1982 Jeep Scrambler CJ-8

Long before the Gladiator, Jeep offered a pickup version of their keystone off-roader in the form of the Scrambler.

Essentially a CJ-7 with the wheelbase given a ten inch stretch to 103.5" and a removable fiberglass half-cab fitted, the CJ-8 debuted in 1981 as an '82 model.

Billed as "America's import pickup fighter" by the manufacturer, the 1982 Scrambler could be had in regular, SR Sport, and SL Sport versions. 

The base motor was the 151 cubic inch OHV "Iron Duke" inline four cylinder, sourced from GM, and rated at 84 SAE net horsepower. Buyers could opt for the AMC 258 cube inline six, which bumped power output to 98 horsepower. The standard transmission was a 4-speed manual, with a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic with locking torque converter optional.

The Sun Yellow one in the photos is obviously well-loved and cared for.

The top photo was taken with a Nikon D2X and 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR zoom lens in August of 2021, while the lower photo was snapped in October of the same year, using a Nikon D800 and 24-120mm f/4 VR zoom lens.

1980 Jeep Wagoneer Limited

This was something that doesn't happen often. Myself and fellow Indy-area car spotter Jim Grey both caught this Russet Metallic 1979-1985 Jeep Wagoneer Limited, possibly the same day. Certainly we both saw it on College Avenue.

The plush "Limited" model of the AWD Wagoneer was introduced midway through the 1978 model year, and all Wagoneers, whether base or Limited, only came with the 360 V-8. Over fifteen feet long, with a two-and-a-quarter ton curb weight and boasting full-time Quadra-Trac four wheel drive, the V-8's torque was felt necessary.

Then came the '79 Energy Crisis, triggered by the Iranian Revolution, and so for '80, you could get your 4WD Wagoneer with either a 97bhp 258 cubic inch OHV inline six as a credit delete option, or with the standard 360cid American Motors V-8 fitted with a Motorcraft 2bbl carburetor and pumping out 127 SAE net horsepower.

The faux-woodie fad was starting to wane by the early Eighties, but it still signified the more luxurious version of most wagon models. I think those optional slotted forged aluminum wheels mark it as a 1980, but I'm no Jeep expert.

It was photographed with a Canon EOS-1D Mark III and EF 24-105mm f/4L IS zoom lens in April of 2024.