Some three decades after making its name with tough-as-nails go-anywhere civilian models of a military 4×4, Jeep launched the Grand Wagoneer, a luxurious SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) before that acronym existed. This 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer in Darby, Pennsylvania looks great, with little to dispute the claimed 91,000 original miles. Check out more pictures and details here on eBay, where at least 11 bidders have gone to bat on this No Reserve auction, elevating the wood-paneled Jeep’s market value above $16,000.
Power seats, power windows, leather and cloth seats, air conditioning, and cruise control would have had any WWII veteran shaking their head. A choice of up to four 4WD systems and 360 cid (5.9L) V8 power assured that your family and presents made it to Grandma’s house on Christmas Eve regardless of weather. That peace-of-mind sells SUVs of all shapes and sizes today, but seemed a great luxury in the ’70s and ’80s when even most farm trucks were RWD.
Wood paneling, real or imitation, generally marked the highest trim level in the station wagon market, going back to the pre-Jeep era. Jeep’s use of four doors and a relatively low floor made these more approachable for families who didn’t want a more commercial-looking truck. A shady location and low winter sun take away from what would otherwise be a comprehensive array of photographs, but nothing stands out as concerning for the next owner.
These Grand Wagoneers enjoy a rabid following, and at least one full-time business, Wagonmaster, refurbishes and resells them to nostalgic owners. This one looks nearly perfect and factory-correct down to the wheels and white-wall tires. Those chrome trim strips in the loading area and tailgate marry form and function, adding some bling while helping boxes and other loads slide in and out. Even without ABS and traction control, this Grand Wagoneer will nearly equal a modern steed’s use as a foul-weather daily driver so long as it’s fitted with good tires, the most important element of confident traction. Few potential buyers older than the “let’s text and drive” crowd would trade this vehicle’s simplicity for features like Lane Keep Assist and Blind Spot monitoring. Would you change anything on this high-rolling Grand Wagoneer?
These classics will always be worth more than these new pos they are peddling now. It’s an embarrassment
No! No changes! Ready to haul my dogs and me as is! Boy these nice Wagoneers just keep surfacing, lucky us….
Great find!
I would add fuel injection.
I remember working on these in the shop decades ago.Nice solid comfy daily drivers in cruddy weather.
When these were new it seemed that every lawyer,doctor,
etc. in our area bought one.Our neighbor,bought one new,but
sold it after a while saying that it was nothing but problematic
for him.
I had an 88, same color only tan leather interior. I loved it and never had a problem. Wish I still had it today. To me the bidding is a little low right now.
I am sure tomorrow about 2 pm it start to rise. Good luck.
My boss had one. An ’87. A beautifully presented piece of junk. Now, the same guys that pay $45k for a Plymouth Duster, pay close to six figures for these. No wonder the car flipping industry has taken off.
Brother in law worked for AMC, had a new one of these every 6 months, we used to take them to the back woods of Maine for hunting season, couldn’t stop them, drive thru anything, then 75 mph and so smooth
Yeah,they were so great they couldn’t turn a profit..imagine that