RR of the Day: 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
If you think going through the listings at Wagonmasters.com is akin to looking at porn, then have we ever got a RR of the Day for you. In 2002, Flickr user TennesseeWagon's requirements were simple: he wanted an all-original Grand Wagoneer with low miles, no rust, and in running condition. $2,500 and one sketchy used car salesman later, he had his ride. The white '88 Grand Wagoneer was the fulfillment of a dream, as he had coveted one of the classic luxo-SUVs ever since he first set eyes on one.
And the car remains with him today. TennesseeWagon hasn't made any mods or upgrades to the truck, as he wants to keep it as original as possible. After all, he says, it's perfect right out of the box, so why mess with it? All the work he's performed are standard repairs or cosmetic fixes.The big Jeep lives in the garage alongside a '98 Wrangler that acts as a daily driver. If TennesseeWagon needs to tow his boat (which he says you can't even see behind the Wagoneer) or haul a bunch of friends, the 360 V8 gets fired up and out it goes.
Some rides remain stylish forever. This is one of them, and it was an easy pick for today's Reader Ride of the Day. Follow the jump for two more shots of it.
As mentioned previously, we won't be having a theme for this week's RR of the Day, but next week, it's on. Submit your turbocharged and supercharged vehicles to our Flickr pool by following the directions after the jump. We want to see them all, whether it's a home-brewed Civic hatch or a modded Cummins diesel, all are welcome
during Forced Induction Week.
How to submit to RR of the Day:
Create a Flickr account if you don't already have one. Search for and join the group called 'Autoblog RR of the Day'. Upload up to three photos of your ride to your own account at a size no larger than 450 pixels wide if possible and include as much information about it and yourself as possible. Even if your ride is sweet, it will not be chosen if there's not a lot of info accompanying it. Click on each photo and just above the picture it will say "Send to group". Click that and select the Autoblog group. You're done, that's it!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TheOne442 3:45PM (11/29/2006)
looks like he parks it outside with snow on the roof like that.
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Boogyman 7:52PM (11/29/2006)
That thing is a beaut, to bad they don't make them like that anymore. My dad had a regular wagoneer and it went everywhere you pointed it. Plus you didn't have to worry if you got hit.
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Bill 3:00PM (11/29/2006)
Yes! Always loved this classy SUV. Got my vote.
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Sasha 5:19PM (11/29/2006)
LOL..I love where he has this picture taken, is that some kind of drive-thru beer warehouse?
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Juan 3:09PM (11/29/2006)
Huh. Family pack of Bud. Never thought of it that way. And is that a Virginia plate?
Nah, won't go there :)
Nice Jeep.
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Steve 4:03PM (11/29/2006)
That's nice! Clean and functional.
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Richard Warren 3:37PM (11/29/2006)
Always liked these, has my vote.
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John 3:19PM (11/29/2006)
Is that first pic outside Elliot's beverage warehouse in Bridgewater, NJ?! One of a kind...
http://www.elliottbeverages.com/
Great ride too, you have my vote.
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big jim 4:31PM (11/29/2006)
a jeep SJ !!!!
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big jim 4:30PM (11/29/2006)
a jeep SJ !!!!
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Wilbur 4:48PM (11/29/2006)
Aaah...when men were men, and you could still get wood grain trim!
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Bultaco 3:47PM (11/29/2006)
In my opinion, an SUV should always look like it's ready to plow through a brick wall. Otherwise, what's the point to owning one?
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Garibaldi 4:40PM (11/29/2006)
The Wagoneer reeks "old money."
I live in an area where there are lots of folks whose bank accounts are so hefty they defy the comprehension of peasants like me (and probably you). But you'll never see them driving to the local mom 'n' pop in a Porsche Cayenne; they all own the stealthmobiles of the perennially wealthy and the Jeep Wagoneer is the gold standard of the breed.
Wagoneers, fifteen-year-old Benz TD wagons, and built-like-a-brick Toyota Landcruisers are the secret handshakes that simplify the social interactions of the coupon clippers of the world. Anybody can stop off at the LL Bean Discount store and walk out looking like they're loaded; very few people, other than those that don't have to prove anything, have the self-worth to drive one of these arks.
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Rory 6:18PM (11/30/2006)
Now that is an SUV. None of that wussy soccer mom stuff there. They looked the same for, what, 30 years. Chrysler messed up when they stopped building those. Add another vote.
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Andy 5:43PM (11/29/2006)
Clean and simple. I like it.
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Johnny 7:17PM (11/29/2006)
Beautiful!!!
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V 6:24PM (11/29/2006)
Gorgeous. I just sold my 89 a few weeks back, and boy did that hurt. I'd love to get my hands on another original one day. Got my vote.
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Craig N. Cote 10:52PM (11/30/2006)
My father-in-law owned two of those boats and fortunately for him, he also owned a large construction company complete with a full time mechanic, with whom both vehicles spent most of thier time. The popularity of this wagon with true 4x4's is evident when you're able to procure one in that type of condition for only $2500, while models of Toyota Landcruisers (most popular 4x4 in the world) on Ebay are fetching four times that much. Jeep Wagoneer, may you rest in peace with the dinosaurs.
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Tristan McCann 6:11AM (11/30/2006)
Ah, the days when Jeeps were Jeeps and a model could go 28 years with only minor mechanical changes. The first luxury 4x4. One of the last automobiles to have a carburetor. A life-sized Tonka!
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andrea 8:33PM (11/29/2006)
not only the GW is one of my favourite cars, but if I had one I am sure I will sleep in it a couple of nights per month. I am so sorry this will remain a dream: I live in Italy and buying one of these is practically impossible, and even if you manage to buy than you must pur gas in it, and in Italy gas sells for 1,5$ per liter...
anyway you get my vote (and my envy too).
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