Introduced in 1955, the Jeep CJ-5 soldiered on through 1983, making it the longest-running iteration of the nameplate. Not only that, but it remained in production while Jeep rolled out newer models like the CJ-6 and CJ-7. Affordable and reliable, the CJ-5 was simply hard to kill off.
Now that it has been more than 40 years since Jeep stopped making it, the CJ-5 remains a desirable vehicle, with plenty of them still on the road. However, most of these Jeeps have been heavily modified and rely on modern suspension systems and, in some cases, modern drivetrains. Unrestored survivors, on the other hand, are quite rare.
If you’re also a fan of CJ-5s that haven’t been altered over the years, you definitely need to keep an eye on classic car prospector Dennis Collins. He’s the type of guy who travels the US to unearth barn finds of the sports and muscle car variety, but he’s also a Jeep CJ nut. And he’s particularly hooked on the 1976 to 1983 CJ-5. According to him, this final eight-year run produced the best iteration of the fourth-gen CJ.
The 1976 model year brought notable changes under the Jeep’s skin. The company abandoned the partially opened frame with riveted cross members to a boxed frame with welded cross members. The parallel rails were also replaced with widening fore-to-aft units to improve stability.
Dennis has been chasing these CJ-5s for years now, rescuing quite a few rare gems in the process. But none was as spectacular as the 1976 example he recently found in Oklahoma. Not only an early 1976 version, which is rare to find, this Jeep CJ-5 is also a one-family-owned vehicle with just 10,854 miles (17,468 km) on the odometer. Moreover, the Jeep was unrestored, spent most of its life in storage, and still had all of its original parts. It’s the kind of barn find Mr. Collins describes as “unheard of.”
Still rocking the factory Sand Tan color, the CJ-5 packs an original 258-cubic-inch (4.2-liter) AMC inline-six engine. This mill is not as desirable as the 304-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8, but this one still runs and drives. The tan and all-original interior is also a rare feat, while the school bus rear bench is a quirky add-on. It’s arguably the finest 1976 Jeep CJ-5 survivor out there and a spectacular sight.
But wait, that’s not all. Dennis used this trip to Oklahoma to buy a second CJ-5. And not just any model; he tracked down a 1983 version. Granted, this one has been modified extensively, and it is not as valuable in its current condition, but it’s one of the rarest CJ-5s ever produced.
Jeep produced only 3,085 units that year, and nearly half of them were sold outside the US. According to Dennis, about 1,200 were exported, leaving fewer than 2,000 examples on US soil. It’s probably safe to assume that fewer than half are still in one piece. This one will be restored to its original specification and will then get a loving home, which is fantastic news for a classic vehicle that’s not worth millions.
Hit the play button below to see both CJ-5s coming out of storage. The footage also includes a wild collection of modified Mopars and a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona that’s waiting to be restored.