding the eagle on the hood. The hard top is in great shape and the glass is clean all around. Despite all the hoopla back in the day around this or that special edition Jeep, I can’t discern that buyers are willing to pay extra for a Golden Eagle. This ’79 Golden Eagle sold for $10,600 – it’s not quite as spiffy as our subject car, but the basic mechanical features are the same, suggesting that our seller might need to consider a discount. What do you think?
Here we go again, NO FIGHTING children! Seems everyone here knows enough about Jeeps to pizz off those who think they know more! All I’m gonna say is she’s pretty 🤩
I’m surprised the other one sold for $10,600. CJ’s seem to be dropping in value while Broncos go for crazy prices.
I don’t think there’s anything ultra rare about a Golden Eagle. I think I’ve seen as many or more of them than Renegades. Pretty much just graphics and such. I owned a 79 CJ5 Golden Eagle with the 304 and the 3 speed. I prefer the V8 myself, if for nothing more than the exhaust note. The T18 trans is nice – very tough, although I never had any trouble out of the T150 3 speed either. The ultra low first gear would be good for off roading in certain situations. I wonder how slow it would crawl in 1st gear with the transfer case in low range with the T18 in 1st gear? You could put mine with the 3 speed in first in low range and get out and walk beside it. I never used low range much, though. Mississippi isn’t known for rock crawling (or rocks) and low range isn’t worth a flip in the mud.
Meh. Too much. Crummy ride for daily use, dangerous handling, and you can buy a side by side for way less
When I see the price of side-by-sides and notice the lack of a 3rd pedal, I always think that for that price, you could get a really cool Jeep!
Michelle, didn’t Daisy Duke wheel around in a Golden Eagle model ?
💄 👠
You ain’t just whistling Dixie Stan…
Sorry, couldn’t resist…. From what I could find it was a 1980 V8 Golden Eagle.
Howard?
Thanks, enough has been said, by me, on CJs and obviously, this is a nice one. For the record, Daisy Duke ( Catherine Bach) had a Golden Eagle but producers removed that from the hood and put “Dixie” in it’s place to escape copyright dealings.
These were definitely popular back in the day (late 70s). AMC didn’t have a car worthy of decaling up to rival the flashy looking Trans-Ams and Z28’s, so they went the alternate route and did it to the CJs. They sold a bajillion of them. Good memories, I like it.
Ah, the memories. I had a ’79 Golden Eagle CJ-7 the same color gold as this ones rims. But mine had the V-8 and full time 4WD. The gas gauge moved faster than the speedo. But it also had the Quadra-Trac option. Used to really irk my buddies with the monster trucks, as they’d go out and get stuck in the mud at 3:00 AM, find there way to my house, throw pebbles at my bedroom window to come tow them out, and my little stock CJ would pull them out every time.
Basically, in the late 70’s it was a package you couldn’t beat. It was the cheapest US made convertible under $6K that you could not only drive to the beach, but on the beach. I had the 304 / 3spd with a center console. I remember meeting two senoritas in a club in Providence, their skirts flailin’ in the wind, to the beach in Narragansett to go skinny dippin’. It was great to go hunting with, too ….
I own a 1985 CJ 7 Laredo and am the third owner. It is unmolested and still has every attribute which came with it.
$15,000.00 to $19,000.00 would be a more realistic price, although it is worth what some one is willing to pay.
Nice JEEP, how many owners has it had? Whoever it’s been has really cared for this throughout the years, all ways cleaning the undercarriage after the offroad excursions. No evidence of rust on any of the body sheet metal. Does it have a radio or not?
i sols these in australia when renault owned them they worked out how to fix steering when u drove across a bridge they woould dart left or right to fix remove ball joints and run hot spin a a lathe big difference
I love it !
yes, it is rare, and better with the 258. Color is rare, or first ive seen anyway.
uhmm, driving on salted roads would be foolish.
If i wasnt already flirting with a Ford, id be geekin on this Jeep. I will get another CJ7 one day, and i hope its a Golden Eagle.
I had an XJ and a CJ7 and they were none stop fun, smiles for miles.
scrambler (or the nxt gen) is the only 1 to have in my mind. But…
any these lill guys have it over the modern heep. Just wish my
’69 bronk had as much aftr-mrkt support (yes U can buy every panel, nut’n bolt, etc just like a stang make a new 1 today but the ‘extras’ are extensive).
Nuttin like the 258 made today & that Lima carb (5200 or weber 32/36) progressive is tops. Wrkin ona ’12 (I think). Junk. Came in for tranny. I changed the 2 sensors, wont the filter/fluid. Think its the puter or a solenoid. The search goes on… junk!
This may be the best looking CJ I’ve ever seen. Handsome, perfect color combo. Perhaps a bit overpriced, but as they say, find another like it.