Classic car hunter finds rare Jeep CJ-5s, one of which is a low-mileage survivor

Introduced in 1955, the Jeep CJ-5 ran until 1983, becoming the longest-running iteration of the model. Not only that, but it remained in production while Jeep launched newer models like the CJ-6 and CJ-7. Affordable and reliable, the CJ-5 was simply hard to put down.

Now that it's been more than 40 years since Jeep stopped making it, the CJ-5 remains a desirable vehicle, with many examples still on the road. However, most of these Jeeps have been heavily modified and rely on modern suspension systems and, in some cases, modern drivetrains. Unrestored survivors, on the other hand, are quite rare.

If you’re also a fan of CJ-5s that haven’t been modified over the years, you definitely need to keep an eye on classic car hunter Dennis Collins. He’s the kind of guy who travels the U.S. to find muscle and sports car parts, but he’s also a Jeep CJ fanatic. And he’s especially into the 1976-1983 CJ-5. In his opinion, this final eight-year run produced the best iteration of the fourth-generation CJ.

The 1976 model brought significant changes under the skin of the Jeep. The company abandoned the partially open frame with riveted cross members for a boxed frame with welded cross members. The parallel rails were also replaced with widening units from front to rear to improve stability.

Dennis has been chasing these CJ-5s for years now, saving quite a few rare gems in the process. But none have been as spectacular as the 1976 example he recently found in Oklahoma. Not only is this Jeep CJ-5 an early 1976 model, which is rare to find, it’s also a single-family vehicle with just 10,854 miles (17,468 km) on the odometer. Plus, the Jeep was unrestored, having spent most of its life in storage, and still had all of its original parts. It’s the kind of barn find Mr. Collins describes as “unheard of.”

Still in its factory Sand Tan color, the CJ-5 is powered by an original AMC 258-cubic-inch (4.2-liter) inline-six. This engine isn’t as desirable as the 304-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8, but it still runs and drives. The all-original, sand-colored interior is also a rare feat, while the school bus-style rear bench seat is a bizarre addition. This is probably the finest surviving 1976 Jeep CJ-5 around, and a spectacular sight to behold.

But wait, that’s not all. Dennis used this trip to Oklahoma to purchase a second CJ-5. And not just any model; he tracked down a 1983 version. Sure, this one has been extensively modified and isn’t all that valuable in its current condition, but it’s one of the rarest CJ-5s ever produced.

Jeep only produced 3,085 of these that year, and nearly half of those were sold outside the U.S. According to Dennis, about 1,200 were exported, leaving fewer than 2,000 examples on U.S. soil. It’s probably safe to assume that fewer than half are still intact. This one will be restored to original specs and will find a loving home, which is great news for a classic that isn’t worth millions.

Hit the play button below to see both CJ-5s come out of storage. The footage also includes a wild collection of modified Mopars and a 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona waiting to be restored.