Five Collectible SUVs to Consider Before They Hit the Stratosphere

Categories: Classic Car Auctions & Events | Classic Trucks

Author: Ron Moorhead

Along with vintage trucks, early versions of SUVs are becoming popular collectibles. And as their popularity grows, there's no doubt that their values will escalate, too. However, there are plenty of collectible vehicles available that haven't hit the price stratosphere.

We've compiled a list of a few of those SUVs that are popular, yet still affordable.

1946-1949 Willys CJ-2A

Following WWII, Willys-Overland saw a market for a civilian model of the MB Jeep that was said to have won the war. Based on the MB, the CJ-2A received a tailgate and a spare tire mounted on the side of the body. The CJ-2A was also the beginning of the trademark 7-slot grille that all Jeeps retain today. Production of the CJ-2A reached over 200,000, one of the reasons why there are plenty of surviving examples.

A flathead, 4-cylinder engine powered the CJ-2A, making them slow but reliable. A rare model was built with a 3-on-the-tree shifter, which was rejected by returning solders -- they wanted a true Jeep with the shifter on the floor. Be aware, these Jeeps were susceptible to rust, so check diligently. Also, a plethora of farm implements and industrial accessories were available, so if you find one with these implements, they're an added bonus.

Classic Willys CJ-2A for sale

1960-1980 International Harvester Scout

The first International Harvester Scout was introduced in 1960, with production running until 1980. Though IH made plenty of special editions, seven iterations of the Scout were built throughout the years. These 2-door trucks were built with removable roofs featuring a full-length cab, a half cab or a soft top.

As the popular Blazers and Broncos become scarcer, the IH Scout is starting to gather a following. It was known as rugged, yet a bit more sophisticated than the Jeeps of the day. If you find one with the original build-sheet, you found a bonus, as this makes finding replacement parts much easier.

Classic International Harvester Scout for sale

1969-1972 and 1973-1991 Chevrolet Blazer

The Chevy Blazer is here because there are so many different variations of this vehicle that a model is bound to quench your collector thirst. The first iterations ran from 1969 to 1972, and to some those are the only true collectibles. But there are plenty of 1973-1991 models available, and they fit just as well into the collectible off-road 4-wheelers.

Following the first year of production, the Blazer was available in both 4-wheel drive and 2-wheel drive. Since the Blazer was essentially a shortened pickup, replacement parts are easily available. Four engines were available, so there are many variations. Though some models have moved into the double digit price point, there are plenty of Blazers well under the $10,000 mark.

Classic Chevrolet Blazer for sale

1966-1977 Ford Bronco

We've included the early production of the Ford Bronco in this list, even though it's one that has reached the higher price range because it was conceived as a competitor to the Jeep and the Scout. Like the Blazer, the Bronco offered more comfort with excellent off-road abilities. It has recently garnered lots of attention from collectors, but there are still affordable examples out there to be found.

Classic Ford Bronco for sale

1976-1986 Jeep CJ-7

Because the CJ-5 was determined to be too small for real pickup work, Jeep stretched the body and wheel base into the CJ-7. Though it wasn't wildly popular at first, there were a lot of enthusiasts who liked the stretched configuration -- plus, it was a Jeep. The CJ-7 was available with a removable steel roof and more creature comforts. As with all vintage vehicles, watch out for rust.

Classic Jeep CJ-7 for sale