The Best Restomod Off-roaders at Scottsdale’s 2019 Auction

1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV - front side view
1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV - Source: Barrett-Jackson

There’s every car you could think of at the annual auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

So far, we showed you some of the cars that stole the spotlight on Friday and Saturday night at Barrett-Jackson. After the muscle cars, the supercars, the Corvettes, and the Fords (1, 2 & 3), it’s time to talk about the 4x4s.

We’ll round up the series with the best and most expensive classic off-roaders at Barrett-Jackson.

1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV – $300,000 + $1,010,000 in donations

1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV - rear side view
1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

A custom Jeep raised more than $1.3 million for veterans and first responders on Friday. This 1981 Jeep CJ7 was built by Gas Monkey Garage in partnership with Sunbelt Rentals and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

А generous buyer made a winning $200,000 bid for the Jeep. Then, he donated it back to be sold again, generating another $100,000. Sunbelt Rentals donated $1 million and Michelle Mauzy another $10,000 to the cause.

Sunbelt Rentals - $1,000,000 check to Gary Sinise Foundation
Sunbelt Rentals – $1,000,000 check to Gary Sinise Foundation – Source: Barrett-Jackson

А total of $1,310,000 will go to the Gary Sinise Foundation which helps veterans, first responders and their families.

The Jeep is rebuilt top to bottom and wears a custom paint job that commemorates all branches of the US military. Badges and logos of the Gary Sinise Foundation are included inside and out.

1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV - engine
1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

The off-roader is powered by its original rebuilt 4.2-liter AMC inline-6 engine, rated at 110 hp and 195 lb/ft of torque. It’s mated to a brand new 3-speed manual transmission by BorgWarner.

The chassis has received a 4-inch lift package and the car has been re-plumbed to accommodate the new height. Power steering and power brakes are added to make driving more comfortable.

1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV - underside
1981 Jeep CJ7 Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

The 1981 Jeep CJ7 will also appear on Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud.

1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – $148,500

1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - front side view
1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

This is the first of two Broncos which sold for record-breaking sums on Friday night. It’s a 100% custom build, using a first-generation Ford Bronco as a base.

The pickup body is modified with new fenders, hood, and bumpers. It’s freshly painted in beautiful army green and copper with Golden Amber pearl finish.

1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - rear side view
1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

Inside, you’ll find a brand new Recovery Room Hot Rod interior. It includes brown leather seats, fabric carpet, and suede headliner. A dashboard from a Ford F-100 and a steering wheel from 1940 Ford Deluxe complete the cabin.

The power plant is a modern Ford 302 “Coyote” crate engine. It’s a 5-liter V8, producing up to 345 horsepower and 310 lb/ft of torque. This is three times more power and two times more torque than the original 170 ci (2.8-liter) inline-six engine.

1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - engine
1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

A Bowler 4R70W automatic transmission and Atlas 2 transfer case transmit torque to the front and rear axles. There is a Dana 30 in the front and a 9-inch differential with a custom skid plate in the rear end.

The chassis features Bilstein 7100 Series remote reservoir shocks and multi-link front suspension. They make the SUV more than capable of handling the rough terrain.

1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - side view
1966 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

The Bronco rides on a set of 17×9-inch Method Racing beadlock wheels. All four are equipped with Wilwood disc brakes and Toyo Open Country MT tires.

1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – $110,000

1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - front side view
1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

A second custom Bronco also received a six-figure bid. It’s a 1973 model with a factory-installed Sport Package.

This Ford Bronco is also completely restored from the frame up. The chassis has been rebuilt and powder-coated. It features:

  • Detroit TrueTrac differentials in the front and back
  • 31-spline Yukon chromoly axles
  • WARN hubs

The body is lifted 2-inches and the chassis has been raised another 3-and-a-half using a Pro Comp lift kit.

1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - underside
1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

Driving all this metal is a modern, 347ci (5.7-liter) Probe Street Fighter engine. It features Edelbrock fuel injection, stainless steel exhaust, and an aluminum radiator.

Transferring torque to both axles are a rebuilt C4 automatic transmission and an Atlas 2 transfer case.

The American Racing wheels are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes and 32-inch Goodyear tires.

1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - rear side view
1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

The body is all original and retains the classic Bronco style and colors. All of the stainless steel and chrome trim is restored or replaced with new. The comfort features include:

  • Vintage Air unit
  • Power steering
  • Power brakes
  • Hidden stereo
  • Flaming River tilt steering column
1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV - side view
1973 Ford Bronco Custom SUV – Source: Barrett-Jackson

Overall, both Bronco builds are superb and well worth their price. The 4x4s are beautifully restored with incredible attention to detail. Their modern drivetrains will produce new levels of admiration for the all-time Ford classic.