Reagan's Presidential Wheelers: The 40th President's Trusty Jeep CJs

Updated on Jul 18, 2023

Written by

Tyler Coolidge

When you think of presidential rides, your brain’s likely flooded with images of armored limos patrolled by security or the modern, Duramax-diesel-powered Cadillac, codenamed “the Beast.” While sure, these measures may be necessary for crowded cities and residential areas, what about our fellow enthusiasts that have held the prestigious position in the oval office? Can they hop behind the wheel of the weekend cruiser for a ride?

Well, if you’re actor turned president Ronald Reagan, you certainly do! While Reagan is most prominently known for his politics and filmography, he was also a car enthusiast, specifically, a Jeeper.

The 40th president of the United States could often be found behind the wheel of his classic CJs, navigating through his Rancho del Cielo, CA, farm with his golden retriever, Victory. In this piece, we look back at Reagan’s prized rigs: a low-mile CJ-8 Scrambler Renegade and a faded, burgundy CJ-6.

Reagan’s Red CJ-6

Though not the prettiest, Reagan’s favorite Jeep was a weathered and well-used 1962 CJ-6 that remains housed in the tack barn at his Rancho del Cielo farmstead. The rig was initially gifted to Reagan in 1963 by his wife, Nancy. Willys originally finished the Jeep in paint code 178–Foam Green–a color offered for the ‘60, ‘61, and ‘62 production years; however, it was painted a deep, burgundy red during Reagan’s ownership. While the original date tag has long since vanished, patches of faded red give way to the original greenish hue beneath.

Under the hood, the CJ-6 packs the factory 134-cu/in four-cylinder engine with a less-than-blistering 72 horsepower and 114 lb/ft of torque; however, the double-digit power levels were plenty to escort Reagan around his 688-acre ranch.

The four-cylinder is mated to a T-90 3-speed manual transmission and Spicer 18 T-Case, which send power to the Dana 25 and Dana 44 differentials. Other unique features include factory 5.38 gears and a Ramsey 8,000-lb. PTO winch.

The red Jeep is a rare example; it remains in the same condition and location as the day Reagan succumbed to pneumonia. The CJ-6 bears the same sun-weathered paint, torn seats, and scuffs from the 40th president’s cowboy boots. No parts have been swapped or replaced; the Jeep is the ultimate time capsule, harking back to a simpler time in American history.

Reagan’s Blue CJ-8 Scrambler

Reagan’s other primary steed was his trusty sky-blue 1983 CJ-8 Scrambler Renegade, another gift from his wife Nancy during his presidency.

While another CJ chassis, that’s about where the similarities between the red and blue Jeep end! Reagan’s CJ-8 is believed to have been purchased as a replacement for his well-loved CJ-6; however, the former president refused to part ways with his prized red Jeep.

Instead, the CJ-6 continued to perform the heavy lifting while the blue CJ-8 was used to shuttle visitors around the ranch, transporting several high-ranking officials, secret service agents, and even Mikhail Gorbachev!

Under the hood of the CJ-8 sits AMC’s familiar 4.2L inline six-cylinder mated to a Borg-Warner SR-4 4-speed manual transmission. A Dana 300 T-Case, Dana 30 front, and AMC 20 rear axles accompany the robust powertrain.

Reagan’s CJ-8 remains in near-pristine original condition, living at the Santa Barbara Reagan Ranch Center with a tick over 18,000 miles on the odometer. Though sporting the expected wear, tear, and surface rust of a 40-year-old Jeep, the paintwork still gleams; even the “Rancho del Cielo” inscribed bunk boards remain intact, proudly displaying the CJ-8’s original home.

Reagan and Jeep’s Joint Legacy

While the Jeep name lives on, past Ronald Reagan’s death in 2004, the former president’s infatuation with the CJs helped to further Jeep’s image as the all-American brand. Building upon Jeep’s rich military history, Reagan–also known as the Cowboy president–embodied the American spirit. His ranch-dwelling, golden-retriever-owning, Jeep-driving roots only strengthened Jeep’s legacy–one that still exists today.

If time has proven anything, it's that Jeeps aren’t just 4x4s, they’re America’s 4x4s, and Reagan’s collection only strengthened the brand’s already-noble image. Complain all you want, Chevy; Jeep is the true heartbeat of America.