This Jeep CJ-5 got away, but there are more like it here.

This 1959 Jeep CJ5 is believed to have been a service vehicle for a Cleveland, Ohio drive-in theater until being put out to pasture at some point prior to the seller’s purchase in October 2010. A subsequent restoration was carried out largely to  factory specs aside from modern departures including an electronic ignition, radial tires, and seat belts. The 674 miles shown have been accumulated since the work was completed. Power comes from a 134ci F-head four-cylinder which is mated to a 3-speed manual gearbox with a 2-speed transfer case. This CJ5 is offered in Pennsylvania with records of engine work, parts invoices, a new soft top and doors, and a clean Pennsylvania title in the seller’s name.

Restored 1959 Jeep CJ5

The restoration work was performed by the seller and included replacement of the tub with an all-steel reproduction. Fenders are said to be original and have had extra steel welded in behind their lips for strength. The hood and grille are said to be original as well. The paint shows well overall per the seller, with a few nicks and scuffs noticeable up close.

Restored 1959 Jeep CJ5

The CJ5 wears new 215/85 National Commando A/T tires over 16″ white steel wheels. A new soft top and doors are included in the sale, with the seller noting that installation will require drilling into the body to attach brackets and snaps. Red and white interior vinyl complements the red repaint and matching red seat belts have been added.

A walk-around and interior tour are shown in the video above. An aftermarket temperature gauge has been installed. Accessories are said to be operational including the horn, turn signals, and vacuum wiper as shown in this video. A factory heater box is present but needs a replacement heater core to be functional. A new old-stock odometer was installed at the time of the restoration and now shows 674 miles. Total mileage is unknown.

Restored 1959 Jeep CJ5

Power comes from a 134ci F-head four-cylinder that was reportedly verified as correct for a 1959 model. An electronic ignition distributor was added during the restoration. The 3-speed manual gearbox and 2-speed transfer case are said to work well, though the seller notes a rattle in the shift lever when in second gear. An oil change was recently performed.

Restored 1959 Jeep CJ5

Photos showing the condition of the underside and some of the restoration work can be found in the gallery below. The fuel tank has been resealed and the drum brakes are said to work well, but can be grabby when hot. There are said to be leaks from the transfer case driveshaft yoke seals, and the replacement zerk fitting on the center tie rod will not take grease.

Start-up and driving videos can be found above and below, while an operating temperature/shut-down video can be found here.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $12,000 by hymanltd
Auction Ended April 30, 2018 at 11:50AM PT
Bids 7
You are not connected to real-time updates. Attempting to connect.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Reconnected! Checking for missed updates…

32 Comments

Please enable JavaScript to engage in the discussion on this site.

BaT Essentials

Seller: Caroholic
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 5754884586
  • 672 Miles Shown, TMU
  • 134ci F-Head Four-Cylinder
  • 3-Speed Manual with 2-Speed Transfer Case
  • Restored 2011-2015
  • Original Hood, Grille, Fenders
  • Replacement Tub
  • Recent Oil Change
  • New Soft Top and Doors
  • Invoices for Parts, Engine Rebuild
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #9328