A brand-new, standard-wheelbase 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will set you back a hefty $84,945. Might we interest you in a classic version for a substantially lower price? The Pick of the Day is a 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Prescott, Arizona.
The Grand Wagoneer was a top-rank luxury SUV before luxury SUVs were much of a thing – distinguished by its faux wood-grain exterior trim, leather upholstery, and a long list of standard features. This one shows 139,961 miles and looks to be in prime shape inside and out. Exterior features include chrome bumpers, dual side mirrors, roof rails, Michelin tires, a power tailgate window, and a receiver hitch. The listing says that the hood was repainted.
The “SJ” Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer had a lengthy production run, going all the way from 1963 through 1991. Across that span, the vehicle had three different manufacturers: Kaiser Jeep, American Motors, and Chrysler. Throughout its lifetime, it was touted for its rugged capability, made possible by its body-on-frame construction, solid axles, and high ground clearance. One advertisement (showing a man on a horse) for the Grand Wagoneer said, “Only one thing handles horse country better than my Grand Wagoneer … but it can’t seat six.” The ad talked about how sometimes four wheels are preferred over four legs. “All in all, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is more at home on the range than anything else.”
Speaking of horses – and horsepower: Under the hood of this Jeep is a 140-horsepower 360ci V8 mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The all-wheel drive system was advanced for its time; it was dubbed “Selec-Trac” since it allowed “on-the-fly” 4WD selection. An MSD ignition system and a high-flow air filter have been added to this Grand Wagoneer.
About that wood-grain exterior: It’s a charming feature that hearkens back not just to the station wagons of the 1980s, but also to the “woody wagons” of the 1940s. Wood trim has made a comeback on some late-model vehicles, at least on custom versions. Did you happen to catch Tyler Hoover’s 2006 Jeep Commander Limited that recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Fall Auction? One of the upgrades Tyler was most proud of was the vehicle’s add-on wood trim.
As a vehicle that combined luxury with off-road capability, the Grand Wagoneer was a true pioneer. Collectors love them for good reason! “All-around great Jeep,” the listing says.
The asking price is $29,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
