After WW II, the rugged, go-anywhere Jeep began to catch on with the civilian driving public. And why not? Taking it off-road was a cinch, the trusty Jeep could take punishment, and it was still easy on the wallet, maintenance-wise. By 1986, not long before SUV mania took over the country, and before Chrysler bought out AMC, the Renegade CJ-7 (CJ for “Civilian Jeep”), successor to the popular CJ-5, was THE sports, off-road ride. Sadly, it would be the swan song of the CJ series, started in 1976. Sure, SUVs to come would have more creature comforts but they’re only distantly related to the “real” Jeeps that spawned them.

At a time when FM often disappoints with less-than-current-technology images, their recent release of the Renegade CJ-7 is a gem. First, the general level of detailing is spot-on. The undercarriage detailing, with all the gadgets necessitated by 4-wheel drive, is superb. [The only puzzling item is a translucent plastic spur gear that works with the steering rack to turn the front wheels. It certainly has no analog on the 1:1 vehicle, so why wasn’t it at least done in black to make it less visible? It’s so evident, it draws the eye to it.] The spare tire rack swings out to allow the tailgate to open and the windshield swings down (though it doesn’t lie on the hood). The doors have hinges like the 1:1 vehicle – which is a nice change from the old doglegs – and add a neat little extra. Merely lift them carefully and they come off! Kewl! Under the hood are details galore – no disappointment there. The chromed wheels and lettered tires look sharp-as-a-tack. There’s also a removable plastic top with three windows, simulating the 1:1 version. Even the obligatory roll bar is present. This image sort of came out of left field, like the Myers Manx dune buggy, and, like its predecessor, it’s also a winner. It’s just generally done well – feature rich and sharp looking. Kudos to FM for lobbing one right over the plate.

One look at the jaunty CJ-7 and the word “fun” comes to mind. More homely than beautiful, the Renegade nevertheless looks like it could climb up the side of a mountain – just so you could have a picnic. The issue price is $90.

-Tom Pine