This clean 1982 Jeep CJ7 Laredo is said to be a California survivor that retains its original paint and graphics, and been extensively refreshed mechanically to pass California’s stringent smog testing. This should mean it can live happily anywhere else in the country, but a California enthusiast would be smart to snatch this one up now that the hard work has been done. The Jeep presents well with no obvious modifications, and is listed here on eBay with no reserve and bidding approaching $25,000.
The Jeep is a stunner front to back, and looks even better with the top removed. Incredibly, it hasn’t been restored, and the seller notes that the interior is original to the truck. The Jeep will come with its full steel doors but it looks so good with the side panels removed. If it were mine, I’d lose the polished wheels and go to a more classic rally wheel setup, but there’s nothing wrong with this pairing either. What’s more amazing is that a previous owner hasn’t decided to modify it with a lift kit.
With over 100,000 miles, it’s even more impressive that we’re looking at the original interior. Really, the seller confirms this is the factory nutmeg leather, and that a new carpet kit was installed. The carpet doesn’t bother me that much as it can look pretty tired in a truck of this vintage that was likely driven around extensively with the top removed, so I wouldn’t call it a strike against the Jeep’s originality. Incredibly, the dash pad and center console show no cracks or other signs of damage.
The classic Jeep inline six is paired to a T5 manual transmission, and while not overly detailed, the engine bay looks as it should. The seller notes that numerous gaskets and mechanical parts have been replaced, and that the receipts documenting this work along with all of the factory brochures and manuals will be included with the sale. The only non-working items at the moment are the blinkers and the fuel gauge, but otherwise, this looks like a turnkey Laredo. Do you think the final bid will surpass $25K?
Another example of how a strong market for the best examples of the Jeeps from this era developed while nobody was paying attention.
Like it or not, enthusiasts are driving the prices higher. This isn’t a new story, it’s happened time and time again. Once cars that were popular with the youth reach 30-35 years of age they tend to go up on price. Anyone that can’t see that pattern needs a reality check.
Steve R
It’s a sharpie, entirely possible with a vehicle from an area that only saw salt in a grocery bag. People from California are MASTERS at making cars look nice. Too bad many times, mechanics are overlooked, and this Jeep will have plenty of problems. They are already surfacing. For $25g’s, it should have the plastic on the seats and the sticker in the back window. I’ve basically given up on this foolishness, I guess I feel, I found mine,( for a fraction of this, I’ll add again) and you want to spend this kind of money on a shiny sub-par 4×4, by all means, spend on. And the kicker, is an alleged 32 bidders( has to be fudged number) are willing to feed into this madness. Don’t get me wrong, I really like mine, but with $20g’s left over, I can buy a small home in an undisclosed location, and still have enough left over for a vintage snowmobile. America!!!
Howard, I agree with your comments on the crazy prices for 40 year old Jeeps. For $25k you could buy a much newer more reliable and usable one with with lots more equipment, yet still have the classic Jeep look. And for $25k, fix the freaking fuel gauge and blinkers.
Item location:
Long Beach, California,
Absolutely yes, the bidding will break $25k. The market is there for it, and this is a really clean example.
Magnificent Jeep. So wish I could bring it home.
SOLD for $26,853.
Ended:
Jul 17, 2021 , 6:19PM
Winning bid:
US $26,853.00
[ 38 bids ]
I had 2 CJ-7s (84&86). Both bought in the 90’s for about 6 grand each. Like many, I have been priced out of the market for these. If you want a real wake-up call. Look at austinjeeps.com. Big money ruins everything. This is nothing but a grocery getter anyway. Anybody who pays that much for it wont take it off-road and they are worthless on any highway. It will work cruising around town just fine. It has a great turn radius and will fit in any small space to park.