Since its inception in 2008, Ball and Buck has carved out an impressive and well-deserved reputation for both its ultra-premium hunting apparel and gear and its many noteworthy collaborations with other leading outfits. In early 2020, the Boston-based brand tapped Kyle Smith of Bird Buggy to begin transforming 1980s Jeep CJ-8 Scramblers into modernized, bespoke off-roaders. And after the success of the outdoor and hunting label’s previous Signature Series Jeeps, it’s opted to take the concept even further with the debut of the even more capable Ball and Buck Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler ARB Overland Edition.
Like the previous bespoke Jeep series from Ball and Buck, the ARB Overland Edition is meticulously crafted by Kyle Smith and starts with a complete frame-off restoration of the ’80s era Scrambler. In addition to ARB, Ball and Buck has also called on a number of other revered brands in the space, resulting in more than 15 features and amenities that are exclusive to the ARB Overland Edition spec. This includes front and rear air lockers, fuel and water storage, a propane storage system, Intensity Off-Road LED spot and floodlights, a base rack system, a safari snorkel intake, and an onboard storage compressor all courtesy of ARB, as well as a WARN M8000 winch, custom high-grade steel bumpers with shackles, Quadratec rear floodlights, a reinforced trailer hitch, and Raceline alloy wheels. Under the hood, these made-to-order CJ-8s pack a fuel-injected 4.2L AMC engine, though the company is also offering upgrades to a GM 5.3L Liter V8 Vortec LMF or a 2.8L Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel mill. The interior of the Jeep has also received an involved redesign that includes brass dash controls and shift knobs, and a bespoke upholstery package consisting of hand-sewn brown leather and the brand’s signature 10oz Original Camo duck cotton that accents many of its garments and pieces of footwear.
Ball and Buck’s Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler ARB Overland Edition will be available for order beginning on October 5. Requiring a 6 to 12 month build time, the bespoke B&B Jeeps start from $125,000 and cost an additional $45,000 for the powertrain upgrade.
