#Jeep cj8 scrambler full

However, their success was still no match compared to the competition, who essentially made the pickup trucks they distributed in America.ĭuring this time, AMC was in the middle of establishing its offerings from being agriculture-oriented four-wheelers to off-road, sporty ones. manufacturers were poised to take on the challenge – this included Ford with its 1971 Courier, Chevrolet with its Isuzu-built 1972 Chevrolet LUV and Chevy S-10, and Chrysler with its 1979 Plymouth Arrow, to name a few. Japanese firms were the forerunners in this category. The surge in popularity for compact pickup trucks began as early as the late ’70s. Meanwhile, Jeep only had the CJ-7s – too short to be categorized under the rapidly-growing segment. These companies were already well-positioned to challenge the practical, compact pickup offerings of Japanese automakers. Preceding the CJ-5A and CJ-6A models, the Jeep Scrambler was first introduced on March 25, 1981, and was AMC’s attempt to be in the same ranks as Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler. They were commercial versions of the WWII Military MB Jeep intended for agricultural and civilian use – hence, the designation CJ, which meant “ Civilian Jeep.” These Jeep incarnations were small, open-bodied, semi-4WD off-road vehicles with flared fenders, fold-flat windshields, and trademark circular headlights. The Jeep Scrambler CJ8 was 12th in a string of Jeep CJ models produced by Willys-Overland, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation between 19. Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons About the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 Could it be due to vehicle owners growing more knowledgeable? Or is it because there are not too many Scramblers left in the market? Continue reading if you want to know the answers to these questions. Ironically, the CJ-8 has gained respect and become collectors’ fodder in recent years. President Reagan can convince consumers of the advantages and collective worth of the wheeler. Jeep’s first convertible, compact truck should have sold like hotcakes from the onset, right? Well, it didn’t. Highly capable and versatile, this hybrid between a pickup truck and a long-wheelbase CJ-7 had quirky styling and rustic appeal reminiscent of outdoor fun in the ’80s. The Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was a sport-utility vehicle regarded by the riding community as the forebearer of the Wrangler. However, it was severely misunderstood, despite marrying the history and future of the entire Jeep lineup together. Released in 1981, the CJ-8 was the prototype for Jeep’s sport-utility vehicles. But truth be told, it would not have come to life without the Jeep Scrambler. Only 230 were made in the US however many more were made in South America (Venezuela) and Australia (AUS) where it was known as the Overlander.Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.Įveryone recognizes the Wrangler as the Blue Jeans of 4x4s.

This model was also very unique in that the rear tailgate was replaced with a hinged style barn door.

#Jeep cj8 scrambler full

The CJ-8 was made in a special right hand drive (RHD) configuration with an auto transmission and full length steel hardtop known as the World Cab.

CJ-8 Jeeps also came stock with special edition wheels that differentiated them from CJ-7s. This included graphics running down the lower portion of the body as well as the word “Scrambler” on the side of the hood. The Scrambler name itself as used among enthusiasts is derived from the appearance package that many CJ-8 Jeeps were equipped with. It was brought to market in 1981 a full five model years after the CJ-7 was first introduced. This was part of the design and marketing strategy for Jeep at the time. The longer wheelbase and the removable half cab of the Scrambler give it the unique small pickup look without an actual separate pickup bed. The wheelbase for the Scrambler was 103.5 in in comparison to the 93.3 in wheelbase of the CJ-7. The CJ-8 well known as the Jeep Scrambler was a long wheel base version of the CJ-7.