If you’re looking for a rugged classic with vintage style and modern reliability, this 1973 Jeep Wagoneer could be the right fit. Listed for sale on craigslist out of Center Moriches, New York, this full-size 4×4 SUV has been extensively restored and features a rebuilt original 360 cubic inch V8, a freshly serviced automatic transmission, and a long list of new mechanical and cosmetic parts. See it here on craigslist.
This generation of Wagoneer represents one of the earliest attempts to combine off-road capability with family-friendly comfort—years before the modern SUV craze took hold. It’s a body-on-frame bruiser with real four-wheel drive, yet it was marketed with a level of civility that made it stand out from the pickup-based competition. This example has been restored with care, including a 4-inch lift in the rear and 2.5-inch up front, paired with new BF Goodrich 31×10.50 tires for the right stance and off-road prowess.
Under the hood, the original 360 V8 has been rebuilt and paired with a fully serviced 3-speed automatic. The seller notes that everything mechanical has been addressed, including new u-joints, belts, fuel sender, starter, water pump, spark plugs, filters, and fluids. The braking system has also been redone with a new master cylinder, booster, pads, and wheel cylinders.
The interior has seen just as much attention. The seats have been reupholstered, and it wears new carpet, a fresh headliner, and refinished bumpers. According to the seller, everything works—including the 4WD system, all gauges, windows, and even the factory radio.
Finished in what appears to be its original color, this Wagoneer wears a clean and timeless look that complements its functional upgrades. If you’re in the market for a well-sorted early SUV that’s equally suited for trail rides or car shows, this example deserves a closer look.
Would you use this Wagoneer for weekend getaways, or keep it in the garage for sunny-day cruises?
Never much a fan of lift kits, as they can cause driveline geometry trouble if not done well. Handling sacrifices also, but certainly required equipment for very serious off roaders. This one looks clean and has a great stance , tire size kept reasonable .. 👍 Thanks Elizabeth. Cool wagoneer.
I’m not a fan of lifts either, from prior experience. I wouldn’t have thought it would’ve taken a 4 inch lift in the rear to fit 31″ tall tires on this rig, but I dunno. 31’s would fit on the CJ’s with zero lift and not rub. I just had to have 33 X 12.50’s on my CJ5 back in the day. A 4 inch lift was recommended. I “did it right” with shims on the axle perches to fix the rear driveshaft angle and I built a spacer to drop the transfer case 3/4″ or so. I had zero driveline vibration. However, with the lift kit, that CJ5 rode and handled like a lumber wagon going down a flight of stairs. Lesson learned. Shove the biggest tires that’ll fit under it with the stock suspension and let it go, in my opinion. Cool Wagoneer, though. I really like the late 60’s and early 70’s models. Ideally, I’d like to find one with the old Buick 350 and a three on the tree!
Nice looking Jeep. It has been taken off Craigslist.
They never put a price because when most people see that they could buy a 5 year old Lamborghini for close to the asking price of these Wagoneer’s they quickly loose interest! I had a 78 that was the same exact vehicle color and options as this one and was in the same mint condition with only 36k actual miles on it and mine sold for $1200 back in 1987 because not one single person would bite on my original $1500 asking price! I don’t understand all the hype, they wouldn’t tow as much as a Suburban, wouldn’t haul as much as a Suburban, and didn’t “Comfortably” seat 6 adults as good as a Suburban yet they want 3 times as much as you could buy a restored Suburban of the same year! Don’t make sense to me, what is so great about these old Wagoneer’s?
id take this gorgeous, durable, American surviver over a silly lamborghini anyday. As a Sub K25 ower, ill have to say nothing else can beat it all things considered.. though im sure this Wagoneer tows similiar to standard Sub 15s; and they dont look this beautiful.
Since not everyones looking to tow 10k., this is, as a classic American fan, one of the best.
Anyway, im sure this will be deleted AAGAIN. Funny, i paid membership, yet havent been noted yet.
Ahhh, its ok, waisting time and money so some ego can trip..
while too often defending barn finds on the Barn Finds website from people who have nothing but nagative, harshly critical and unfounded claims.
Oh but aint that America”
Oh the irony.
your welcome 🙄
What’s so great about these old Wagoneer’s???
They are not a Suburban!
Nothing is special about it..
Just pure some doodads on that pig and see what happens..
I agree that the prices of these is stupid..
But like my father used to say at his body shop “there’s an ass for every seat 🙄
Long Island is surrounded on 3 sides by salt water. I would be leery.
HAHAHA great reply!!!
We can thank the Lord for that, Rufus!
I love it! Brings back the good times memories. When I was married, we had two incomes, a house, yard, 2 cats, 3 English Bulldogs, my 1972 Buick Riviera and hubby’s 1972 Jeep Wagoneer. The year? Around 1992.
Hubby’s was a more gold color and very basic. AM radio, heater, power steering, power brakes, automatic trans & power tailgate window.
This ’73 for sale says the windows work so I’ll assume it has power windows.
I went to the junkyard and snatched a roof rack off of an 80s Chevrolet wagon and we installed it on the Jeep. Loved the real 4 wheel drive with manual locking hubs.
Damn I miss that car/truck.
We can thank the Lord for that, Rufus!
I love it! Brings back the good times memories. When I was married, we had two incomes, a house, yard, 2 cats, 3 English Bulldogs, my 1972 Buick Riviera and hubby’s 1972 Jeep Wagoneer. The year? Around 1992.
Hubby’s was a more gold color and very basic. AM radio, heater, power steering, power brakes, automatic trans & power tailgate window.
This ’73 for sale says the windows work so I’ll assume it has power windows.
I went to the junkyard and snatched a roof rack off of an 80s Chevrolet wagon and we installed it on the Jeep. Loved the real 4 wheel drive with manual locking hubs.
Damn I miss that car/truck.
2 thumbs 👍 👍 up for ya Angel
I have owned 3 Wagoneers and 2 Gladiators from that era….
I loved them. I want another one.