In the vast New Mexican desert, a 1979 Jeep CJ7 has become a revered local icon, standing out among the latest SUVs and trucks.

Mark Ortiz, a longtime local, owns this sturdy Jeep, and it’s proof positive that the old CJ model will never go out of style. The classic CJ7 design pays homage to Jeep’s military roots with features like removable soft tops, flared fenders, and round headlights.

The CJ7’s off-road prowess and throwback good looks enticed Ortiz to buy it in the early 1990s. A Jeep “speaks to me,” he explains. “I knew I had to have it and give it a new lease on life.”

Ortiz has done precisely that. His careful restoration and maintenance of the Jeep over the years has resulted in new suspension components, replacement of worn parts, and optimal performance from the 258 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine. The end product is a CJ7 that retains all of the original features and functionality, just like it did when it left the Toledo, Ohio factory.

Ortiz can be seen often in his Jeep, driving through the winding dirt roads and rough paths that wind through the Chihuahuan Desert, which surrounds Las Cruces. Ortiz finds immense joy in showcasing the CJ7’s off-road capability, and it’s the ideal match for the Jeep’s versatile nature.

“This Jeep was built to tackle the tough stuff,” according to him. And that’s the very thing that makes it so special to me. It’s a great joy to drive and a real workhorse.

The local community adores Ortiz’s CJ7 for reasons beyond its practical appeal. Its untamed charm and the tale of its restoration draw large crowds at auto shows and community gatherings.

“People just light up when they see this Jeep,” adds Ortiz. “It’s a real conversation starter, and I love being able to share its history and my passion for keeping it alive.”

No matter how much time passes, the 1979 Jeep CJ7 from Las Cruces will always be a conversation starter and a source of fond memories. Owners like Mark Ortiz ensure that these legendary 4x4s will continue to dominate trails and roads, transporting us to a bygone era when the irresistible rumbling of a Jeep engine answered the call of adventure.