The Jeep Wrangler CJ-5 holds a beautiful place in the U.S. American history as it is the grandbaby of the CJ-1. The CJ-1 was designed initially in 1944 with the front lines of the war in mind. When the Allies began to have sure tiding in winning World War II, Willys Overland brought the Jeeps to civilians. This is where Willy came up with the name of the vehicles; CJ means 'Civilian Jeep.' Jeep's CJ line of cars had a clear message in mind: appreciate the freedoms of home in total capacity. Nothing embodies Jeep's CJ message like the Wrangler CJ-5, as it has been the critical base of innovation in many arenas.
10 The Jeep CJ-5 Stayed In Production For Nearly Three Decades
The CJ-5 was produced from 1955 until 1983. This model is the most extended production running Jeep brand vehicle, with thirty years on the market. Jeep hypothesizes that this Jeep has the most trail hours of any other Jeep brand vehicle. This can be attributed to the different innovations that have come from this model, like the CJ Camper. Jeep stopped producing CJ-5s in 1983 when the CJ-7 became increasingly popular.
9 The CJ-5 Was Unmistakably Jeep
There are many quality features displayed by the CJ-5, such as the full boxed cross member and added sheet metal for strength and safety. It also featured the classic all-weather canvas top that we all know and love. Soft lines and rounded edges made the CJ-5 look unique from previous lines that were based on the 952 Korean War M-38A1. It was truly ideal for its time, as the Jeep CJ-5 gave the public a new culture of off-roading and exploring.
8 Jeep Offered The CJ-5 With Various Engine Options
Before 1973 the stock engine on the CJ-5 was the L-134 Go-Devil four-cylinder engine. In 1973, all Jeep CJ models offered a 304 cubic inch V-8 engine with 150 horsepower and 245 pounds-feet torque. A significant upgrade to the CJ-5 in 1965 was the V-6 engine, which boasted 155 horsepower and 225 pounds/feet of torque. This upgrade nearly doubled the power of previous V-4 engines. In 1973, as mentioned above, all Jeep brand vehicles received the V-8 engine that produces 150 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque.
7 The Jeep CJ-5 Was A Fantastic Off-Roader
The CJ-5 original engine has a maximum power of 126 horses at 3600 RPM and a maximum torque of 218 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel drive system (AWD) has a three-speed manual gearbox. The CJ-5 can handle any intense maneuvering around all terrain at 68.5 inches wide, 67.72 inches tall, and 138.19 inches long, with a 6.89 inches tall clearance. The Jeep CJ-5 is the ultimate multi-tool for any situation: fire fighting, front-line military transport, joyrides on dirt roads, and even donuts in the desert.
6 Jeep Made Special Packages And Iterations That Were Unknown At The Time
There have been many special editions to the CJ-5: the luxury tuxedo package, the Golden Eagle package, the Camper Edition, the Super Jeep, and the Renegade I and II. Out of the different luxurious packages and off-road upgrades, the most innovative was the Camper Edition from 1969. This package edition was marketed as a new camper style, offering the driver a simple, easy detachment option. This one-of-a-kind option has been the inspiration for plenty of detachable camper options on the market today.
5 The Luxury Tuxedo Edition Was Used In The Presidential Parade!
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Of the different packages, the Luxury Tuxedo Edition is a unique package because of its sleek design. Used in Lyndon B. Johnson's inaugural presidential parade in 1965, this particular package is a U.S. American memory. Produced from 1964-1967 the Tuxedo package was filled with luxury and comfort. Upgrades to this package include a shiny chrome front bumper, windshield hinges, FWD, and a 160-horsepower V-6 engine option.
4 Differences Between The CJ-5 And CJ-7
The most significant difference is the added length in the CJ-7. The overall cab is approximately five inches larger than the CJ-5. There are added spaces near the shocks, which began the branding Jeep trend of custom shocks. And added space in the engine for the automatic transmission. The wheelbase of the CJ-5 is 83.5 inches long, and the wheelbase of the CJ-7 is 93.5 inches long. The CJ-7 was so popular that AMC had little choice but to halt the production of the CJ-5 to focus its efforts on the newer generation model. In 1978, Mark Smith, more popularly known as the father of modern four-wheeling, took a group of 13 adventurers from Tierra Del Fuego, Chile, to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. This trip spanned 21,000 miles and more than ten countries. This daring adventure trapezes the Darien Gap, a violent stretch of jungle only crossed previously by the British brigade in 100 days, sacrificing 8 soldiers in their journey. Mark Smith and his men all returned home whole and in 122 days using their army of CJ-7s, Wagoneers, and other Jeep models.
3 The CJ-5 Was Competent Enough To Be In The FireFighter Squad
Most CJ-5s online today have aftermarket parts, and the engine is included in the possible modifications. The CJ-5 has a wheelbase 10 inches smaller than the CJ-7 at 83.5 inches long. This is crucial for those who want to ride terrain in closely forested areas or any other space where quick, sharp maneuvers are required. Jeep says that the CJ-5 was particularly popular in fire departments and was used by fire squads to help put out brush fires.
2 Even 40 Years Later, There Is A Strong Demand For The CJ-5
This Jeep model was incredibly successful. Within sixteen years of on-market sales, Jeep established manufacturing plants in 30 countries, marketing its vehicles to 150 countries. Jeep's many versions of the CJ-5 and its long-lasting production run speak for the reputation of this vehicle. As does the continued support and demand over forty years after production has ceased.
1 The Prices In The Used Market Are Expected To Go Up
The average cost of a Jeep CJ-5 is between $15,000 and $30,000. This vehicle is challenging to find with original stock pieces due to the model's age and Jeep's notoriety with modifications. Even though buyers are spoiled for choice: there are CJ-5s on the market needing restoration for less than $10,000 and fully restored models sold for more than $40,000 online. Thousands of people also chat on online forums and troubleshoot restoring their vintage model CJ-5s.