Any way you cut it, Jeep is a hot property. Old Jeep, new Jeep, traditional Jeep, SUV Jeep, CUV Jeep, everywhere a Jeep Jeep; everyone seems to want a piece of the legend. And it is no secret that Jeep, along with Ram truck, is the major support structure of FCA in North America and worldwide. This being the case, let’s examine the predecessor of the uber-popular Jeep Wrangler, in this case, a model CJ-7. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is this special “Levis Edition” 1977 Jeep CJ-7 and it is available for sale here on craigslist for $4,850. Thanks to Roger for this tip!

The Jeep CJ-7 is one of many evolved successors to the original military Jeep which debuted in the very early 1940s. It was produced between 1976 and 1986 and was the larger version of the predecessor CJ-5, though both shared overlapping production. The most significant difference between the two is the wheelbase with the CJ-7 measuring in with about ten additional inches.  Nevertheless, even with the additional longitude, the CJ-7, along with the more diminutive CJ-5, were hampered by claims of instability and an aptitude for a rollover. As a result, the CJ-7 gave way to the more sure-footed Wrangler in model year 1987. The CJ-7 was and still is, popular with about 370K copies produced over its eleven-year life span.

This particular CJ-7 is a “Levis” model meaning that it had a promotional tie-in with Levis, the denim based apparel company. The Levis theme was most pronounced via the seat upholstery which resembled either blue or tan denim even though it was of vinyl construction. There were other Levis’ interior touches too, as well as with the top fabric and a badge prominently displayed on either front fender above the “Jeep” name stamping. This CJ, unfortunately, has its original seats covered with aftermarket seat covers but it might be asking a bit much for original upholstery to last 43 years in an open-top vehicle. If you review all of the images, you can spy a shot of the back seat, adorned in its original Levis seat material 43 years after the fact.  Beyond that, the interior is rough-and-ready, Jeep CJ all the way. Low on creature comforts but high on off-road and prepared for taxing outdoor adventures are how CJ’s were designed and this example is no exception. The floor appears to have had a rattle-can spruce-up but it looks sound and ready to be hosed down after a mud bog excursion. The dash instrumentation is sparse and it seems that an aftermarket gauge has been substituted for an original at the far right pod position. The original radio is missing with no replacement in place and I’d really like to know what that doorbell-button looking thing to the left of the steering column does.

Power is a Jeep/AMC 304 CI V8 good for about 150 net HP. The seller claims that this Jeep, “Runs & Drives Perfect Cranks the first time you turn the key”. Transmission responsibilities have been relegated to a three-speed manual unit. I can state from experience that I have driven a similar model with a four-speed manual transmission, while in a left-hand driving country in a left-hand drive CJ-7. It was a blast to drive, no doubt; trying to figure out which side of the road I was supposed to be on was the real challenge. The mileage is listed as 120K so the engine may be due for some minor or major overhauling upcoming; a lot will depend on how this Jeep has been driven and maintained.

The seller advises that this CJ is still adorned in its original paint hue but clearly its best days are behind it. The body would seem to be in pretty solid, straight shape, and the claim is made that, “it has a little rust but not a lot”. That can be a subjective matter so it’s worthy of further investigation. There is no word regarding door availability. I’m weird, I know, but driving around with no doors is tantamount to naked driving in my mind – it just doesn’t seem right. The tubular bumpers present a bit of a custom exterior presence but the original basics, like taillights, would be a nice presence too and unless I’m looking in the wrong place, they’ve gone missing.

The seller suggests that this Jeep “will make someone a good Jeep Beach Ready!!!” which I guess means a good beach cruiser. And for that reason, assuming it has had its share of beach blanket bingo, it would be worth checking out the underside for saltwater induced rust. This example is pretty much “a what you see is what you get” version, it is such a simple and open vehicle that it’s hard to hide much. CJ’s have their fans, V8 powered examples in particular, so if this type of off-road utility driver meets your fancy, this may be the one to consider, don’t you think?