When a certain vehicle catches fire with collectors, the field of examples that inevitably flood the market can make finding a “winner” more challenging than before when it was simply a used car or truck. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a perfect example of this, as the classic family truckster went from a used SUV to the epitome of yacht club accessorizing in a few short years. Many rough examples have come to light, along with over-restored models as well. I suspect that’s why this 1988 Grand Wagoneer with just over 100,000 miles is attracting bids to $10,000 here on eBay as it appears to be an honest, clean example with minimal modifications.
I like the larger tires on stock wheels, which remind us that the Grand Wagoneer is a true body-on-frame SUV that was never meant to be used for some Instagram model to use as a prop to pretend like they were roughing it at a winery. You can see why the truck has become a bit of a fashion statement, as wood paneling used to be associated with some level of wealth and/or upper-crust lifestyle. It’s no surprise the Grand Wagoneer nameplate was revived in the last two years, as awareness of this model’s place in Jeep’s lineup has never been higher outside of when it was a regular fixture in the vehicle lineup.
The seller doesn’t provide a lot of detail on the history of this Grand Wagoneer, but whoever looked after it in the past has certainly done a good job of keeping the acres of leather and fake wood trim in good condition. The front seats show signs of wear commensurate with age while the back seat shows very little in the way of use. The carpets have some mild soiling but nothing a weekend of detailing couldn’t improve. The door panels are in good order and the dash pad isn’t cracked. The seller notes the headliner is new and, somewhat incredibly, all the electric windows still work – even the rear tailgate glass.
The engine is said to run well and the seller notes it benefits from “…new gaskets, new carburetor.” “Gaskets” is a big word and I’m not sure exactly what this covers (valve cover gaskets, perhaps?) but the fresh carburetor is a more obvious improvement. The frame and under-body are said to be rust-free and the seller indicates this is an Iowa vehicle that certainly has a good chance of having lived in a dry, favorable climate. The seller has listed the Grand Wagoneer on behalf of an owner who “…does not want to deal with people,” a sentiment I can certainly understand these days.
“Grand Wagoneer is a true body-on-frame SUV that was never meant to be used for some Instagram model to use as a prop to pretend like they were roughing it at a winery.”
Statements like this are why I begin my day and end my day by reading a few Barn Finds wrote ups.
This was on Wheeler Dealers. They restored it and did all of the work that was mentioned. New paint Job, the wood on the side is painted, etc.
Sure looks like it
I think it’s similar, but not the same one. Some subtle differences. First, on the W/D one, they had the fake wood painted on. This one looks applied and still has the border (the W/D one eliminated the border). Another is the tires… this one has raised white letters and the W/D one didn’t. But, I have to admit, when I saw it my first reaction was it was the W/D one. Maybe it is and the owner changed those things.
Listing ended.
Gee, I think those A/C hoses will need replacing. Left open for much time and the compressor etc. are toast too. Makes me wonder what monkey pulled the engine out. Why else would anyone cut them like that and leave them? Otherwise it looks nice, but I am not a fan of the lift on this one. Not needed for the tires, and upsets the looks IMHO.
Just depends on what you need to roll over JMB#7. I rode with a real estate agent in one of these who was showing me some lake lots in Arkansas years ago and we were driving over 6 and 8 inch trees that had been felled to improve the lots with no problem.
Jeep should bring these big old Wagoneers back.
There is a new Wagoneer. Less character but huge!