It seemed a few years ago, the world could not get enough of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The epitome of a vintage luxury SUV, the Wagoneer represented the most iconic way to demonstrate your inner waspiness if there ever was one, and it became a bit of an accessory if someone if your household liked to present they lived in a 24/7 nautical catalog shoot. While some of this had faded away, no doubt helped by the fact that the tumultuous economy limits such reckless accessorizing, the Grand Wagoneer has remained an icon and trucks like this mostly restored 1991 model listed here on eBay will likely always be able to find a buyer.
One aspect of the Grand Wagoneer that plagues a variety of so-called collector cars is how many still languish on the pages of Craigslist and Marketplace in ruined condition. When a car like the, say, 993-chassis Porsche 911 appears as a “project,”, it’s still a pretty decent example that will easily command $50,000 or better. When a truck like the Grand Wagoneer shows up as a needy 4×4, it’s a $1,500 purchase. I don’t mean to compare the two but more to make the point that some collector vehicles go for peanuts in project form while others will, quite simply, never be cheap again. The Grand Wagoneer is a collectible SUV, but sheer production numbers will always limit its potential value.
And that’s because when it was new, Jeep didn’t intend to make a collectible vehicle. It was simply a way to make money. And in doing so, the company opened up a whole new segment of vehicles that today is one of the most powerful vehicle classes in existence. The luxury SUV market seems to show no sign of abating, but will we someday covet a mint-condition Cadillac Escalade the way one might seek out a truck like this? The Grand Wagoneer shown here apparently showed up to the seller’s shop as a disassembled project in need of bodywork, paint, and assorted mechanical repairs; in many ways, this is a near-completely restored truck. The interior is new as well, with fresh vinyl for the seats, new carpet, headliner, and dash pad, and refurnished door panels with a modern stereo installed.
Mechanically, the suspension was serviced with new axle bearings, seals, shims, four new shocks and more. The engine received a new radiator, water pump, spark plugs, and wires, while the A/C system was completely overhauled including a new heater core and compressor, along with an R134 conversion. Even the woodgrain kit on the side body panels is new. If you’re in the market for one of these, it’s always nice to buy one with the heavy lifting done, including all the pesky work you’d likely need to tackle on a driver-quality example. Bidding seems light at the moment with the reserve light-years away, so we’ll see if the next few days reveal an ongoing love for these classic SUVs in the marketplace.
I think the collectability of these SJ Wagoneers has a lot to do with who bought them when they were new. By the mid-80s, these were aspirational vehicles, bought by some of the wealthiest buyers out there. Biff and Muffy would buy one and store it at their villa in Aspen or maybe they’d keep it at the Beverly Hills estate and drive it to polo matches so the Rolls wouldn’t smell like horse.
As for the Escalade, the oldest examples are only seven years newer than this Wagoneer, but there isn’t much collector interest…. yet.
When the Wagoneer came out 4 door SUVs were pickup truck based GM Suburbans or International Travelalls. 4wd was an add on for them. The 4wd unit was an add on, and the vehicle looked jacked up and like something loggers would use. Honestly, they looked like something the Tom Joad family would buy if they had money. This was something you could take fishing in the morning, antiquing in the afternoon, and a night at the opera and look good doing each. The 4wd was well integrated, and the vehicle while large was smaller than the others and easy to drive and park in an urban setting. The surprise is it took the others so long to catch on. It’s hard to predict what the collectors market will be like 20 30 years from now. However, the badge engineered Cadillac SUV line won’t get anyone excited.
I owned an 86 in 89 for one week. the absolute worst vehicle on the highway I have ever driven. I have owned 47 cars, it was the worst of them all. and to think it get’s less than 10mpg around town, no, ill pass. as the summers heat up I think we should all be doing our part to drive responsibly.
I can’t believe they were still using this mid-late 60s body style in 1991! Didn’t this body style come out in 1967? They definitely had a new Grand Wagoneer by 1993, so maybe 92 was the last year for this body style?
1991 was the last year for the original grand wagoneer. Last of the carb 360 engines of that era.
As Hugh Hefner figured out, looks matter, which is why he never had a writer on the cover of his magazine. In the case of this Waggoner, it looks fantastic, and much like a crazy hot woman, a lot of people will overlook the flaws.
So many new cars are so boring to look at. This is the appeal of this vehicle, despite the horrible mileage, shoddy build quality, etc. Eventually, though, there will be a divorce, and it will be costly.
I love it, the 91was the last year, but what is the mileage and the actual price.
Found what I was looking for on ebay, Now waiting to see bids.
I had several of these and they were all good vehicles , would go just about any where with in reason , I drove the snow plow and never missed any calls because of the jeeps! This one is nice !
Guggie, I had an 84 that we completely rebuilt. Had to sell due to a divorce very sad, Now I’m trying hard to get another. IF my pocket allows and my 2012 2dr 4wd Silverado 82k miles will be a good down..
lost my 78 Cherokee due to divorce and she trashed it !
This a sweet one if its as good as the photos is $75k under one now availablw at $101.00 with40k miles . I only drive about 10 miles aday so 10mph would not bOther me plus this would be my last great ride for my93 years. OH I FORGOT THERE IS A NICE ONE IN BOULDER, 40 MILES FROM ME THATS ON THE MARKET FOR $29,900..