While my colleague Dustin and I were in California for Monterey Car Week, he mentioned that his off-road trails app showed there was no place to go wheeling over difficult terrain in the area. However, we were in a prime spot for beach cruising. Our Pick of the Day looks perfect for that kind of fun. This 1972 Jeep CJ-5 is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lavergne, Tennessee. The video below shows an exterior/interior tour and a road test.

In 1954, Willys Motors (which had merged with Kaiser) introduced the CJ-5, a new model with softer, more rounded styling inspired by the 1952 M-38A1 used in the Korean War. More importantly, it was stronger, and more comfortable, versatile, and capable off-road than its predecessor. As the brochure shows, the 1972 model year was also a big moment for the CJ-5, bringing a longer 84-inch wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks, brawnier suspension, stronger three-speed transmission, quieter transfer case, larger gas tank, and other changes. Jeep offered the CJ-5 with the choice of two six-cylinder engines as well as an AMC 304ci V-8.

The CJ-5 you see here not only has the 304, but it also benefits from several updates. According to the selling dealer, the new “turquoise paint gleams with an 8 out of 10 shine.” The cabin features “recently upgraded tan vinyl bucket seats and a matching rear bench.” If for some reason you want to stop listening to the sounds of the waves, seagulls, and 235/75R15 tires rolling over the sand, you can crank up the Bluetooth-compatible AM/FM radio with CD player.

For a different kind of music, downshift the three-speed gearbox and give the 304 some gas to hear it roar through the side pipes right underneath you.

We’re getting closer and closer to better open-air driving weather. Wouldn’t a drive on the beach in this 1972 Jeep CJ-5 be wonderful? If you think so, you can make that happen for $26,995.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com