1985 Jeep CJ

“This V8-powered Renegade looks incredible and delivers top-class performance!”

With a million units produced, the original Jeep saw service in every theatre of operations during the Second World War and continued to be used by the military for several decades.

Marketed as the ideal utility vehicle for farmers, construction workers and other tradespeople, the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A, was launched by Willys in 1945. It featured numerous improvements over its military counterpart

In 1954, the CJ-5 appeared, regarded by many as the quintessential civilian Jeep. Longer and wider than its predecessors, the CJ-5, with its rounded wings, was based on the M-38A1 from the Korean War. Under the management of Kaiser, and then American Motors Corporation from 1970 onwards, the CJ-5 remained in production for 30 years – a remarkable run.

In 1976, it was joined by the CJ-7, built on a longer wheelbase and featuring a redesigned and improved chassis. At that time, Jeeps were fitted with AMC engines. The CJ-7 was produced until 1986, with just under 380,000 units manufactured, before being replaced by the Wrangler.

The CJ-7 Renegade featured on these pages was originally a 6-cylinder petrol model, before being refitted with a V8 engine, which now delivers outstanding performance. Not to mention its incredible looks, with its burgundy seats and soft top, and its large chrome wheels fitted with stunning BF Goodrich tyres. A vehicle of choice for a second home in the mountains or by the seaside, in convertible form, with the windscreen folded down and the doors removed…