There are many ways to commence an adventure, and if it involves communing with Mother Nature, transportation choices seem endless. However, if the whole family wishes to get to that destination comfortably, few vehicles are better than a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This 1978 model is complete and features the range-topping V8 under the hood. It is begging for love, but with parts readily available, it is a prime candidate for a DIY project. The owner admits he will never tackle the build, so he has listed it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions with No Reserve.

The Jeep would have turned heads in its prime courtesy of a combination of Autumn Red and Alpine White paint. The alloy wheels would have added to the classy impression, as would the splashes of chrome and the practical roof rack. Time has taken a toll on this beauty, but it is complete and unmolested. The panels are straight, but there is rust for the winning bidder to tackle. It is structurally sound, meaning the work is essentially cosmetic. The Grand Wagoneer requires new rear quarter panels and rockers, although areas like the tailgate might be patchable. A brief online search uncovered complete rockers for around $125 per side, with quarter panels and doglegs retailing for about $165 per side. That would make this Jeep virtually rust-free for under $600 plus the time required for cutting and welding in a home workshop. However, mine was a brief search, and a more thorough investigation could reduce the figure considerably. Most trim pieces and the wheels should respond positively to polish, but the buyer must replace the badly cracked windshield.

The original owner went to the top of the class when ordering this Jeep, specifying the 401ci V8 that produced 210hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed this V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and the company’s legendary Quadra-Trac system. Although straight-line performance wasn’t the primary focus, a ¼-mile ET of 17.8 seconds was respectable for an off-roader tipping the scales at 4,370 lbs. The vehicle was undeniably versatile, with its V8 engine, automatic transmission, and power steering making light work of heavy going. Once the adventure ended, hitting the highway to cruise at 70mph was realistic and effortless. The owner indicates this Jeep’s V8 has a blown head gasket, requiring a total engine rebuild. This will add to the restoration cost but should be viewed as a one-off investment that shouldn’t need a repeat performance for decades.

Opening the Jeep’s doors reveals an interior trimmed in a combination of Butterscotch leather and cloth. The leather sports the character wrinkles commonly seen with this material, and it looks slightly dry in spots. However, a deep clean and a liberal application of a high-quality conditioner should make a world of difference. The dash and pad have avoided the rigors of age and UV exposure, but the winning bidder needs to invest in a replacement carpet set to lift the presentation. The impression is it will take more time than money to whip this aspect of the Grand Wagoneer into shape. It has some excellent comfort and convenience features, with the winning bidder receiving air conditioning, an upgraded radio, a tilt wheel, and a remote driver’s mirror. However, sinking back into that leather upholstery is luxury itself and would satisfy many owners.

The owner rightly points out that once this 1978 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is returned to its former glory, the winning bidder could own a classic off-roader worth over $13,000 when they put down the tools for the final time. If the buyer is hands-on, they will complete the build for significantly less than that figure. They will also feel the satisfaction of stepping back and admiring their creation with a sense of accomplishment. I can’t think of anything negative in that scenario. Can you?

• Location: East Point, Georgia
• Mileage: TMU
• Engine: 401ci V8
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
• Title Status: Clean

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