Few names stir off-road nostalgia quite like the Jeep® CJ-8 Scrambler. Introduced in 1981 as a stretched, pickup-style version of the CJ-7, the Scrambler was designed to blend utility with open-air fun. Today, these rare long-wheelbase Jeeps are collector favorites. But one particular example currently up for grabs on BringATrailer pushes the envelope even further, thanks to a modern HEMI® transplant under the hood.
A Jeep With a Story –
This 1982 CJ-8 spent most of its life in Indiana, owned by friends of the current seller from 1993 until he purchased it in 2011. Over the decades, it has received a series of thoughtful upgrades, most recently the installation of a 5.7-liter (345 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 in November 2024. That engine swap alone makes it stand out in a sea of vintage Jeeps, turning it into a Scrambler with serious muscle.
The HEMI is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission sourced from a 2010 Ram, along with a dual-range transfer case, ensuring the Scrambler still delivers authentic 4×4 capability. A new clutch and radiator were fitted at the same time, while the fuel system was also updated, meaning the build is fresh and ready for use.
Reinforced From the Ground Up –
Like many Jeeps of its era, this CJ-8 didn’t escape rust issues. In 1999, the body was replaced with a fiberglass tub, and by 2012, a Throttle Down Kustoms frame had replaced the original steel one. Those upgrades gave the Scrambler a solid foundation. The body was refinished in red in 2016, but it now wears a gray vinyl wrap for a modernized look. The grille and dash were also replaced during that restoration.
Exterior features include a removable fiberglass hardtop, a roll bar, hard doors, a drop-down tailgate, and a fold-down windshield with custom braces. Its stance is enhanced by 33×10.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, wrapped around 15-inch wheels. Power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes make it more user-friendly, while rear drums maintain some of the original feel.
Simple but Functional Interior –
Inside, the Jeep stays true to its utilitarian roots while adding a few comfort upgrades. Black vinyl high-back bucket seats, a center console, and a passenger grab bar set the tone. A vintage-style AM/FM stereo with auxiliary input brings period-correct looks with modern usability. The dash houses an 85-mph speedometer with inset coolant and fuel gauges, as well as voltage, oil pressure, and a clock.
The six-digit odometer shows 160k miles, but with an “Exceeds Mechanical Limits” note on the Indiana title, total mileage is unknown. About 5,000 miles were added under current ownership. The seller notes a few quirks: the fuel and temperature gauges can be intermittent, and the speedometer reads 3–5 mph slower than actual speed.
Ready for Its Next Chapter –
This Scrambler blends classic Jeep character with the kind of V8 power modern enthusiasts crave. The HEMI swap, updated chassis, and fresh mechanicals make it a standout for collectors or drivers who want something more than stock. It’s being offered on BringATrailer by the seller on behalf of its owner, complete with a Carfax report and an Indiana title.
Bidding ends tomorrow, Thursday, September 4, at 3:30 p.m. EDT. For fans of both vintage Jeep style and modern Mopar muscle, this CJ-8 is a rare chance to have the best of both worlds.
HEMI®-Powered 1982 Jeep® CJ-8 Scrambler Image Gallery:
