Make: | Jeep |
Model: | CJ-8 |
SubModel: | Scrambler |
Type: | Other |
Trim: | Scrambler |
Doors: | 2 |
Year: | 1985 |
Mileage: | 96714 |
VIN: | 1JCCM88E7FT151441 |
Color: | Other |
Engine: | 4.2L |
Transmission: | Manual |
Interior color: | Other |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, United States |
Vintage Motorcars is proud to present this fully restored 1985 AMC Jeep CJ8 Scrambler.
In the early 1980s, small, lightweight Japanese pickup trucks were quickly becoming a ubiquitous feature in the American driveway. Fuel-conscious drivers who loved the utility of a pickup, but didn't feel that they needed a full-size truck, were buying Datsuns and Toyotas, as well as the captive import versions from the Big Three, in the form of the Chevy LUV (Isuzu), Ford Courier (Mazda) and Dodge D-50 (Mitsubishi).
Jeep was years from developing its own small pickup (the Comanche, which debuted in 1986), so in the meantime, it stuck with what it knew best: the CJ-7. By adding 10 inches to the CJ-7's wheelbase, and two feet to its overall length, and then capping the passenger cabin with a short
version of the CJ-7's traditional hardtop, Jeep developed a passable small pickup truck.
The benefits were huge: standard four-wheel drive, a choice of four- or six-cylinder engines, Jeep's reputation for toughness, and what Car and Driver called ''a long-awaited dose of refinement to pavement Jeeping,'' thanks to its long wheelbase.
Jeep's largely parts-bin experiment did bridge the gap until the Cherokee-based Comanche came along, but it never found many buyers, and definitely didn't win any conquests from the Japanese manufacturers. Production topped out at just 27,792 units over five years (plus a few leftovers sold as 1986 models).
Most Scramblers were equipped with AMC's durable 258-cu.in. inline-six, mated
to either a four- or a five-speed transmission (the four-speed T-5 being the more desirable choice). The 151-cu.in. four-cylinder was standard, but this baby was outfitted with an inline 6 sporting 258 cubic inches. Three-speed Borg-Warner automatics were also available as an option. Scramblers were all equipped with the Dana 300 transfer case and locking hubs, in lieu of the optional Quadra-Trac full-time system available with automatic-equipped CJ-7s. The only major production change was that in 1982, tread width on all Scramblers and CJ-7s increased by 3.4 and 4.6 inches, front and rear.
Finding a CJ-8 is certainly more difficult than finding one of the more plentiful CJ-7s.
This CJ-8 Scrambler has been beautifully restored, and is completely RUST FREE, which is a difficult feat in itself to find.
This Scrambler has been completely restored front to rear. During the professional restoration; the body was taken apart, sandblasted, acid etched, and then painted with Canyon Red clear coat paint. Then; all new grey decals were professionally installed.
The I6 258ci - 4.2L Jeep engine was completely rebuilt and runs as well as the day it came off the line. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts in and out of gear perfectly, and the clutch pedal feels just as it should.
The bucket seat interior is in excellent condition. The power steering, power brakes and center console make this CJ8 a pleasure to drive, and all the correct gauges work just the way they should to monitor the systems.
This Jeep is sitting on a classic set up Cragar Chrome wheels and are wrapped in almost new Goodyear rubber.
This baby comes with many extras including:
- Hard Top
- Full hard doors w/ roll-up windows
- Custom Rear Bumper
- Class 3 Tow Hitch
- Removable rear seat for extra passengers
- Rear cargo mat
- Carpeted cockpit
Take a look out there at other CJ-8's and see what you can find. They are out there, but getting harder and harder to find in great condition. Then add the upgraded 4.2L engine, and you will be hard pressed to find one like this!
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