1983 Jeep Wagoneer Limited

Description

The original luxury SUV, the one that actually started the whole thing, was the Jeep Wagoneer. Sure, the bare-bones version dated back to the 1960s, but vehicles like this 1983 Jeep Wagoneer Limited have become highly-sought collectors' items and for good reason: they're still the best way to get from point A to point B if there's no pavement in-between.

This relatively low mileage Wagoneer Limited has the traditional American station wagon look, complete with wood on the side, and if you've spent any time at all on the roads in the past 30 years, you're already familiar with it. The handsome Copper Metallic paint job is both unusual and desirable, and contrasts nicely with the faux timber on its flanks. We suspect that it's been repainted at some point in the past, but the paint has a very correct look to it and just enough patina that it can almost pass for original. It doesn't appear to have ever been hit or wrecked, because everything fits together extremely well, with doors that close with reassuring authority and a drop-down tailgate that makes this a most useful family hauler. Plenty of chrome dresses things up as well, from the oversized bumper to the stainless window trim to the roof rack that is not only a traditional look but fully functional for long family vacations. Seriously, how could you not want to go on a road trip in this truck?

The beautiful Camel leather and cloth interior is very nicely preserved and certainly lends the upscale Jeep a luxurious attitude. Front bucket seats are a cool find in anything of this vintage, never mind a truck, and it's loaded up with just about every option available in 1983: power seats, windows, and locks, a tilt steering column, and ice cold A/C that uses discreet under-dash vents. Despite all the wood outside, there's very little inside, just adorning the window sills and horn button, but everything is very neatly fitted and has a quality feel. Big, round dials offer a complete view of the engine's condition and the mileage shown on the odometer is correct and authentic. The carpets, seats, headliner, and even the beautifully finished cargo bay with its stainless steel rub strips, it's all in excellent condition, suggesting an owner who really took good care of his Jeep.

AMC's workhorse 360 cubic inch V8 was the only choice in the Wagoneer Limited, and its calling card is torque. We're not going to pretend this sucker's fast, but it'll get you anywhere regardless of the weather, and at highway speeds, it's quiet and unobtrusive like the best luxury engines should be. It's also easy to maintain, with good service access and plenty of evidence of routine maintenance throughout the years. It starts easily and idles with a muted V8 rumble from the exhaust, so you know there's sufficient power on tap but it's always held in reserve. The 3-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel-drive make driving in the messy stuff easy and both power steering and power brakes are expected on a vehicle this size and with a luxury attitude. Handsome alloy wheels were standard equipment long before most other auto makers were even thinking about it and carry 235/75/15 whitewall radials that ride great without a lot of noise.

Go ahead, look around. You'll quickly see that full-sized Jeep luxury SUVs are skyrocketing in value. If you've wanted one, this is the right time to buy and this is a great example. Call today!