Ready To Drive: 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited

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Some barn finds are too good to ignore, and such was the case when the seller located this 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited. It had occupied the same spot in a Colorado barn since 2013, courtesy of a faulty camshaft. However, its condition was so good that it seemed a shame to leave it undisturbed. Therefore, the seller trailered it home, rebuilt the engine, and returned the vehicle to active service. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the Jeep listed here on eBay in Hillsboro, Oregon. A BIN of $30,000 will get the ball rolling, although the seller may consider offers.

It is easy to see why the seller found this Jeep so appealing. Beneath its layer of dust lurked Cumberland Green paint, which is in remarkable condition. It isn’t perfect, but it retains a pleasing shine. There are no signs of patchiness or deterioration, and the only defect worth noting is chipping on the lower rockers from stones and gravel. The problem isn’t severe, but applying a touch-up before rust develops would be wise. The panels are straight, there is no rust, and the faux woodgrain is excellent for its age. That is a significant consideration because color-matching damaged areas can be challenging due to age. The chrome sparkles as impressively as the paint, the roof rack is a practical feature, and the glass looks flawless.

If this Jeep’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior provides more of the same. The company wished to accentuate the Wagoneer’s luxury leaning with the Limited variant, loading it with creature comforts to enhance the enjoyment of any journey. Therefore, this interior features air conditioning, power locks, power front seats, leather and cloth upholstery, deep carpet, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. The only surprise omission is power windows. The type of lives these vehicles typically experience can leave trim and carpet worn and damaged, but this Jeep has avoided that fate. There is no appreciable carpet wear, the seats feature nothing beyond the wrinkles that are a classy characteristic of aging leather, and there is no broken plastic. The dash and pad are spotless, and there are no aftermarket additions beyond the column-mounted Sunpro tachometer.

And it’s more good news under the hood of this Wagoneer. The seller discovered this classic sitting in a barn, laid low by a faulty camshaft. They went the whole hog with its revival, completing an engine rebuild while adding an upgraded intake, carburetor, ignition, and exhaust. This 360ci V8 would have produced 127hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque when shiny and new, but the upgrades should have unleashed plenty of additional ponies. Those preferring originality will welcome the news that the removed factory components are included if they wish to reverse those changes. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes lightening the driver’s load. The effort and expense proved worthwhile because this Wagoneer runs and drives perfectly. The seller supplies this YouTube video as supporting evidence. The motor sounds crisp and clean, the car rolls along happily with no squeaks or odd noises, and the transmission shifts smoothly. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

When compiling a list of the stars of the classic market for 2023, the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Limited can rightly take its place. Values climbed by nearly 20% in a year when others suffered a significant decline. This one is a gem, and although the price is hardly chicken feed, recent results suggest it isn’t unprecedented. If it proves as good in the flesh as it appears in the listing, the new owner won’t need to spend a dime on this classic beyond the purchase price. Delving into the wilderness to commune with Mother Nature is a beautiful experience. Making that journey in total comfort is almost irresistible. If you agree, this Jeep could be the ideal vehicle for you.

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Comments

  1. NHDave

    Sold. “Best offer accepted.”

    Like 4
    • Yogibear

      One of the best overall early SUVs every produced.
      Sturdy classic good looking vehicle. These are becoming every so hard to locate in good condition.
      I had seen a place that purchases and restores these Jeep type vehicles

      Like 4
  2. Nelson C

    I like looking at these. Driving them not so much. Great color and nice features. I guess if you got to drive something.

    Like 1

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