How to Create a Great Auction Listing
A thoughtful description, clear photos, and a helpful video make it easier for serious buyers to understand your vehicle before they bid.
Explore this 1978 Jeep CJ-5 example to see how one seller presented the vehicle’s story, upgrades, condition, and real-world use.
Cover the vehicle’s background, modifications, service history, usage, and any known limitations.
Include clear, varied photos of the exterior, interior, mechanical details, and areas buyers will want to inspect.
A useful walkaround and demonstration video can answer questions that photos alone cannot.
Vehicle Photo Gallery
This example includes 30 original listing photos. Select any thumbnail to view it larger. As a seller, aim to document the vehicle from multiple viewpoints and show important details honestly.
1 / 30Tip: Include photos showing both the strengths and any imperfections of your vehicle.
A Video That Complements the Photos
A strong seller video helps buyers understand the vehicle as a whole. Consider a walkaround, an interior tour, starting and running the engine, and demonstrations of important features where safe and practical.
Original video supplied with the Jeep listing. Watch on YouTube ↗
A Detailed Seller Description
Below is the seller’s original description, organized into readable sections. Notice how it combines specifics, ownership history, modifications, real-world experience, and an honest assessment of condition.
1978 Jeep CJ-5 — Custom Cummins 4BT Turbo Diesel | Built for Serious Off-Road Adventure
Rare diesel-powered CJ-5 | Less than 7,000 miles since conversion | Proven Mojave Road explorer | 17 MPG reported
If you’re looking for an ordinary CJ-5, this probably isn’t your Jeep.
But if you appreciate old-school Jeep toughness, legendary Cummins diesel power, serious off-road capability, and a vehicle that’s actually been built to explore the backcountry, this 1978 CJ-5 deserves your attention.
This Jeep underwent an extensive Cummins 4BT turbo diesel conversion in 2016, along with major drivetrain, suspension, braking, and electrical upgrades. It has traveled fewer than 7,000 miles since the conversion. I purchased the Jeep with the 304 engine in 2010 with 93K on the odometer.
This isn’t a show Jeep built to sit in a garage even though it has been garage kept for 16 years (insurance requirement). It’s a purpose-built, trail-proven machine designed to tackle rugged terrain, remote desert trails, and extended backcountry adventures.
And yes, it turns heads everywhere it goes!
Legendary Cummins Diesel Power
At the heart of this CJ-5 is the rugged Cummins 4BT turbocharged diesel engine, known for its exceptional durability, low-end torque, and straightforward mechanical design with zero computers on this engine.
The engine is paired with a heavy-duty Ford T19 four-speed manual transmission.
- Cummins 4BT turbo diesel conversion completed in 2016
- Less than 7,000 miles since conversion. Engine total mileage unknown. 515 hours run time since install in 2016.
- Ford T19 four-speed manual transmission
- New transmission synchronizers installed during conversion
- Hydraulic clutch conversion
- Rebuilt diesel injection pump approximately three years ago
- Upgraded injection pump spring and fuel plate for 3,000 RPM operation
- Rebuilt diesel injectors
- Aluminum radiator with electric cooling fans
- Aluminum intercooler with dedicated electric fan
- High-output 170-amp alternator
- Dual-battery electrical system
- Electric vacuum pump plus engine-mounted vacuum pump
The result is a remarkably capable diesel-powered Jeep with the torque and mechanical simplicity that make the Cummins 4BT such a desirable conversion.
Built to Go Where the Pavement Ends
This Jeep was built for genuine off-road exploration, not just appearances.
- Front and rear automatic “lunchbox” locking differentials
- AMC Model 20 rear axle upgraded with heavy-duty one-piece axle shafts and DISK BRAKES!
- Completely renewed leaf-spring suspension, including springs, shocks, bushings, and related components
- Warn 10,000-pound winch equipped with synthetic Kevlar rope
- Engine snorkel for elevated air intake
- Engine block heater
- Onboard battery maintainer.
- BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A KM3 tires, 31-inch stock-size configuration, with fewer than 5,000 miles
- Extensive LED auxiliary lighting package
- Power steering, Red Head steering gear. Upgraded heavy duty steering gear mounting plate.
The combination of diesel torque, front and rear lockers, and the CJ-5’s short wheelbase makes this Jeep exceptionally capable on demanding trails, or on the farm or snowplow. This is an Arizona rust-free Jeep.
Major Braking Improvements
Stopping power received serious attention during the build.
- Rear drum brakes converted to disc brakes — a significant upgrade. Stock front disk.
- Corvette-sourced master cylinder and power brake booster
- Power-assisted braking system
These improvements provide a substantial departure from the original 1978 CJ-5 braking configuration.
Modern Convenience Meets Classic Jeep
Despite its vintage appearance and rugged mechanical character, this Jeep has several modern upgrades for comfort and backcountry travel.
- Apple CarPlay
- 400-watt stereo amplifier
- Garmin GPS navigation
- Solar panel with charging controller
- Dual-battery system with isolator
- High-output 170 amp alternator
- Auxiliary LED lighting
- Electric brake controller
- On board air compressor w/ 4 gallon tank hard-plumbed to front bumper.
It’s an old-school Jeep with useful modern technology where it counts.
Proven on the Legendary Mojave Road (150 miles) — Four Times!
Here’s what makes this Jeep especially interesting: It has actually done the work it was built to do.
I’ve driven this CJ-5 across the legendary Mojave Road four separate times, pulling my small camping trailer through some of the Southwest’s most memorable backcountry terrain.
During those adventures, the Jeep returned approximately 17 miles per gallon, an impressive result for a capable, diesel-powered off-road vehicle.
This isn’t a Jeep that merely looks ready for adventure. It’s been there, done that, and proven itself.
Whether you’re exploring desert trails, tackling rocky terrain, or venturing into remote areas, this is the type of vehicle that inspires confidence.
Condition — Built to Be Driven, Not Polished
I want to be clear about what this Jeep is and what it isn’t.
It is NOT a concours restoration or a spotless show vehicle.
It’s a mechanically developed, extensively upgraded, purpose-built street licensed off-road Jeep that has been used for exactly what it was designed to do.
It has the character and appearance you’d expect from a classic CJ-5 that’s enjoyed real adventures.
What matters most is that it runs flawlessly, performs exceptionally well off-road, and has proven itself over hundreds of miles of backcountry exploration.
It’s also a genuine head-turner. The unmistakable sound and character of a Cummins diesel coming from a classic CJ-5 make this a Jeep that people notice.
The Bottom Line
Building a CJ-5 to this level takes significant time, mechanical expertise, fabrication, and investment (near 40K).
Between the Cummins diesel conversion, upgraded transmission, locking differentials, suspension, braking system, cooling improvements, electrical upgrades, and recovery equipment, this Jeep represents a substantial investment in capability.
More importantly, the major conversion and upgrades are already completed.
If you’ve been looking for a truly distinctive, diesel-powered classic Jeep with serious off-road capability and a proven adventure history, this is an opportunity worth considering.
It’s not built for everyone.
It’s built for the person who wants to go places most vehicles can’t –or– needs a ranch vehicle, snow plow or very cool ride…
Ready to Create Your Own Listing?
Use this example as inspiration. Your auction should accurately reflect your own vehicle and its condition.