The Grand Wagoneer

My last post was shout out to my favorite Jeep model that is currently still in production.  This post will focus on a past favorite that paved the way for the Grand Cherokee.  The first Wagoneer was introduced in 1963 during Jeep's Kaiser years and was produced until 1991 when Chrysler replaced in the then Grand Wagoneer in favor of a more-modern Grand Cherokee.  Through the years the Wagoneer saw three distinct titles, Wagoneer, Super Wagoneer, and eventually Grand Wagoneer.  The nameplate and overall design and body of the car also saw minimal changes through 28 years of production and four different owners (Willys, Kaiser, AMC, and finally Chrysler).  The Wagoneer is credited with becoming the first truck body SUV, and first SUV in general.  Over its years of poduction, the Grand Wagoneer became both symbolic of a family car but also a luxury SUV, which would later pave the way for such popular cars as the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade, and even Land Rovers.  The Grand Wagoneer stood the test of time over a long span that, at the time, was the longest run of any production automobile.  During this 28 year span, the SUV never seemed to cease in its popularity and continued to make impressive sales figures until its discontinuation in 1991.  Most notable changes in the Wagonner over its life, are exterior colors, wood trim, and interior upgrades which would include amenities galore.  Today the Grand Wagoneer continues to be popular.  The go to restorer of these fabled machines is Wagonmaster (http://www.wagonmaster.com/).  Wagonmaster buys and sells both pristine and original, low mileage Wagoneers and restores them, and is known as the premier source for Grand Wagoneers.  Recently, Wagonmaster acquired a final edition 1991 Grand Wagoneer with an impressive 566 miles, that when it was posted, was advertised for over $100,000.  Pristine, orignal, low-mileage Wagoneers fetch a hefty sum and are a popular car of the wealthy of the Hamptons where it is somewhat of a status symbol.  This is also true in the middle east, where many are imported, to carry kings and other royalty and political figures.  Though, production ceased in 1991, the demand for these SUVs as not subsided and they fetch thousands of dollars more now then they ever did new.  More recently, Chrysler announced plans to return the Grand Wagoneer nameplate to the line up as a 7-passenger luxury SUV.  It will most likely be based off of the Dodge Durango, which is a longer wheel base of the Grand Cherokee.  This SUV is expected to be of a very high-end quality, though these plans have been delayed, consumers may see the first new Grand Wagoneer since 1991 in 2015.

 

1991 Grand Wagoneer, photo courtesy of productioncars.com