With the incredible ongoing popularity of the classic Jeep CJ/Wrangler series, it’s easy to forget about other models in Jeep’s history. Consider the remarkable Jeep Grand Wagoneer, like the one recently for sale on eBay. The Grand Wagoneer, one of the first luxury SUVs, remained in production for nearly 30 years.
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A Gladiator With Style
The small companies that would eventually comprise American Motors Corporation - opens in new window or tab. (AMC) struggled to make vehicles that competed directly with similar cars from the Big Three. These smaller automakers—like Kaiser - opens in new window or tab., Willys - opens in new window or tab., and Nash - opens in new window or tab.—needed to create market niches in order to survive.
For example, take the original Jeep CJ - opens in new window or tab., a civilian version of the military Jeep. There had been no real off-road vehicle like it for the public before it debuted postwar, and eight decades later, it remains arguably the most popular off-roader ever.
In the early 1960s, Jeep introduced a full-sized truck, often called the J-Series or the Gladiator - opens in new window or tab.. While it was a good truck, it never sold as well as trucks from Ford or Chevrolet. But it did provide a perfect platform for the Wagoneer and, eventually, the Grand Wagoneer, which took the then-popular station wagon body style and gave it all-road capabilities with four-wheel drive.
Classy, Comfortable, and Convenient
Except for some early models with a solid front axle, nearly all Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers featured independent front suspension. This ensured that this first luxury SUV had a comfortable ride on the road. Early models used an inline-six engine, but most Wagoneers and Grand Wagoneers were powered by a V-8 from Buick or, as with the 360-cubic-inch V-8 - opens in new window or tab. seen here, an AMC-built engine.
The Wagoneer evolved through the 1960s and 1970s, gaining additional luxuries. Highlights included the innovations of Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel drive in the early 1970s and Selec-Trac in the early 1980s, which allowed the driver to engage 4WD using a dash-mounted switch - opens in new window or tab.. Both were vast improvements over manual locking hubs and a transfer case - opens in new window or tab. lever, which required the driver to get out of the vehicle and move a switch at each front wheel.
These innovations made the Jeep Wagoneer and, as of 1984, the Grand Wagoneer, must-have family vehicles in snowy regions, especially coastal New England.
Don’t Mess With the Patina
One of the biggest appeals of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer for certain enthusiasts is the faux wood paneling on the sides of the big SUV. When Jeep brought back the Wagoneer nameplate in 2022, it was a shame that it didn’t include an option for wood exterior trim.
The wood paneling here seems to be sun-faded, which tends to happen when it’s kept outside for most of its life. The bodywork has a few dings here and there, and the seats have some serious wear.
We suggest that you don’t touch the exterior of this Jeep Grand Wagoneer one bit. Yeah, you could restore it to a like-new shine, but you would lose the appeal of a classic. Definitely freshen up the seats - opens in new window or tab. and take a steam cleaner to the deep shag carpets, but keep that patina when you buy this beauty. The shine from the smiles of onlookers will be more than enough.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.