I always admire sellers who don’t try to list a classic as something that it isn’t. This 1981 Jeep CJ-7 is a perfect example of that approach. It wears the stripes and decals of a Renegade, but the seller is unsure whether it is the real deal. Leaving that fact aside, it is a very tidy off-roader that is set to provide plenty of enjoyable leisure activities. The interest the Jeep has generated suggests that there are plenty of people who might be tempted to take the next step by giving it a new home. The CJ-7 is listed here on eBay in Vincennes, Indiana. The seller set their BIN at $7,200, which isn’t a lot of cash considering the potential of this beauty.
Jeep expanded its “CJ” range quite literally in 1976 when it launched the CJ-7. It initially produced its latest model alongside the CJ-5, although with a 10″ longer wheelbase, the “7” provided more interior space. Another change unique to the CJ-7 at this point involved widening the rear section of the frame, allowing relocation of the rear spring mounting points for greater stability. Anyone who has attempted to tame some of Mother Nature’s wild terrain will appreciate how important that attribute is. This 1981 Jeep left the factory finished in Montana Blue, undergoing a color change to its current dazzling Yellow at some point. Traces of the original color are still evident in the engine bay, and returning the vehicle to its factory form is possible if the new owner elects to address the minor panel bumps and imperfections. Of course, if the aim of the game is to beat a path into the wilderness, perfect presentation probably isn’t a priority. The doors and hardtop are easily removed, providing an excellent wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. There is no appreciable rust to cause sleepless nights, and the larger wheels and tires should help the buyer’s cause on slippery or muddy surfaces.
I’m always in two minds when it comes to vehicles of this type when the subject turns to the interior. While many modern off-roaders offer plush trim and deep carpet, these items can be prone to damage from mud and other “icky” substances that are an almost inevitable consequence of wilderness adventures. This Jeep offers no such complications, with the seats covered in Black vinyl and the floors finished in painted metal. That combination is about as low-maintenance as you are likely to find, and the only nod to luxury is the aftermarket radio/cassette player. The seller admits that the most pressing need is for someone to treat this aspect of the vehicle to a deep clean, although I would probably add a rubber mat for increased comfort. However, if considered purely as a driver-grade vehicle of this type, it is definitely acceptable.
The power and torque figures of 110hp and 200 ft/lbs may not sound exciting for a vehicle powered by a 258ci six, but it was what buyers expected when they ordered a 1981 Jeep CJ-7. However, with the torque delivery at its best low in the rev range and this CJ-7 featuring a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case, this beauty would need to confront something pretty severe to be stopped in its tracks. The seller confirms that the tires are new and that this beast is in excellent mechanical health. Therefore, turning the key and hitting the road is a realistic expectation for the new owner.
This 1981 Jeep CJ-7 has been on the market for a relatively short time, but the listing has received over 300 views. Add the Watch List tally of 34 to the equation, and it is apparent that people are unconcerned about whether it is a genuine Renegade. The seller’s BIN places it in affordable territory, and with plenty of warm weather still on offer, removing the top and doors for off-road adventure sounds mighty tempting. Do you agree?
Rugged Jeeps. Trusty 6pot and 4sp. đź‘Ť
What a name,,RENEGADE,,I think everyone has their idea of a Renegade. I think Styx song is the most famous. I don’t mean to undermine any of the authors great posts, perhaps intentional, or simply unaware, but there is a dark side here,,,1981 was the peak of Jeep rollovers lawsuits. The CJ7 didn’t escape that, and Jeep sales tanked to an all time low. With those pesky imports, after a steady decline, only 8,355 1981 CJ7s were made, making these relatively rare. HOWEVER,,to the layperson today, an older Jeep is an older Jeep, few today can tell the difference, until they actually drive one. Again, like all these “classics”, one must keep in mind what they are driving/buying. A new Jeep owner will be powerfully disappointed at how this handles, but that person has no business in a CJ7, or ANY CJ for that matter, trust me. For those of us that still know what locking front hubs are, it’s a great find. Can you just imagine this getting stuck, “did you lock the front hubs”? “Say what now?” :0,,
Considering I used my ’42 as a snow plow you can bet I had the front hubs locked.
If I was in the market for a jeep this would be it.
DOUGKHV46
My now wife had one these when we met in 1981. Hers was a beautiful
bronze with matching removable hardtop. She had LAREDO decalls put on,
it was a fun, sharp looking Jeep to drive. Our only issue was it was on it’s
3rd rear end when we traded it with 36,000 miles in 1987 for a bare bones
Toyota PU with the 22R under the hood. That truck was indestructable for the 12 years I drove it.
naw, the CJ8’s the only 1 to have (scrambler). And never use yellow to paint a vehicle (boat, car, plane, bike…
Hey, saving grace? the venerable AMC 258’s here
It humors me how people negatively compare these older Jeeps to “Rubycons” as I have heard them referred to here. I could be disrespectful and refer to these as a “Shejays” as I dig into my 8th grade/ness. But I have respect for older vehicles. A newer Jeep will run circles around these. Doesn’t mean you hate em. That goes for any vehicles built now compared to their predecessors.
The period-incorrect RENEGADE decal really drives me nuts.
I work on newer Jeeps at a car dealership and al ways wonder WHY people remove the one thing that will not let you move the vehicle when you have a flat tire! The Spare tire. Might as well throw the jack away too!