[rannasjem]

I'm looking for a to buy a CJ with some value that will appreciate. I have found a '46 2a that is not a column shift and a '71 Renegade II. I know both of these are at least someone sought after, but is either one more desirable to collectors. Thanks.

[jayhawkclint]

They're both collectable, but I think that Ren II probably has a smaller buyer's market. Only 600 made, and so I'm not sure they have as much following as what the flat fenders do. I'd buy both just to be on the safe side.

Check out this great site for pre-'72 CJ5 info:
www.earlycj5.com

Ren II specific article from the tech section:
http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/general/Renegade/index.php

[burtonsnowman]

Renegade II.

[rannasjem]

I was leaning towards the Ren II because it doesn't have as big of a following because only 600ish were made. I figured the production numbers alone would make it more "collectable" than a 46 2a

[burtonsnowman]

Originally Posted by rannasjem

I was leaning towards the Ren II because it doesn't have as big of a following because only 600ish were made. I figured the production numbers alone would make it more "collectable" than a 46 2a

For sure. Also...more (albeit not much more) comfortable on the road, and better on the trail out-of-the-box.

[jayhawkclint]

Originally Posted by rannasjem

I was leaning towards the Ren II because it doesn't have as big of a following because only 600ish were made. I figured the production numbers alone would make it more "collectable" than a 46 2a

More rare does not necessarily mean more collectible. There has to be a following. While the "Renegade" name in general is well known, the specifics about the Ren I and Ren II are not as well known. Case in point:

I just bought this Ren II a couple weeks ago. Found it in a field. The guy was going to cut it up as a buggy project simply because he thought it was "Some odd-ball CJ5 with a Buick motor swapped in." (That's original Baja Yellow paint under the blue.) Now, I guarantee you that if it was a run-of-the-mill mid '70s Renegade with the big hood stickers, the guy would have probably had it in is garage fixing it up along with his other "collectibles."



Everybody and their brother, on the other hand, knows what a flatfender looks like and wants a "flattie" of their very own. There is a relatively large demand, and model year and options are relatively unimportant unless you're talking G503 type stuff; if you have a stock flat fender, I doubt it's going to decrease in value. I'm not necessarily saying the Ren II will decrease in value, either. Just saying that if you're looking for something to appreciate (which, if that is the ONLY qualification for the purchase then I wouldn't advise purchasing a Jeep at all), then you're going to have to consider potential buyers someday, and I think that there are more buyers seeking "flatties" than there are seeking a Ren II specifically.

Like I said, though, buy them both.

Originally Posted by burtonsnowman

For sure. Also...more (albeit not much more) comfortable on the road, and better on the trail out-of-the-box.

Suspension and steering of the pre-'72 CJ5 are almost identical to the 'CJ2a, so ride will not be much different. The Ren II will come with a Dauntless, so trail performance may very well be better out of the box, but I wouldn't advise wheeling a 1 of 600 JEEP.

[rannasjem]

Since I can only buy 1 at this time I have to go with the Ren II. I can find a flattie on ebay anytime, but I never see Ren II's for sale. Actually, the Ren II is not even for sale, I saw a small local church was using it to plow their lot. I have to talk them into selling it to me, but they don't know they are plowing with a 1 in 600 Jeep.

[famicom21]

i believe that they made around 40,000 cj-2a's in 1946. so i would go with the ren II.


...dont tell them that they are plowing with a 1 in 600 jeep....

[jayhawkclint]

Originally Posted by rannasjem

Since I can only buy 1 at this time I have to go with the Ren II. I can find a flattie on ebay anytime, but I never see Ren II's for sale. Actually, the Ren II is not even for sale, I saw a small local church was using it to plow their lot. I have to talk them into selling it to me, but they don't know they are plowing with a 1 in 600 Jeep.

You're doing the right thing; rescue that JEEP. But, you're also proving my point.

Good luck.

[earlycj5]

Ren II but I might be biased.

Wish I had one.

Clint makes a good point. The flatfender stands out more. It's likely more "collectible" at least right now. The Ren II has good potential to become quite sought after.

[revho]

go with what you like...thats why I have a postal scrambler