Beach Bum: 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler – SOLD!

February 1, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

December 13th Update – The private seller of this classic CJ8 Scrambler not only posted a new listing, they took the opportunity to lower their asking price by $1,600 to $10,900.

Many of us can relate to this private seller’s plight:  you buy a classic vehicle with every intent to restore it to its former glory before you realize months or perhaps years later you simply don’t have the time to achieve your goal.  It appears this private seller of this 1981 Jeep CJ8 Scrambler pickup just made that tough decision in December 2o20 to list it on Craigslist in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. This driver-quality example appears to have spent much of its life serving as a Jersey Shore beach buggy.  Currently asking $12,500, researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their CJ8 priced between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $18,600 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $10,900.  Similarly, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool as a second data point confirms this private seller has his Scambler priced between the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) appraisal of $7,900 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $15,700.

Jeep launched the hard cab pickup CJ-8 Scrambler in 1981.  To develop the pickup box, Jeep gave the CJ-8 a ten-inch longer wheelbase and then extended the rear overhang versus the CJ-7.  Buyers could choose either a hard fiberglass pickup cab with steel doors like the example featured here or a folding vinyl pickup top with vinyl doors.  Powertrain options were the same as the CJ-7.

This vintage Jeep 30-second TV spot asks consumers “Why drive a car when you can drive a Jeep?” Well, for starters $6,765 didn’t buy you a top but we digress…

While it’s not that we don’t trust the private seller’s opinion, given this Jeep spends a great deal of time performing beach duty, we highly recommend crawling underneath this example and thoroughly confirming the frame and body mounts don’t have any rusty surprises.  The trade-off is that this CJ-8 appears to be very nicely mechanically sorted.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Very rare 1981 CJ8 Scrambler. 6 cyl 258 with automatic trans and 4 wheel drive. All new brake lines, fuel lines, transmission lines all-new, suspension bushings, new cooling system hoses. 5 brand new Mudstar Radial M/T tires. Radio and all electronics work as they should. Motor rebuilt 5 years ago by professional jeep mechanic. The frame is solid, minor rust on drivers side cab, passenger side is solid. Comes with hardtop and bimini top.

Very low miles, 90% original, garage kept…previous seller drove to the beach and back every weekend (80 miles round trip) since the rebuild. I purchased in July and drove 2 blocks to and from the beach every weekend. Very reliable…estimated mileage since rebuild would be less than 5k. I planned on doing a total restoration but just don’t have the time. You won’t find another one like it.

Restore or continue using as a beach buggy: What would you do with this CJ8?  Comment below and let us know!