1978 Jeep CJ7
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With every new model and each passing year, Jeep seemingly forsakes its rough-and-tumble utilitarian heritage with increasingly plush lines of 4x4s. This is in order to appeal to a broader, more comfort-minded clientele - one that wants to appear sporty but in actuality just desires a cushy, powerful and distinctive daily driver. We needn't look any farther back in time than to the CJ-7 Golden Eagle special edition for a nice example of Jeep's early brand perversion. Upon the Golden Eagle's debut in 1977, with its power features and side steps, I imagine good-ole-boy Jeep purists spat in the dirt in disgust. Meanwhile, I picture the entire population of Aspen, CO, throwing their hands in the air with jubilation. This was...