AUCTION: 1982 Jeep® CJ-8 Scrambler Pickup:

Introduced in 1981, the Jeep® Scrambler (CJ-8) was similar to the iconic CJ-7, the precursor to the Wrangler (YJ). The Scrambler featured a 103.5-inch wheelbase, much smaller than today’s Gladiator (JT) pickup which has a 137.3-inch wheelbase. The two-seater pickup was a huge sales success like many people thought, with just under 28,000 units being manufactured from 1981 to 1986.

As time has gone on, Jeep collectors have sought out the surviving Scrambler models. With a somewhat unlimited aftermarket parts availability, a number of collectors have been able to restore or maintain the compact pickups. So for those who look hard enough, there are still great examples that can be found for sale out there. 

This particular one was found on the popular auction site, “Bring A Trailer“. A 1982 model, this CJ-8 Scrambler lived its life in Colorado, Minnesota, and Idaho before the current owner purchased it in 2018. The truck underwent a refurbishment from September to December 2020 that included removing the body from the frame and repairing corrosion, fitting a replacement body tub and exterior panels, painting the body and roll bar metallic light blue, and replacing steering and suspension components. 

According to the listing, the truck also had the seats reupholstered, a spray-in bed liner coating was applied to the bed as well as the hardtop, and the AMC 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual-range transfer case were rebuilt.

In its stock form, the AMC 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder could produce 110 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. The current owner had the motor rebuilt with a replacement long block by S&J Engines, Inc. in Spokane, Washington. It was then, that an aluminum valve cover and new radiator, starter, exhaust manifold, distributor, oil pan, and Weber carburetor were replaced.

The listing states that about $59,000 was spent on the restoration of the Scrambler. A CarFax report shows that the vehicle has a history of no accidents or damage. An Exceeds Mechanical Limits title was issued by the state of Colorado in October 1992.

The auction is open until Thursday, December 16th. The current bid as of the writing of this article is $10,500 USD. To see more photos and/or bid on this truck, you can visit the auction page on Bring A Trailer. 

1982 Jeep® Scrambler CJ-8 Image Gallery:

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