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AutoHunter Spotlight: 1982 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1982 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade.  

At over 40 years old, this all-terrain utility Jeep delivers both vintage looks and rugged versatility. Retro graphics, tubular bumpers, and fender flares give the right amount of curb appeal. It is being offered for sale by a dealer in Missouri with a clear title and upgrades including 35-inch Toyo tires, a CD audio system, a Rough Country suspension lift, and a removable hardtop.

The longstanding CJ, or ‘civilian Jeep’, evolved from a military-grade off-road vehicle during World War II and dates back to the mid-1940s under the Willys-Overland company. Over 1.5 million CJs were eventually produced over a period of about four decades through the 1980s. When the CJ-7 generation debuted in 1976, its wheelbase had been stretched by 10 inches, the chassis utilized twin C-section rails, and the rear end was modified to allow the suspension to be mounted closer to the body.

According to its accident-free CARFAX report which starts in 1996, this CJ spent much of its life in Oklahoma and was registered in the Tulsa area before being relocated to Missouri in 2012. It has resided there ever since, and it last changed hands in December of last year. The listing doesn’t specify exactly when some of the upgrades were installed, but this Jeep appears to have been enthusiast-owned since it has features like black tubular bumpers, fender flares, taillight guards, and a full-size spare tire out back.

The well-presented interior shows garnet red vinyl bucket seats which match the door panels. The odometer shows 97,427 miles, which lines up with the last reading of 93,329 miles on the CARFAX report in 2012. True mileage on the chassis is unknown, however.

There were six different engines and four different transmissions available during this generation. This CJ-7 draws power from a 4.2-liter inline-six mated to a rebuilt five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. As far as tech specs are concerned, one of the most important components of this build is its suspension. A Rough Country lift was installed that included springs, bushings, shocks, and hardware.

The CJ-7 was followed by the YJ-Series Wrangler but continues to be a favorite among Jeep enthusiasts and automotive collectors in general. This could be your best chance to snag a clean and tastefully-modified example.

The auction for this 1982 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade ends Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

A Different Take on the 1968 Shelby GT350

When it comes to classic Shelby Mustangs, the 1968 GT350 is a turkey of sorts. While the 1965-67 featured 306 horsepower from an upgraded 289 High-Performance, the 1968 made do with a 250-horsepower 302. Gee, Carroll, whatsamattah?

Some of that can be explained due to the discontinuation of the solid-lifter 289 at the end of the 1967 model year. When installed in a Mustang, the four-barrel 302 was rated at 230 horses, but Shelby installed an aluminum Cobra intake manifold (actually, an Offenhauser piece) and a 600cfm carb for the horsepower bump.

Another explanation is that Ford took over Shelby production and handed modifications to the A.O. Smith Corporation in Ionia, a nice westward hike from Detroit. (In fact, incomplete 1968 Mustangs were built in Metuchen, New Jersey and shipped by rail all the way to the Great Lake State for the Shelby conversion to be completed.) Did Ford’s involvement result in a lack of effort with the Shelby GT350?

But the 1968 Shelby GT350 also was more grown up, functioning more as an American GT than a quasi-sports car. Those days of the two-seat GT350 without creature comforts were gone. The following year, the introduction of the 351 Windsor would fix the power deficit as well.

Join Muscle Car Campy as he road-tests this 1968 Shelby GT350. In the hands of the same person who has owned it since 1972, this four-speed fastback has received an improved camshaft and headers to truly wake up the 302 and give it the character it so deserved.  

Interesting Finds: Jeep ’41 Concept Wrangler 4XE

Just in time for a weekend off-roading adventure in the dog days of summer, we’re looking at this AutoHunter Cinema feature of a retro-themed Jeep ’41 Concept built to salute Jeep’s long-standing military history. Based on the Wrangler 4xe, the Jeep ’41 Concept features a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain capable of 49 MPGe. Appropriately, this Jeep is finished in Olive “D.A.R.B. ‘41” Matte Green with tan soft top and black powder-coated steel bumpers over a tan and camouflage interior. A variety of aftermarket parts and modifications from Jeep Graphic Studios and various other suppliers add to the custom build.

Check out AutoHunter Cinema on YouTube for other great videos.

Fueling The Future: Why Gavin Newsom Banned Gas-Powered Vehicles

In a bold move aimed at tackling environmental challenges and ushering in a new era of sustainable transportation, Governor Gavin Newsom has set California on a path to ban gasoline-powered cars by the year 2035. This vision has sparked both excitement and skepticism as it carries significant implications for the state’s economy, environment, and infrastructure. On the positive side, the ban aligns with California’s longstanding commitment to fighting climate change. Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) could lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and public health.

The move also fosters innovation and job creation in the burgeoning EV industry, positioning California as a leader in clean technology and manufacturing. Governor Newsom’s decision is underpinned by his commitment to combatting climate change and securing a cleaner future for Californians. As the nation watches this pioneering step, the conversation about the ban’s potential benefits and challenges is set to shape the landscape of the automotive industry for years to come. We looked at the most important reasons why Newsom is banning gas-powered vehicles here.

Photo Credit: LA Times

Pollution Control

California is one of the most polluted states in the union and isn’t getting any better. California residents are all too familiar with “Spare The Air” days in which it’s nearly impossible to go outside. Elimination of gasoline-powered cars will help curb carbon emissions by quite a bit in the state. With the widespread acceptance and availability of electric cars nowadays, it’s not going to be a difficult proposition for widespread adaption (via Allegheny Campus).

Photo Credit: LA Times

Reducing the emissions levels of California air is a top priority, and although some are upset about the banning of gas-powered vehicles, there’s a good reason for it. Classic cars are going to be exempted, which is a good thing, but there won’t be any new gasoline-powered muscle cars or pickup trucks. Nevertheless, the environment is an important thing and the EV will completely change the landscape of California and the auto industry in general.

The post Fueling The Future: Why Gavin Newsom Banned Gas-Powered Vehicles appeared first on Motor Junkie.

These Facts About The 2025 Corvette ZR1 Will Shock Hardcore Chevy Fans

The 2025 Corvette ZR1 is one of the most anticipated sports cars on the market. In addition to staggering performance, it’s also one of the last gasoline-powered supercars ever built by GM. With the kind of shoes that need to be filled, there are sure to be a lot of upgrades. The ZR1 has long been the pinnacle of Corvette performance. Enthusiasts flock to the ZR1 to experience the very best that the Corvette has to offer. The ZR1 offers the best off-the-line performance, so how can GM improve an already excellent package?

So we looked at some of the facts about the new ZR1 that will shock hardcore enthusiasts. In a lot of ways, the ZR1 is going to be a completely different beast in terms of design. The car is going to use the same tried and true formula but with some upgrades. GM constantly changes the formula behind what makes the Corvette great so we can expect a lot of changes. Check them out here.

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

The Upcoming ZR1: The Mightiest Corvette Yet

The C7 was already the most powerful generation of the Corvette ever built, so naturally GM had to do it big once again. The new model is expected to have north of 800 horsepower, a monstrous amount. Its mid-engined design puts the Corvette in the highest class of sports car with the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

Every year that GM offers a new body of the Corvette it has aseveralupgrades and this generation will be no different. The car continues to evolve and set the standard for exotic sports cars. The beauty of this is the fact that the Corvette is a domestic car that outperforms many of its foreign rivals.

The post These Facts About The 2025 Corvette ZR1 Will Shock Hardcore Chevy Fans appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Legendary Japanese Cars That Redefined Speed and Power

The Japanese sports car segment has redefined performance for decades. Enthusiasts around the world revere certain Japanese cars for their speed and performance. The market for sports cars isn’t what it used to be, but there was a time when Japanese sports cars ruled the roost. These cars were built for speed, handling, and the best performance in the world. A lot of these cars made it over to America and became legendary options.

Sports car enthusiasts are a different breed than average drivers as they yearn for extreme performance and speed. A car is much more than just a form of transportation for them, and that’s why these cars became popular. Many legendary sports cars came out of Japan, so we looked at some of the most iconic models that transcended everyday transportation. Buckle up, because these cars redefined speed and power for decades to come.

Photo Credit: Alpha Coders

Nissan GT-R R34 Z-Tune

Few cars have graced as many magazine covers as the Nissan GT-R. The R34 was one of the most iconic sports cars in history. Its design set it apart from every other sports car on the market. The performance of the Z-Tune makes it faster than just about every other variation of the car (via Supercar Nostalgia).

Photo Credit: Alpha Coders

The R-34 Z-Tune was one of the most notorious Nissan sports cars ever built. It had everything that true racing enthusiasts wanted in a street-legal package. The ordinary Nissan sports cars are legendary, but this one took things to a whole new level.

The post Legendary Japanese Cars That Redefined Speed and Power appeared first on Motor Junkie.

Underrated ’80s and ’90s Cars That’ll Soon Be Worth Insane Cash

The ’80s and ’90s were a great time for the auto industry where cars were evolving and changing. Performance continued to evolve to new heights as automakers moved away from the lethargic V8 engines of the past. For a long time, these decades were two of the most underrated in auto history. But in recent years, the cars from these decades have turned into the next generation of classics. Cars like the Buick GNX, Dodge Stealth, and even the Plymouth Prowler are rarities that offer personality and performance.

So we looked at the cars that weren’t the most expensive at the time but now command serious bucks. A lot of these cars are still reasonably affordable and you can still find a lot of them for sale. But as with the previous generations of classic cars, there’s never been a better time than now to jump on these. The unique qualities that these cars offer will make them worth serious money soon, so check them out right now.

Mercedes AMG C36
Photo Credit: Car Domain

Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

The C36 AMG was the epiphany of early ’90s Mercedes-Benz engineering. The car had a powerful engine packed under the hood and a style that was all its own. This generation of Mercedes is usually regarded as the most over-engineered generation in the brand’s history, and that isn’t an understatement (via Motor Trend).

Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG
Photo Credit: Car Advice

The car was precision built to break all kinds of speed records on the autobahn. But even if you live locally here in the States this was one car that derives its characteristics from its Mercedes roots. From the luxurious interior to the high-quality ride and low amount of interior noise, everything about this car was excellent.

The post Underrated ’80s and ’90s Cars That’ll Soon Be Worth Insane Cash appeared first on Motor Junkie.

2023 Bronco Build Turn5 Unveils Stage 4 Bronco

2023 Bronco Build – The highly anticipated Stage 4 of Turn5’s (T5) 100K Ford Bronco Build is complete, and it is packing some serious overlanding upgrades. The Gator build is the grand prize in T5’s summer sweepstakes. The latest stage introduces a variety of accessories that will elevate the camping and overlanding experience for its […]

The post 2023 Bronco Build Turn5 Unveils Stage 4 Bronco appeared first on CarShowz.com.

Wheels of Fortune: These Car Models Turned Around Failing Automakers

The worldwide auto industry has always been highly competitive. Only the smartest and most successful companies managed to survive the challenges that have left many other companies forgotten in the sands of time. But the truth is that even the best car companies have endured economic turmoil. In fact, some of the biggest automakers had periods in which they were dangerously close to closing their doors if not for a few important models.

Where many failed, the victors continued. Despite their troubles, these companies presented the right cars at the right time and emerge as winners. Find out the car models that saved even the biggest car companies from doom right here.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Our list starts with arguably the most spectacular way of getting out of bankruptcy. After Germany’s defeat in WW2, Mercedes-Benz was in a complete financial and infrastructural disaster. Their factories were gone and the company could only rely on pre-war models that were quickly made obsolete by the competition (via Telegraph).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Luckily for Mercedes-Benz, Rudolf Uhlenhaut was a daredevil who loved taking risks. He developed the W194 for the 1952 Sportscar racing season. That car was constructed of lightweight aluminum and had a 3.0L straight-six engine. The result was the iconic W198 300SL, a perfect blend of beauty and performance that proved to be an instant hit among US customers. The Gullwing coupé was introduced at the 1954 New York Auto Show and produced from 1955-1957. The equally impressive roadster was available from 1957-1963. A total of 3,258 examples left the factory, effectively saving Mercedes-Benz and allowing them to re-enter the flourishing American market with the rest of their lineup.

The post Wheels of Fortune: These Car Models Turned Around Failing Automakers appeared first on Motor Junkie.