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There's a special kind of fun that only comes from a short-wheelbase Jeep with a small-block V8 under the hood, and this 1982 Jeep CJ-7 delivers it in loud, colorful fashion. Currently up for grabs on Hagerty Marketplace, this custom 4x4 packs a swapped-in 305ci Chevrolet V8, a five-speed manual, and eye-catching David Palmer paint, and it's being offered with no reserve. As of this writing, bidding sits at $8,906 after 17 bids, with the auction set to close on Tuesday, September 29 at 2:50 p.m. EDT.
The CJ-7: The Jeep That Grew Up Just Enough
Built from 1976 through 1986, the CJ-7 carried the Civilian Jeep bloodline that traces straight back to the WWII Willys MB. What made it special was its size. With a 93.5-inch wheelbase, 10 inches longer than the CJ-5's, the CJ-7 gained real legroom and a more settled ride without giving up the nimble, go-anywhere character that made the CJ name famous. Front disc brakes became standard in 1977, and a fully boxed frame arrived in 1978, so this '82 benefits from a stout foundation that takes well to extra horsepower.
Small-Block Chevy Muscle Meets Jeep Grit
Swapping a Chevy V8 into a CJ is a time-honored recipe, and this build does it right. The 305ci small-block wears an aluminum intake manifold, headers, and a dual exhaust system, and it's dressed up with a black air cleaner and valve covers. Cooling duties are handled by an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, an upgrade that matters when you're crawling trails on a hot Florida afternoon.
Power goes through a five-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter and a two-speed transfer case, while the factory-style 4WD hardware includes locking front hubs, a full-floating front axle, and leaf-spring suspension. It's a simple, proven, three-pedal setup that should be as rewarding on a back road as it is on a muddy two-track. If you love this kind of recipe, it's worth comparing to the no-reserve 1979 Jeep CJ-7 with a 304 V8 swap we covered earlier.
A One-of-a-Kind Look
You won't mistake this CJ-7 for anything else at the trailhead. The custom multi-colored David Palmer paint and graphics give it a bold, show-ready personality, and it's backed up by fender flares, custom front and rear bumpers carrying KC lights, side steps, and a hood-mounted jack. It rolls on 15-inch Ion Alloy chrome wheels wrapped in Cooper Discoverer tires, and a black soft top keeps things classic.
Inside, black bucket seats with houndstooth-style inserts add a touch of retro flair, while a tilt steering column with a custom wheel, aftermarket gauges, and an Alpine head unit pumping through Rockford Fosgate speakers make it a comfortable cruiser. A Python alarm system adds some peace of mind.
Summer-Ready Extras and Clean Paperwork
The sale includes removable windows, a tan bikini top for sunny days, and build documents. The Jeep shows 97,400 miles (total mileage unknown) and comes with a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report and a clean Florida title. The seller is upfront about a few cosmetic flaws, noting some paint imperfections, scuffs on the fender flares, and wear on the door panels, all documented in the listing's 92-photo gallery. For a driver-quality custom Jeep meant to be used and enjoyed, that's refreshingly honest.
Why This CJ-7 Deserves a Look
V8-powered CJs have become a hot commodity, and fully sorted examples like the restored 1985 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo with LS power or the LT1-powered 1990 Wrangler restomod show just how far builders are taking the formula. This 1982 CJ-7 hits a sweet spot: classic Jeep proportions, small-block Chevy sound, a manual gearbox, and a personality all its own, with no reserve standing between it and its next owner.
Located in Ocala, Florida, and offered by BurnyzzLLC with a Broad Arrow Auctions specialist acting on the owner's behalf, this CJ-7 is ready for its next adventure. Check out the full listing and photo gallery on Hagerty Marketplace.
