The 1991 Grand Wagoneer graphically demonstrated the evolution of the Jeep brand. Its early vehicles were hard-edged and produced with a single purpose: To take its occupants deep into the wilderness. Comfort features didn’t extend beyond seat padding and an optional heater, representing motoring at its most basic. However, this 1991 Grand Wagoneer is a polar opposite. Its features remain quite impressive, even by modern standards. It presents exceptionally well, and like its predecessors, it could still provide off-road adventures. However, its next journey will be to a new home, because the seller has listed the Grand Wagoneer for auction with No Reserve.
The Grand Wagoneer badge joined the Jeep model range in 1984 as the top-spec version of the Wagoneer lineup. It remained a staple until production ended in 1991, with its demise hastened by rising fuel prices and the prohibitive cost of modifying the vehicle to comply with ever-tightening safety regulations. It is worth noting that while it is described as a Grand Wagoneer Limited Edition, no such separate model ever existed. A dramatic sales decline prompted the decision to cease production by the end of 1991, and the company gave every buyer that year the option of having a Gold plaque attached to the dash designating their new toy as a Final Edition. The original owner ordered this Grand Wagoneer in Dark Cordovan, and the paint retains a healthy shine. There are no significant flaws or defects, and the panels are straight. The faux woodgrain is original, and although there are a couple of faded spots on the moldings, it has survived remarkably well. Some people believe these classics are prone to rust, but that isn’t an issue for potential buyers. Chrysler introduced a new paint and rustproofing process in 1989, and the new owner will reap the benefits. The panels show no signs of problems, and the underside shots confirm it is rock-solid. Most of the glass is clear, with only one chip on the passenger side of the windshield that the buyer might address. The trim looks excellent, and the alloy wheels are free from damage.
Climbing aboard this Jeep is like slipping into a world of total luxury, with its features impressive, even by modern standards. Occupants receive leather and cloth upholstery, timber trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, six-way power front seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. That last item is noteworthy because many owners swap the original stereo for a more modern CD or Bluetooth unit. There are no visible additions or modifications, with the seller confirming that everything inside this classic works as it should. The carpet exhibits slight marks below the driver’s feet, but the remaining trim and upholstery are exceptional for their age.
Lifting this Jeep’s hood reveals a 360ci V8, producing 144hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard features. It is refreshing that the seller doesn’t make seemingly unrealistic mileage claims about this Jeep, confirming it has clocked 165,000 miles. However, it has been meticulously maintained from Day One, and every mechanical component works perfectly. They include this YouTube video of the Grand Wagoneer in action, and it shows nothing but good news. That 360 sounds sweet and clean, and the transmission shifts smoothly. Perhaps most impressively, there are no signs of the squeaks and rattles that often develop with age. It might not be a low-mile survivor that is in as-new condition, but I see nothing suggesting the winning bidder needs to spend anything beyond the purchase price.
It is not unusual for some vehicles to fall victim to changing economic circumstances, and such was the fate of the 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Sales plummeted during the late 1980s, with the company announcing the end of production in February 1991. The low production tally during that year makes these fairly rare in a “big picture” context, and the auction action since the seller listed this survivor with No Reserve here on eBay in Lakewood, Washington, demonstrates that they are held in high regard. Eighteen bids have pushed the price to $13,600 with time left for interested parties to make their play. A new home is days away, and it will be fascinating to learn if we have any readers who are tempted to make it theirs.
This actually looks very good on the dirty side and shiney side, I seen many look great on top bottom rotted,I’m I not correct Howard??
Spot on. I checked into that, and apparently AMC used either galvanized panels or paint, and many did look okay on top, but with rusted frames. I believe the same holds true today.
I had a 1987. Loved it! Window sticker showed 11/13 mpg city/hwy. They were right on with that estimate.
I know these have a big following and can bring big bucks. I was surprised at the bids they seem low but that could change. For me I don’t get why they have the popularity many people have for them.
There is certainly no question about the SJs importance. The others tried, and some nice Travelalls and Suburbans could be had, the Grand Wagoneer seemed to open the floodgates to cushy 4x4s. The kind you could show up at the country club in. A mud encrusted K5, not so much. Due to the varied types of driving and terrain in America, opinions will be all over the place on these. My PARTICULAR experience, my ’78 Cherokee was one of the worst vehicles I owned. You name it, it failed at some point. It hasn’t soured me much, I like all Jeeps, up to 2006, anyway. These have a long list of shortcomings, I suppose gas mileage the biggie, but comfort, dependability, and ride, for a 4×4, weren’t among them. It’s hard to believe this is a direct descendant of Brooks Stevens 1963 Wagoneer.
Again, cost. I read these cost a whopping $29,800 new, almost $2grand more than your fancy schmancy Eddie Bauer Bronco. That didn’t stop over 101,000 Grand Wagoneers sold, sadly, only about 4300 for the final year. The plaque on the dash commemorates that.
I had a 1990 GW that was very similar to this one, fairly high mileage but well maintained, stock, no rust, survivor. Smiles per mile were very high, but gas mileage for low power was atrocious. Alas, I sold it before the boom in popularity and it went at auction for only $7500 in 2014.
To each their own. I never really understand the appeal to these.
Hi Mark, I can understand, looking at it today, it is rather archaic. We must remember, the Wagoneer was groundbreaking at the time.( 1963) I’d dare say, the basis for all future SUVs, especially cushy ones. By 1991, this particular model had run its course, and, the Asian offerings were far superior.
Beautiful looking Jeep Wagoneer. I like that it’s not far from where I’m from, Lakewood Washington. If only we could comment on the YouTube video showing the Jeep.
My old boss leased one of these, new. He was a total nerd, and thought owning a “Jeep” would give him some cred. He was wrong, but the Wagoneer looked really sweet, dark blue with the matching leather interior, when it wasn’t being towed to the dealer.
I had an 84 we swapped out to a big block Chevy with 400 horse. Man what goer what was . Divorce made me sell it. WERE I not so hot on getting a 57-58 Cabellero, I would surely have this as my daily driver in the mountains..