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Retired Forest Ranger: 1974 Jeep CJ6

Here’s a Jeep you don’t see often: the long wheelbase CJ6, in extremely nice condition following years of duty in the U.S. Forest Service. It strikes me as an intriguing alternative to a Toyota Landcruiser hardtop of the same era, but with iconic Jeep looks instead. Bidding is extremely active with close to 60 paddles swinging, but the reserve remains unmet here on eBay.

The Forest Service is a logical home for the CJ6, which wasn’t a big seller back in the day. It’s not terribly surprising when you consider what most Jeep shoppers were looking for (and still are); however, it’s hard to ignore a CJ6 as an off-roader or beach cruiser you can use while still taking along some friends. Plus, it’s way rarer to see than any number of FJ40s, no disrespect meant to Toyota owners.

Inside, its history as a Forest Service vehicle is evident – no camper conversions attempted here. But wouldn’t that be the best direction to move with one of these, considering the period Jeep looks and extended design that would actually accommodate sleeping quarters and a hot plate? The seller calls this Jeep “well restored”, but considering it still wears original paint, I wonder what that means.

The interior is also highly original and not restored; up ahead of the firewall is a trusty 232 CI six-cylinder. That last detail leaves me perplexed, as I thought the CJ6 switched over to V8 power in 1973, but the six-cylinder should at least provide modestly improved fuel economy. No other details are offered on the Jeep’s overall mechanical health, but one can assume that Forest Service duty wasn’t too taxing for it to remain in this condition.

Comments

  1. Avatar RayT

    Jeff, I have to question the “U.S. Forest Service” bit. First, it’s not the USFS light green and second, at least some of the Dymo labels on the instrument panel are in French. Canadian Forest Service, maybe? The ad doesn’t mention the country.

    Doesn’t reduce the coolness factor one bit, though I’d want to add front locking hubs and lose that orange beacon…. And I do wish it was in “our” Forest Service’s paint color…. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do a thing except drive it. When possible, tossing sleeping bags, tent, cooler and other camping necessities in the back.

    Like 17
  2. Avatar CanuckCarGuy

    Very cool, but somewhat odd that with original paint it doesn’t wear any exterior markings?

    The French dash labels make me wonder if it was a military base service vehicle; on the Canadian bases, the service vehicles as I recall were yellow which included those used to patrol and manage the training sectors. Typically a decal on the doors and an amber caution light were their only identifiers.

    Like 7
    • Avatar SWells679

      Yeah, and that axe handle is most definitely of Canadian design. JK – I have no idea. But, srsly, what are the round covers under the headlights?

      Like 3
      • Avatar leiniedude Member

        Good eye SWells679, The turn signals are normally mounted there.

        Like 1
  3. Avatar LC

    Curious overspray on many surfaces can be seen on the ebay listing photos, perhaps they meant factory color and gee whizzz – no engine pics… Oh well, its still one heck of a cool machine!

    Like 3
  4. Avatar ccrvtt

    Knowing nothing about Jeeps qualifies me to say only that this is the coolest one I’ve seen in recent memory. I agree that the orange pole lamp needs to go away but definitely keep the rear spotlight. The obvious wear & tear confirms its use as a service vehicle, but I’d buy a quart of POR and try to stanch the bits of rust here & there.

    The color is perfect. The stance is perfect. The size is just right. Great find.

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Fred W

    Never seen one, but something about the proportions just looks right. Love the color.

    Like 3
  6. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    This would certainly draw a crowd at the local car shows.

    Like 5
  7. Avatar Gay Car Nut Tacoma

    Awesome looking Jeep CJ Wrangler CJ-6.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Paul in Barrie

    Must have come from Quebec. French on the dash. A speedo to 140. That must be kilometers. That means that the odometer is also km, which means a that it only has 54000 mules on it if it’s on its first time around. Definitely has newer paint on it and surely the windshield frame has been painted or replaced. I’ve never seen one. I love it.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Hide Behind

    Even here in states fleet sales, gov or buisness, Dept. of Ag, Forest and Park service, Corp. of Enginneers, one could get 6 banger in these.
    Maybe Rail Road?
    Never seen a yellow one at any State or Fed auctions tho.
    Drive as is, lots of room camping gear, and two with cargo blankets spread on metal floors can sleep inside.
    Room for an elk, deer, or bear behind seats.

    Like 3
  10. Avatar jeff6599

    In “as used” condition? Looking at the inside, down near the floor, one sees the typical Jeep rust. Dash is “unmolested”? What about the radio below it,the dymo tape all over, wires hanging down? Who is lying here? A rip in the seat?
    And all of those photos and not a single one of the engine or running gear. What are they trying to hide? 84k miles and a lot of them off road in the woods. Can you imagine even 40,ooo miles of clutching, bouncing, and whatever on gravel, two ruts and uneven ground. The suspension has to be a complete mess. Look at the cracks at the base of the steering wheel spokes. What kind of activity does that on 84k miles of careful driving. This old baby is way overpriced and will need a LOT of work when it arrives at it’s new home.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dan B.

    That’s a metric speedo FWIW. Sweet long Jeep.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar Comet

    On the interior pic by the drivers left foot, is that a candy wrapper or daylight poking through?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ike Onick

      It’s a “Joe Louis” wrapper which proves the Jeep’s Quebec provenance. KIDDING!

      Like 0
  13. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    This is kind of cool. Looks like a CJ8 Scrambler with a fully enclosed cabin. Never seen one of these before

    Like 0
  14. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Ended: May 24, 2018 , 11:30PM
    Current bid:US $14,999.00
    Reserve not met
    [ 98 bids ]

    Like 0

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