For any vehicle manufacturer worth their salt, they know that limited edition trim packages serve two primary purposes. The first is to lift buyer perception about a particular model and raise that model above its regular station in life. Secondly, they usually equate to an easy profit because the additional trim pieces require no additional engineering input, and they generally cost the manufacturer mere pennies. That is the story behind the Jeep CJ-5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV, and this 1965 example looks like a beauty. Its condition is well above average, and it is looking for a new home. Located in Valparaiso, Indiana, you will find the Jeep listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set the bidding to open at $16,300, but there has been no action at the time of writing.

It was around 1961 that Kaiser realized that they had an image problem. The public perceived the Jeep as a robust and utilitarian off-roader, but there was no glitz or glamor associated with that model. To improve the public’s perception, the Tuxedo Park was developed. Seen initially as a Trim Package, the company boosted it to a stand-alone model from 1964. In essence, it was still a Jeep CJ-5, but it came with a few pieces of bling to improve its image. These included chrome front and rear bumpers and chrome hood badges, chrome tail-lights, chrome hood catches, and chrome hubcaps with the Jeep emblem. All of these items remain intact on this vehicle, except for the hubcaps. Full wheel covers have been fitted in their place, so the buyer might have to undertake some online shopping to source the correct items. The history of this vehicle is fascinating, and it makes its current condition seem pretty extraordinary. The original owner purchased it to use plowing his driveway in the dead of Winter. That means that it has seen plenty of snow, and the current owner is including the offending plow blade in the sale! The original owner did treat the Jeep to a cosmetic refresh a few years ago, including a repaint in its original Bronze Mist. This still presents well, with only a few chips and minor touch-ups worth noting. The original owner also chose to equip the vehicle with a Kelly hardtop, painted in contrasting Glacier White. Its condition is as impressive as the rest of the exterior. You probably think that I’ve been skirting the obvious here, but I haven’t. Given the life this Jeep has led as a snowplow, it is incredible that it has managed to remain completely rust-free. The owner doesn’t supply any photos of the underside in his listing, but he is happy to provide them to interested parties to verify the rust-free status. Overall, this looks like it is a structurally sound classic off-roader with no immediate needs.

The 1965 model year brought another notable change to the CJ-5. To counter customer complaints about the lack of performance from the engines available in the range, Kaiser obtained a license to produce Buick’s 225ci “Dauntless” V6 engine. While the 4-cylinder “Hurricane” engine was producing 75hp, the V6 boosted this number to 155hp. This is the motor that we find fitted to this CJ-5, along with a manual transmission and the optional power steering. This little Jeep runs and drives, but it may need some minor work before the buyer undertakes extended journeys. The tires are now pretty old, and the owner suggests replacing these for safety. The clutch is also said to be tight, and it may require some adjustment. Beyond that, the CJ-5A runs and drives, and after that work is completed and someone gives it the once-over to ensure that all is well, it is ready to hit the road for a spot of fun.

The Jeep’s interior is in excellent order, and it appears to need nothing. The front seats are upholstered in black vinyl that is free from wear and flaws, and the rear side seats are in a similar state. The painted surfaces look excellent, while the rubber mats add a touch of luxury and practicality. There are some aftermarket gauges mounted under the dash, but I can’t spot any other additions. All up, the buyer won’t need to touch this area of the Jeep at all.

The 1965 Jeep CJ-5A Tuxedo Park Mark IV is not the rarest vehicle on the planet, but the company still only managed to sell 1,945 examples in that model year. This one is missing its original hubcaps, but otherwise, it is complete and in above-average condition. I’m slightly surprised that there have been no bids on this vehicle, but it is worth noting that the opening price is heading towards the top end of what you might pay for a 1965 model. There are twelve people currently watching the bidding, and since this appears that it is a No Reserve auction, maybe they’re holding out until the last moment to avoid pushing the price too high. Would you be willing to wait on this one, or would you want to stake your claim early in the hope that you’d scare other potential bidders away?