1977 Jeep CJ-7 – Surf Culture’s Mona Lisa 🌊🔥 | $120,000 (Firm)

The Most Famous Surfing Jeep in History – $22K Airbrushed Masterpiece + Cartel Legacy

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The Ultimate Surf & Skate Icon

This is not just a Jeep—it’s the single most significant piece of surf culture from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

This 1977 Jeep CJ-7 was the mascot of global surfing, parked proudly in front of Inlet Charley’s Surf Shop in New Smyrna Beach, Florida—one of the most iconic surf towns in the world. It featured the branding of C.B. Surfboards, founded by legendary surfer Charlie “C.B.” Baldwin, and was seen by every major pro surfer during East Coast competitions.

Kelly Slater, Shaun Tomson, Tom Curren, Lisa Andersen, Sunny Garcia, Rob Machado, Mark Occhilupo, Martin Potter, and many more have ridden in or been photographed with this Jeep during its glory days.

For decades, this Jeep was a surf icon, and its mysterious disappearance after the shop was sold to Rip Curl only added to its legend. Now, after 10 years in hiding, the mascot of surfing has returned.

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The $22,000 Airbrushed Murals (1977)

The CJ-7’s paintwork is a rolling mural masterpiece, hand-airbrushed in 1977 for an incredible $22,000 (over $100,000 in today’s dollars).
• Surfing and skateboarding scenes – crying kids with broken skateboards, surf girls, tiki torches, and crashing waves.
• Branding of Inlet Charley’s and C.B. Surfboards.
• Murals cover every inch, even diamond-plated fenders and interior panels.
• The clearcoat is peeling, creating a killer vintage patina, but the murals remain rich and vibrant.

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Cartel Chapter – Fame from Two Worlds

After its surf shop days, this Jeep spent 10 years in Mexico’s high desert mountains, far from salt air, stored in pristine conditions.

During that time, high-ranking Sinaloa cartel bosses, including associates of El Chapo, enjoyed riding this Jeep through rugged mountain roads with “undisclosed cargo.” This Jeep carries fame and stories from two completely opposite worlds—pro surfers and cartel elites.

I am incredibly fortunate that the cartel protected it during my incarceration for drug trafficking, ensuring the DEA never seized it. Today, I am the owner of Federal Prison Consulting LLC, and I provide testimony to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and Congress on prison reform, having transformed my life.

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Condition & Restoration
• Engine: Original straight-six (unknown mileage). It ran perfectly when parked 10 years ago.
• Needs: New ignition key, radiator hoses, at least one new tire (dry cracking), and carburetor cleaning. A brand-new battery has been installed.
• Body & Frame: Solid. Floors completely rebuilt in 2013 in a 4-month restoration project, with skilled craftsmen working daily to preserve the original surf-shop vibe.
• Extras: Doors included, possibly a convertible top. Factory stereo intact.
• Patina: Cracked windshield and peeling clearcoat only enhance its character.

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The Mystery of Surfing’s Mascot

For years, surfers have wondered: “What happened to the Inlet Charley’s Jeep?”
Its return is sure to make waves—literally. Every pro surfer who sees it again will recognize it instantly.

If you’d like additional photos or a full detailed history, I’m happy to provide a written historical documentation package to accompany the Jeep—perfect for car shows, surf events, or collector exhibitions.

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Location & Safe Viewing

I’m currently in South Florida, but the Jeep is safely stored in the garage of my wife’s home in Mexico. The security around this vehicle is exceptional—even the Mexican military couldn’t get close.
• Transport: With escrow, I can deliver it to San Diego for $500 (buyer’s cost).
• Viewing: If you’d like to see it in person, I can arrange a safe visit with a trusted bilingual family member.
• Title: Clear Florida title.

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Price: $120,000 (Firm)

I never planned to sell this Jeep, but I’m raising funds to finish building a home for my wife, who is awaiting her visa. This Jeep belongs in a surf museum or in the hands of someone who truly appreciates its story and legacy.

If you are not a genuine surf lifestyle enthusiast or collector, please let someone else treasure this icon for what it is—the Mona Lisa of surfing culture.