The Golden Eagle package dressed up the CJ in great '70s fashion, with bright colors and plenty of decals, and this black and gold one looks fantastic. I wonder if the Jeep designers ever heard from the guys over at Pontiac once this Jeep hit the streets, but I suppose that was the fashion and it's a look that is suddenly very much back in demand. The glossy black paint is modern urethane so it shines up nicely after a day of playing in the dirt, and while Jeeps were never renowned for their fit and finish, this one looks great. The decals are very nicely done, accurately replicating the original look and they didn't skimp, because even the pinstripes were accurately re-created. New black rubber fender flares cover the oversized tires and it includes correct little details like side marker lights, proper Jeep taillights, and a chrome front bumper with an industrial-strength grille guard. There's a matching tubular rear bumper and a pair of diamond-plate steps that make it easy to climb into the tall Jeep cockpit.
Lots of cash went into this ultra-clean Jeep and you can see it everywhere you look. You know about black vehicles and how much attention they need before the paint goes on, and this one received it. It's one of the straightest, cleanest Jeeps we've ever featured. Not perfect, mind you, but nicer than these off-roaders usually are and clearly someone did it for love, not money. The usual Jeep trouble spots above the rear wheel arches and by the tailgate are quite good and the two-stage urethane paint looks like it should be on a much more expensive vehicle. Rubber fender extensions offer protection from the oversized tires and a "Renegade" decal package adds contrast to the otherwise all-black Jeep. Other new gear includes a chrome grille and windshield hinges, typical asymmetric side mirrors, and bright rocker panels that protect the bodywork from debris on the trail. There's also a trailer hitch for utility and that rear-mounted spare just looks butch.
Bare-bones is the word inside, where fresh seat covers have been wrapped around the front buckets and rear bench. The high-back seats look sporty, especially with the roll bar hovering above them, and they're comfortable enough for a long day of fun. The floors are protected by spray-in bedliner material, so you don't have to worry about getting it dirty; just hose it out when you get home. A GM tilt steering column wears a fat steering wheel that is easy to grab and keep pointed in the right direction, even with the ground fighting you, and the gauges are all big, clear, and easy to read in the rough. A 4-speed manual transmission makes it easy to find the right gear for slogging through the rough stuff, and the 2-speed transfer case gives you enough torque to power through just about an obstacle. For entertainment, there's also an AM/FM/iPod stereo system and the heater is powerful enough to roast a Thanksgiving turkey.
