Here’s an interesting take on a classic, a 1981 Jeep Wagoneer Limited with no woodgrain trim and a backdated nose panel to the older design. There are a few ways to look at this Wagoneer: whether the previous owner made your life easier with the modifications, or whether reverting to the original configuration will be a burden. Either way, it’s a looker as it sits right now, if only for being so dramatically different from the hundreds of woodgrain-clad examples that reside on classifieds sites. Find this monotone Wagoneer here on eBay for $15,995 or best offer.
I kept looking at this truck trying to figure out why it stood out to me. It’s amazing how you can get accustomed to seeing an object in the same format over and over again, and then it takes you a moment to realize why it’s different. The missing woodgrain trim reminds us that this was a handsome design with or without the iconic detail on the doors and fenders, and it’s surprising more owners don’t opt for this approach when the original wood paneling perishes due to the sun exposure or other damage. The seller notes that the respray is an older paint job and shows plenty of light flaws. The wheels and tires present well, as do the chrome bumpers.
The interior is in good shape overall, with the leather seating surfaces mostly intact. I suspect these have been redone at some point, likely during the exterior refresh. However, the seller calls it “unrestored,” so perhaps it is original, but I doubt it; my guess is the Jeep got a light makeover over a decade ago, but nothing that rose to the level of being considered a full restoration. The switchgear shows significant wear, and you can see cosmetic flaws on the steering wheel. The listing also notes the headliner is sagging. Really, these are all so minor in the grand scheme of things; I would live with most of these shortcomings rather than try to make this truck perfect.
That’s the tricky thing with Wagoneers, however: a lot of people expect them to be perfect, at least if you’re trying to sell one. This Wagoneer slots into that “tweener” space where it’s nice enough to drive, but it looks like it’s missing something (i.e., the woodgrain). Ironically, if it were a bit more ratty, the woodgrain delete might look even more appealing. Regardless, it all comes down to the buyer, and if they simply want a Wagoneer, they can use one that doesn’t look like (or smell like) it was used as someone’s fishing rig for decades in the Outer Banks. The 5.9L V8 emits a reliable 140 horsepower and 228 lb-ft of torque, and the seller notes the A/C still works. Would you consider a Wagoneer like this or stick with the purist-preferred example?
I like it! I know what I say about my personal experience with these, and can’t be considered gospel, after reading some comments, many had great luck with these. As said, the luxury SUV was in its infancy, and not a lot to go on. Jeep pushed the issue with the Kaiser, that never asked for any of this, and this was the result. The front is a bit unusual, I read, the Wagoneer grills went through several transitions. Apparently, this grill is known as the “rhino grill”, ( a rhinos horn flanked by 2 pie plates) then came the “razor grill” until ’79, then the “pig nose”, which I believe this would have had, and finally, the “muscle grill”, a combination of the pig and razor grills. The 5.9 for us that haven’t adopted the metric system yet, this is the tried and true 360. Probably one of the lowest in gas mileage, it was AMCs most popular engine. Looks a bit naked without the woodgrain, something we’ve come to expect, and I feel these always should have been 2WD. I bet many sold never saw’r a flake. SUVs came a long ways from these beginnings, some may disagree, but I feel Jeep led the way for cushy SUVs right here, and all on a concept from 1963.
When these 1st came out in ’63 they were available in 2 or 4 wheel drive and 2 or 4 door or panel truck. I’ve also seen some Cherokees and Grand Cherokees down south that were 2wd. Every once in a while one would end up in the north, were a hard sell for sure.
I like the “reverse” look on this Wagoneer.
I dunno, Howard, these did pretty well as 4WD rigs, especially so when “Moby Dick” caused the off-road rally world to stand on its head in 1972 at the Press On Regardless, the pinnacle of racing glory for Wagoneer.
The Powers That Be then immediately pass a rule against 4WD until the European manufacturers built theirs as I recall.
If Gene Henderson was still alive he would have something to say about your negative attitude towards the Jeep.
I really like the older style grill and not having the woodgrain. It looks terrific actually. That interior almost looks too comfortable!! Very nicely done.
Wood grain delete suggests it was left off at the factory, wood grain removed would be more accurate.
It looks a bit awkward without the wood grain, but that might have more to do with the color than anything else. The retro nose looks good.
Steve R
I seen the front of this 1981 Jeep from 1965!!!! It’s like someone change the grille assembly from 81 to 65. 1981 has square headlamps and long tooth grille. And also removed the rubber bumper guards. Look carefully at the front bumper. You can see where they went. That’s why this Jeep jumps at you because its very different. Was this Jeep in a accident? Don’t get me wrong I like it because its different . Unless someone in Jeep country show me i made a mistake. This is what I see… Good luck to the next owner. 🇺🇸🐻
I gather it’s actually pretty trivial to backdate the front end; you just remove the grille, headlights and other trim, then you’ll find the original 1963 nose stamping is still there and fully intact, lurking all along underneath the later updates. Then you just need to source an early grille insert and other minor trim bits to bolt on. Given this, it’s a bit surprising we don’t see it done more often.
Absolutely! I tried to talk my neighbor into doing it to his G’ Wagoner.
with the backdated grille and without the wood, the wheels look out of place. Need to put on some appropriate retro wheels to complete the look!
Scott. You are correct about the rims. I am surprised i didnt think about that. Then it would really look like a 1963 until you look at the interior. My personal opinion I really like the older look. 🐻
The whole thing comes off looking like it’s supposed to be this way. I like wood tone but can take it or leave it. The steering wheel is also not original and would benefit from a good cleaning and at least a dye job. These were the original luxury SUV giving the Suburban and Travelall something to shoot for.