Description
The Willys Jeep (later Kaiser Jeep or AMC Jeep) is the civilian version of the Willys military Jeep of World War II. The first Willys CJ prototype (the CJ-2) was introduced in 1944 and the same basic vehicle remained in production through seven variants and three corporate parents through 1986 when production of the Jeep model was officially ended. The Jeep CJ-7 and Jeep CJ-8 were replaced in 1986 by the similar-looking Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep CJ-7 featured a wheelbase 10" longer than that of the CJ-5 and lacked its trademark rear curve of the door cut-outs. To help improve vehicle handling and stability, the rear section of the chassis stepped out to allow the springs and shock absorbers to be mounted closer to the outside of the body.
Presented in blue with grey trim, this late UK supplied 1986 CJ-7 was one of the last built. According to the previous owner, this is a Renegade specification example which was initially restored prior to the present owner purchasing it in 1998. Sitting on two inch wider than stock arch extensions and Sahara deep dish wheels with new BFG mud terrain tyres and raised Rancho shocks. In 2008 our vendor purchased an AC 5. 0 litre V8 engine to replace the 4. 2 litre and spent circa £9, 000 with AC Automotive having it rebuilt and installed it with all new pistons, a Holly injection system costing £2, 400 and a further £2, 000 spent on a custom stainless steel exhaust system and a new radiator. The vendor then decided to have the car taken back to bare metal and repainted in an original Jeep colour – a further £3, 500! Recently new seats and half doors have been supplied and fitted from the US and an occasional soft top is supplied, the hard top is available but is unrestored without glass. Currently showing 51, 339 however, the new engine was fitted at 36, 000 miles (just 15, 000 miles since engine rebuild). A comprehensive history file accompanies the car and MoT test certificates dating back to 1998 with a declaration from the purchase in 1998 from the previous owner. A good example of the CJ-7 which is becoming ever more popular and a perfect summer toy to enjoy.
