LIFELONG SOUTHERN CJ-7 4X4, LIFTED, 4.2L I6, 4-SPEED, FRNT DISCS, PWR STEERING

You may have noticed a trend on the Streetside Classics website: Jeeps are red hot. We can't seem to keep vehicles like this 1984 Jeep CJ7 Renegade in stock. Is it a newfound interest in off-roading adventures? The back-to-basics fun of a vintage CJ? Or is it that this Jeep CJ7 represents the ideal blend of daily-driver utility with go-anywhere functionality, all at an affordable price? Can it be all three?This Jeep isn't trying too hard to be something it's not. From the basic CJ box shape to the tasteful black color scheme, it has a no-nonsense look that's a big part of the Jeep's appeal. The black paint is neither new nor old and deteriorated, but does have a ready-and-willing look that actually works rather well on a vehicle designed to brush up against rough stuff now and then. The bodywork is in good order with none of the usual trouble spots showing any signs of going south and it's kind of refreshing to see a CJ7 that isn't brown and covered with orange and yellow decals. Instead, it has tasteful silver Renegade decals on the hood and some stripes on the rockers, just the way the factory intended. Tubular steps on the sides give it a tough look that's entirely appropriate and are actually helpful for climbing in. Add in the rubber fender flares and big tow hooks on the bumpers and you have a Jeep that gets the basics exactly right without resorting to questionable modifications.You already know Jeep interiors are basic, but that's just the way enthusiasts like it. High-back black vinyl buckets are supportive enough for knocking around in the rough stuff and offer durability and hose-it-off utility. A locking center console means you have at least one place to stow your gear where nobody can get it at and gray carpets offer a modicum of civility in an otherwise pretty bare-knuckle experience. On the other hand, you will find an under-dash A/C unit (needs to be serviced) and an AM/FM/CD stereo hidden in the center console with a dummy radio simply filling a hole in the dash. The original speedometer is joined by a variety of auxiliary instruments for monitoring the engine and a 4-speed manual gearbox means that it's a blast to drive. Weather equipment includes a full soft top and doors, a bikini top, and a set of steel doors that are probably original.AMC's torquey 4.2 liter inline-6 is a good powerplant for the CJ. Thanks to a 2-barrel carburetor, it's still rather thrifty and makes the kind of torque that you need for off-roading. A chrome air cleaner and a finned valve cover offer a bit of dress-up in the otherwise functional engine bay, but you can see that there's lots of recent maintenance, including a full tune-up that includes cap and rotor, plus, and wires. The 4-speed transmission spins a 2-speed transfer case and factory axles, which sit on a mild suspension lift (reversed shackles) to give it a great Jeep stance. That lift also helps with the rolling stock, which consists of shiny aluminum wheels and positively giant 33x12.50-15 General off-road tires.Fun to drive no matter what's under the tires, the Jeep CJ7 is still a perennial favorite for Jeepers around the world. Call today!