But unlike the вЂњ Big Three,вЂќ the Scrambler CJ-8 was not Japanese-built. Some may find the following detail inconsequential. Not only was the vehicle reputably tough as nails, but it was also essentially the first American compact pickup truck. Postal Service ordered for its Alaskan mail routes: YearДespite entering the compact pickup truck scene ten years late, the Scrambler had a pretty good fighting chance against Ford, Chevy, and Chrysler. Below is a breakdown of CJ8 production volumes per year (source: Wikipedia), including the 230 insulated CJ-8 versions the U.S. The automotive industry was generally doing its best to stay afloat and could not afford to splurge on R&D more than its negative finances allowed.ДЄs a result, AMC introduced the CJ-8 Jeep Scrambler in 1981. It was a then-small company still licking its wounds from the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and the hostage of Iran (which adversely affected global oil production and export) in 1979. However, their success was still no match compared to the competition, who essentially made the pickup trucks they distributed in America.Дuring this time, AMC was in the middle of establishing its offerings from being agriculture-oriented four-wheelers to off-road, sporty ones. manufacturers were poised to take on the challenge вЂ“ this included Ford with its 1971 Courier, Chevrolet with its Isuzu-built 1972 Chevrolet LUV and Chevy S-10, and Chrysler with its 1979 Plymouth Arrow, to name a few. Japanese firms were the forerunners in this category. The surge in popularity for compact pickup trucks began as early as the late вЂ™70s.

Meanwhile, Jeep only had the CJ-7s вЂ“ too short to be categorized under the rapidly-growing segment. These companies were already well-positioned to challenge the practical, compact pickup offerings of Japanese automakers. Preceding the CJ-5A and CJ-6A models, the Jeep Scrambler was first introduced on March 25, 1981, and was AMCвЂ™s attempt to be in the same ranks as Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler. They were commercial versions of the WWII Military MB Jeep intended for agricultural and civilian use вЂ“ hence, the designation CJ, which meant вЂњ Civilian Jeep.вЂќ These Jeep incarnations were small, open-bodied, semi-4WD off-road vehicles with flared fenders, fold-flat windshields, and trademark circular headlights. The Jeep Scrambler CJ8 was 12th in a string of Jeep CJ models produced by Willys-Overland, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation between 19. Could it be due to vehicle owners growing more knowledgeable? Or is it because there are not too many Scramblers left in the market? Continue reading if you want to know the answers to these questions. Ironically, the CJ-8 has gained respect and become collectorsвЂ™ fodder in recent years.

President Reagan can convince consumers of the advantages and collective worth of the wheeler. JeepвЂ™s first convertible, compact truck should have sold like hotcakes from the onset, right? Well, it didnвЂ™t. Highly capable and versatile, this hybrid between a pickup truck and a long-wheelbase CJ-7 had quirky styling and rustic appeal reminiscent of outdoor fun in the вЂ™80s. The Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was a sport-utility vehicle regarded by the riding community as the forebearer of the Wrangler. However, it was severely misunderstood, despite marrying the history and future of the entire Jeep lineup together. Released in 1981, the CJ-8 was the prototype for JeepвЂ™s sport-utility vehicles. But truth be told, it would not have come to life without the Jeep Scrambler. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.Д®veryone recognizes the Wrangler as the Blue Jeans of 4x4s.

The scrambler