Rusted In Place: 1976 Jeep CJ5 3K Survivor – Sold?

May 18, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this vintage Jeep “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “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.

April 29, 2021 Update – The private seller just reduced the asking price of their low mileage, high rust Jeep by another $1,000 to land at $10,500.

April 23, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the private seller of this low mileage former plow vehicle just lowered their asking price from their starting point of $14,000 by $2,500 to $11,500.

Just because a barn find has extremely low miles doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find it in like-new condition under years of dust.  A prime example is this 3,025 original mile 1976 Jeep CJ5 originally listed on Craigslist in April 2020 near Mentor, Ohio (Cleveland) reported to have never been driven out of Lake County Ohio since new. The reason for not going anywhere with it?  This Jeep saw duty at a family-run RV dealership plowing snow and moving trailers for two decades before resting under a tarp for the next 19 years. Those 3,000 miles were effectively rock salt infested, hard tractor miles. While that kind of duty is a testament to just how bullet-proof AMC’s 258 cubic inch inline-six is, close inspection of the body panels reveals why you don’t see many CJ5 in the Northeast anymore.

From what we can tell from the pictures, the current caretaker polished out the original paint on a body that appears to have a lot of rust.  The tailgate even appears to have been repainted over poor rust repairs that are perhaps even Bondo.  Currently asking $14,000,

Comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their CJ5 optimistically priced between this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $12,600 and its #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,100.  Similarly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the asking price optimistically falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $13,600 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,100. Sorry, from our perspective, ultra low-mileage originality does not trump years of rust. Consequently, we believe the private seller will have a hard time achieving their initial asking price.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1976 CJ5 3,065 miles original.
Inline 6 cylinder 258ci 3 speed manual.
Barn find that was sitting for 19 years before I purchased it 4 years ago. Yes, that’s 3,065 original miles. Not 103,065. It has never been driven out of Lake County Ohio. Purchased and only driven in Lake county. It was owned originally by a family that owned a camper rv dealership that bought it new and only used it for plowing the property and moving trailers. After the dealership was sold it sat parked in the backyard under cover for a very longtime. I purchased it and thoroughly went through everything over two years. The list includes:
New stainless brake lines (classic industries), rebuilt and turned drum brakes, new steering shaft, new fuel lines and fuel pump, new radiator, new hoses and clamps, new alternator, new belts, new thermostat, new water pump, new temp sender, new hei distributor, new spark plugs and wires, rebuilt carb, new classic industries stainless fuel lines (not installed yet), new fuel tank and new fuel sending, new BDS leaf springs and shocks, shackles, new powder coated Weld Racing steel rims and bfg mud terrain ko2’s, new bikini top, Powdercoated roll bar, used windshield from Rudy’s CJ’s authentic oem, all fluids replaced. I also have a rear bumper tire carrier that will go with. There’s probably more I’m forgetting.
I was planning on keeping this forever but I was lucky enough to find another project vehicle I was looking for and I’m doing some home renovations that motivates me to sell. Special vehicle with extremely low miles but needs tlc to keep it going. Floorboards need attention and some spots here and there but it’s ready for summer cruising and car shows. Starts right up and purs. The original Jeep. Message me for more info through CL. Thanks for looking“

Appropriate price or no way? What do you think about the asking price ultra-low mileage CJ?  Comment below and let us know!