This Jeep is said to have been barely used over the past 39 years. It still sits on tires that were installed in 1985 leading the seller to believe that the Jeep only has 16,346 original miles. The Scrambler is located in Northville, Michigan and is listed for auction here on eBay. It is currently bid to $10,099. There is also a Buy It Now option for $19,500. There are 5 days remaining in the auction. The 1981 Jeep Scrambler, also known as the CJ-8, looks like a classic Jeep with enhanced utility and distinct design elements including a small cargo bed. Its evolution from the CJ-7 platform offered a blend of off-road capability and practicality, making it a notable addition to the Jeep lineup.
The “nutmeg” interior appears to be in excellent condition. It reflects the classic spartan, yet functional, Jeep interior. The interior uses durable materials, including vinyl upholstery, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring resilience against demanding conditions. The spacious cabin provided ample room for occupants and storage, enhancing its versatility for everyday use or off-road adventures. Externally, the Scrambler featured an extended wheelbase compared to its CJ-7 counterpart, providing additional cargo space without compromising its off-road agility. Its utilitarian design encompassed a sturdy frame, that oozed Jeep’s iconic ruggedness. This Jeep has a removable soft top. The Scrambler’s elongated bed added functionality, accommodating larger cargo loads and making it suitable for both work and leisure activities. The exterior design was complemented by unique Scrambler badging and distinctive striping, distinguishing it as a special variant within the Jeep family.
In terms of powertrain options, the 1981 Scrambler offered several engine choices to suit varying performance needs. The available engines included a 2.5 liter inline four cylinder, a 4.2-liter inline six cylinder, and a respectable 5.0-liter V8, providing a range of power and torque outputs. Paired with manual or automatic transmissions, these engines delivered reliable performance across diverse terrains, contributing to the Scrambler’s adaptability and capability. This example has the 4.2 liter (258 cubic inch) inline 6 cylinder engine. It is backed by a rebuilt manual transmission.
The exact figures for the 1981 Jeep Scrambler are subject to varying records and sources. The Scrambler’s production volumes were relatively limited compared to other models within the Jeep lineup, contributing to its exclusivity and appeal among enthusiasts. The pictures in the ad show some bubbling in the paint due probably to rust. This is certainly a good driver.
Very nice example! These were a big seller AFTER they were discontinued. But for all the years of involved with the Jeepers Jamboree never did see the oft rumored factory CJ8 V8 though the awed whispers persisted the 1st year or so..
Interesting that Scramblers are still available in light of the way they were being snatched up at silly prices not that long ago!
Nice,,,
Cat got your typing finger Howard??
Ha! See? People expect a windy message from me, but I think people know how I feel about ANY Jeep by now.
This will sell fast
Was excited until I read about the bubbles showing, if under the decals no big problem but if under the paint “OUCH”!
Rebuilt manual at less than 16000 miles ? Something strange about that. I’ve owned a few cj7 same year give or take and i never or any of the many other guys I’ve known that had cjs ever had any issue with the manual trannys in these and we all abused the he’ll out of them with big tires and desperate attempts a getting over or through impossible terrain or try get yourself or someone else unstuck rockin back and forth from reverse to forward at high and low rpm sometimes for long periods of time cause sometimes your just stuck really good. So the only scenario I can imagine hurting one of those gear boxes is it was stolen by some kid who couldn’t drive stick and somehow jammed it into reverse at 50 mph looking for 3rd ? Or was a gift for a new driver who just ground all teeth off everyday for the 1st 10thousand miles because all the ones I’ve known with 10 times the mileage were tough as nails, never seen 1 fail ever. Early 80s jeeps had very very tough drive trains . Only thing I ever seen break was drive shafts and axles ..mostly front . And it took an unbelievable amount of abuse to do it as well. The 258 is one of toughest engines you could get in a factory vehicle IMO
Amen to ALL that!! Having once been a CJ-7 owner, I can vouch for that!
Something strange with tranny needing rebuilding .
Even at $25k if it gets that high it’s a better Jeep than any new Gladiator at TWICE the $$$$$$!
Won’t get to $25K as the buy it now price is $19,500.
I posted “even IF”, it get as high as $25k, it’s a better deal than a new $50k Gladiator.
I owned a 79 CJ5 with the 258 and a 3 speed standard. Everything you stated about their toughness and reliability is fact. The only weaknesses that Jeep had were rust, crappy heater and lousy windshield wipers. I’ve had a few TJ type Jeeps since, but I still firmly believe that the 79 and its power train combo was the best of all.
I believe there were two different manuals offfered, Asn and Peugeotthey were higher geared and, I think, overdrive.One was stronger than the other. Also the best of offering was the T 18 truck tranny with compound. My 7 had the weak one, ended up changing to a 727 molar auto for rock crawling. . Wishi hadn’t done all that, ruined a great jeep.
Looking close you can see the rust from inside out in a few areas that would need a close inspection and underneath for sure before I would bid it is a eastern vehicle so checking first would be smart It was a sharp vehicle new for sure
Makes me remember my 1984 CJ-7 Laredo, Levi Special edition I owned. Still think it was one of the nicest Jeeps I laid eyes on. Manual trans, tan color with the chrome Grill wheels , bumpers, hard and soft tops and doors. Kept the top off most of the time as well as the doors. Great summer vehicle.
This is a pretty rough Jeep for less than 20,000 miles. lots of things not adding up on this one. Lots of rust for a vehicle that hasn’t been used for much for 39 years. The tires are much later than 1985, probably early 2010’s. Too much not adding up on this one. However someone with more dollars than sense will have to have it. All I can say is good luck with your purchase.
No kidding@@ 116000 miles mpre like it. Pog in a poke. 401 ci woulda b worth 10 k. Pulling wool over all your eyes
This is DEFINITELY not what they’re claiming , look at whats going on under the hood , i bought a new 85 CJ-7 and i can tell you at 16,000 miles it did’nt look like that under there , not ever getting to the rust , it’s amazing people can post stuff that’s just not true
Nice Jeep, and I like the colors. What flaws it has are minor, especially given its age. At a price, it would be a good buy.
The 258 is the engine that I’d want.