“The Ultimate Wagon.” It was just that simple for AMC’s marketing department when talking about the 1981 Jeep Wagoneer, and we know that a good percentage of people drive an SUV today, unlike in 1981. This 1981 Jeep Wagoneer Limited 4×4 is posted here on craigslist in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and they’re asking $16,000 or best offer. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Scott for the tip!
I think the American Motors marketing department may have predicted the future of vehicles in America, since the percentage of people driving an SUV every day is huge compared to past decades. We’ve asked this question many times here on Barn Finds, and it’s always fun to read the replies: what was the first SUV, or the first SUV as defined as we would define it today?
Jeep made the Wagoneer from late 1962 for the 1963 model year in the Kaiser-Jeep era until 1970, when AMC took over. That partnership lasted until the end of American Motors in 1987, and Chrysler kept them around until 1991. It’s hard to believe they’ve been out of production for 34 years now. They have almost a hand-built quality about them, along with being somewhat clunky, squeaky, hard-edged, and not as refined as most SUVs today, but that’s also what gives them a vintage charm. Sort of like me. Hello? Is this thing on?
The seller says the exterior is original with a few touch-ups over the last 44 years. So, mostly original, and that’s cool. It looks great to me, I don’t see any rust, even though they mention some rust on the body and frame. There are no underside photos. The interior looks good for a 44-year-old vehicle with 87,051 miles, or 187,051? They say the odometer has rolled over. The Limited trim level was a nice upgrade with leather and corduroy seats, and full power accessories are there. Everything works, other than the AC isn’t blowing cold. The back seat looks great, as does the rear cargo area. The driver’s side door pull needs help, and there’s probably other work to do inside.
The engine is AMC’s 360-cu.in. OHV V8, which with the original two-barrel carb would have had 140 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque. This one has an upgraded OEM AMC four-barrel intake and a new Edlebrock four-barrel carb. It’s been dyno-tuned and runs like a champ and is backed by a TorqueFlite automatic sending power to all four wheels as needed. Hagerty is at $15,500 for a #4 fair-condition Wagoneer and $30,000 for a #3 good example. How much is this one worth?
I enjoyed your write up Scotty!!! Sheesh, 1991 was how many years ago???? I remember these all over the place it seems. We had a very busy AMC dealer in the town I grew up in. I always thought these were luxurious and well built trucks. I’ve always been attracted to this body style. Especially the early sixties Kaiser Wagoneers, I just love those early grills. This has held up rather well for all its years. A testament to their build quality.
It’s probably no surprise that I find this Wagoneer not only GRAND but a Bon Marche! Look what you GET for $16,000. Style and CLASS. Compared with today’s BLOATED SUVS at BLOATED prices, how can you pass by IF you’re looking for this type of vehicle? But as usual, I’ll wait for a genuwine vintage LAND YACHT.
There’s a
tan one with wood grain one in the movie what about bob, family favorite movie.
Despite my dislike for the SJ, or “FSJ”, or “Full Size Jeep”, these really were groundbreaking. I believe the jury is still out on what was the 1st SUV, some say goes back to the IH Travelall/Scout or Chevy/GMC Suburban of the late 30s, but what this was, was the 1st luxury SUV, I’d proudly say, that all others followed. It was an AWD vehicle that was cushy enough to take on a date, previously unheard of, and quickly became a status symbol, of sorts, with no intention of ever going off road. Whoever was first, it changed our driving forever, AWD, can’t be without it, even in the desert, apparently. You won’t find one in Salt Country, for sure.
Classic style and jeep ruggedness. I prefer the earlier ones with no fake wood.
Seems like a OK deal and it has some newer parts and upgrades. I would like to see some undercarriage pictures.
Lovely looking Jeep. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Jeep Wagoneer looked like this.
Nice older Jeep ! I had several back in the day all were good vehicles !