This 1972 Jeep CJ5 is a scruffy 4×4 with a Bonanza “winter” hardtop and a factory 258ci inline-six mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. This example comes with a multitude of accessories geared toward trail use and other rugged activities, and reportedly saw varied forestry use in Colorado and Oregon followed by time as a volunteer search and rescue vehicle in Alaska. Though details of its history are largely unknown, its recent years were spent as a hunting rig in Oregon before being acquired by BaT regular DENWERKS. Described as a constant attention getter, it recently received a new valve cover gasket and is said to be a strong runner in good mechanical condition. All pictured accessories are included in the sale along with a clean Oregon title.

Though free of major accident damage, the body has acquired a significant number of rough spots from decades of outdoor service including a variety of cracks, bruises, and patched rust holes. Faded paint is covered in hand-painted lettering and decals indicating past uses and aspirations, though the seller doubts it saw actual use with a park ranger.

Offering wind-up windows and non-locking doors, the uncommon Kelly Bonanza III “winter” top is in good condition with minimal corrosion. Painted steel wheels wear matching off-road tires with plenty of tread showing, and the spare wheel has been moved from the passenger-side quarter panel to a swingaway rear rack. Other additions include a heavy-duty custom roof rack, tow-bar front bumper, rear tow hitch, four-point roll bar, roof-mounted boat roller, and headlight guards.

All windows appear free of cracks including the flip-down front windshield, and though the wipers work the passenger-side unit has gone missing as detailed in the video below. A brake light has been recently fixed and other exterior lighting is reportedly functional, including all eight rack and bumper-mounted offroad spotlights. Pictured accessories such as a chainsaw, shovel, fire axe, high-lift jack, basket stretcher, gas cans, and rooftop storage crate are all included.

The well-used interior features utilitarian seating and painted metal surfaces. Both front seats have been reupholstered in nicely fitting black vinyl, while the rear bench wears a serviceable cover showing some wear and tear. A section of the headliner has gone missing, and the floor pans exhibit varying levels of corrosion under simple rubber mats.

The painted steel dash is relatively clean and presentable behind a cracked factory steering wheel mounted with a “suicide” knob. A single large instrument is comprised of a working speedometer, turn indicators, and five-digit odometer currently showing 12,400 miles, as well as a non-functional fuel gauge. Simple stock switchgear is largely intact and supplemented with toggles for exterior lighting.

Interior accessories include ropes, harnesses, a vintage backpack and canteen, a machete, and an air rifle. All come with the Jeep along with the CB radio, which turns on but remains untested. Heater components are present but not hooked up, and though the blower is inoperative the seller describes plenty of heat emanating from the engine compartment. A lightly corroded storage area rests under the flip-forward passenger front seat, while the glovebox is missing its interior compartment.

Power is from an American Motors 258ci inline-six that is factory correct as denoted by the A in the 8th spot of the VIN. Fed through a stock single-barrel Carter carburetor, the engine is said to run well without excessive smoke or oil use. A fresh battery supplies updated fuses and relays to support the extensive additional lighting.

The straightforward engine bay is set off by a refinished valve cover installed by the seller with a fresh gasket. The passenger-side inner fender shows the worst area of rust-through, which was patched by a prior owner with riveted-in sections of road signs. Power is routed to the rear or all four wheels through a working transfer case, Dana 30 front and Dana 44 rear axles, and manually locking front hubs. The 3-speed manual is said to shift smoothly through all gears.

Underneath, the CJ5’s wheelbase was increased by three inches for 1972 in order to accommodate new drivetrain options including the 258. Frame and chassis components wear an even coat of superficial corrosion, though more serious rust is visible in several areas of the floor pans and body supports.

This 15-minute video includes a detailed exterior walkaround and driving footage as well as a tour of the interior and the accessories. The truck is shown to operate comfortably at speeds up to approximately 50 mph, beyond which its short wheelbase and worn suspension components make themselves known.

Specific history details are unknown and service records are unavailable, but the sale includes period literature collected by the seller along with a rebuilder’s manual from Bentley and a clean Oregon title.