I’ve kept an eye out for a later model AMC CJ (76 or up) and see a lot of them out there with price tags way above what they are really worth.
What ones I see priced normally are on the other side of the country and transporting it here isn’t affordable. With summer going away maybe the demand will drop off some esp for those that don’t have tops included.
As long as the body is decent and it is driveable, the rest can be dealt with.
I had a 77 once in HS and it was a great one despite it being an oil drinker later on and a couple of lifters chattering.
I’ve been toying with the idea of a Jeep project; a CJ type 4x4 with a 4BT Cummins. From what I read they can get close to 30MPG. You’re right, those old jeeps sure hold their resale value!