Lap of Luxury: 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

The 1988 Grand Wagoneer is a world removed from the models that cemented the company’s name in automotive folklore following World War II. Those vehicles represented off-roading at its most basic, while the Grand Wagoneer offered a similar experience in the lap of luxury. If you’d told a buyer in the 1940s that they would eventually be able to purchase a Jeep featuring leather upholstery and air conditioning, they may have questioned your sanity. However, those are just two of the features that help this classic stand out from mere mortals. It is a two-owner survivor that recently emerged from years in storage, and it is ready for a life of adventure with a new owner behind the wheel. The seller has listed the Jeep here on eBay in Brooklyn, New York. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve and sits at $6,100.

While the seller is a dealer, they indicate that the Jeep is a two-owner classic. Its original owner retained it until 1992 before it headed to a new home. That second owner was an off-road enthusiast because this was one of several four-wheel drives occupying his garage. He used the vehicle regularly until passing away several years ago, at which time the family elected to leave it in the garage under a cover. When they eventually decided to sell, they moved it into the light of day to reveal a classic in surprisingly good condition. Its original Grenadine paint shines nicely, with no significant flaws or defects. The seller admits the Jeep needs detailing, meaning the buyer could lift the presentation even higher with little cost or effort beyond a buff and polish. The faux woodgrain is equally impressive, with no fading or physical damage. The panels are straight, with only a single small ding in the passenger side rear quarter panel worth noting. The tinted glass is spotless, the chrome shines impressively, and the original alloy wheels exhibit no signs of stains or physical damage.

This Grand Wagoneers interior presents quite well for a vehicle of this type and age. The cloth inserts on the seats and the carpet carry a few minor marks, but I suspect a deep clean would eliminate most of those. The leather seat upholstery shows no signs of wear or physical damage, while the plastic is free from cracks. The second owner replaced the original radio/cassette player with a high-end Alpine CD player, but there are no other aftermarket additions. If luxury appointments are what you seek, this Jeep delivers. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, six-way power front seats, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. The seller indicates that everything works as it should. New off-roaders often feature more creature comforts but also have a considerably higher price tag.

While living in the lap of luxury is nice, this Jeep comes into its own when the going gets rough. Its 360ci V8 provides 144hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque that feeds to either two or four wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Power steering means the driver won’t need to be an Olympic weightlifter to maneuver this classic in tight confines. The Grand Wagoneer is no muscle car, but its power and torque mean it is equally at home cruising at highway speeds as it is climbing over muddy or harsh terrain. After several years in hibernation, the seller returned the vehicle to a roadworthy state. They replaced the thermostat and housing, taking the opportunity to flush the cooling system and radiator. They addressed a minor brake issue, replaced the fuel filter, and performed a service. The Jeep runs and drives well, and with a mere 122,000 miles on the clock, it should offer its new owner many years of faithful service.

Many people find the prospect of accessing the wilderness attractive, but doing so in a vehicle offering few creature comforts can cause them to opt-out of such adventures. If that is the sole reason why they make that choice, this 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer removes that excuse. It is possible to buy a new SUV offering greater levels of comfort and equipment than this Jeep, but they will also cost their buyer considerably more. The bidding on this classic has been subdued, but the overall condition and history mean that it could potentially nudge $30,000 before the hammer falls. However, the lack of bidding interest suggests that someone may score this beauty for a considerably lower figure. If a comfortable off-roader is in your sights, it could be worth watching this listing. Today could be your lucky day.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. John Holden

    Had exactly this model in Venezuela but with the 6 cylinder engine. One of the very best cars I’ve ever had. Cruises comfortably in the city with great a/c and will go absolutely anywhere with its four-wheel drive – rivers, mountains, beaches. A truly remarkable vehicle!

    Like 10
  2. Pauld

    A great riding car with a tight turning radius. That’s the good. The bad is everything breaks prematurely. Small gas tank that has to be filled often. Gave ours away to the cleaning lady.

    Like 3
  3. Rangerwalker24

    Isn’t that Chet Ripley’s old rig?? Lol. The Great Outdoors is where this Jeep loves being. Nice ride though.

    For those who do not know: The Great Outdoors is an excellent John Candy film from 1988. Candy’s character name was Chet Ripley and he drove one of these. Might have been a 1987 Grand Wagoneer he drove in that movie but not sure.

    Like 5
  4. Jay McCarthy

    The first thing the new owner should do is swap that horrible emission choked carburetor and intake and put a decent 4bbl intake and maybe even fuel injection, just lose that 2bbl

    Like 7
  5. STEVE

    I remember a whole row of these lined up in front of Young’s Olds Pontiac and Jeep in Coos Bay Oregon back in the late 70’s. I’d stop and admire them. Being a college kid they were way out of my price range. I see Wagon Masters asks 80-100 thousand for them now.

    Like 1
  6. Michael Berkemeier

    Underpowered as heck. Don’t be the least bit surprised with 7-8 mpg and, no, I am not kidding. I had one that was mint, w/56K miles on it, several years back. Truly, a very cool vehicle…that I do not miss one bit and would never want to own again.

    Like 0
  7. Michael Berkemeier

    Just an interesting memory from my (short) Grand Wagoneer ownership days…

    I filled up with gas on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. With my wife and three kids on board, we headed to the west side of Dayton, for Christmas dinner with the relatives. We ran out of gas very late that night on I-70 about 1/2 of the way home. It is exactly 90 miles from Reynoldsburg to Brookville. Do the math, lol.

    7.39 MPG!

    Like 1
  8. Michael Berkemeier

    Actually, I apologize, 2/3 of the way. about 150 miles. We were close to London, Ohio.

    Like 1
  9. JimmyinTEXAS

    It is sitting at $16,600 this afternoon.
    This presents very well an if the bottom is as equally nice as the bottom it may proceed to a very nice sale price.

    Like 0
  10. Richard Fasano

    Hi it Jeepman I had a 82 Wagoneer Limited same body. Different tail lights in burnt orange. Restored it in 97 all black. Kept brown interior. Had a 258 straight 6. 35 gallon gas tank. Never ran out of gas. 4wd phenomenal. Had a 6 inch lift with 31 inch all terrain tires. Incredible truck easy to work was still an AMC

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.

Barn Finds