Auto Car: Hemmings Find of the Day – 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

If the photos that accompany this 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer for sale on Hemmings.com look like brochure photos, that has as much to do with the photographer’s choice of locations as it does the pristine nature of the Jeep itself, which looks like it was detailed immediately after every time somebody sat in it. While it’s not uncommon to find refurbished Grand Wags nowadays, this low-mileage example appears to have never needed all that much freshening up. From the seller’s description:

Finished in Baltic Blue Metallic over a Sand interior, everything is all original and in well-preserved condition, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire an American icon and the final production run, “Best of the Breed” example. For the last decade this truck has seen only occasional use, always garaged and used as a seasonal beach cruiser during the summer months. It has been serviced regularly throughout its life and recently received a full engine, suspension and transmission service.

The Wagoneer had one of the longest production runs in US history, spanning 28 years under license of three different manufacturers. Chrysler bought the rights to Jeep in 1987, and set about making a few minor changes to the Wagoneer, refining the exterior and addressing some known faults of the car, prompting new branding as the “Grand” Wagoneer. The 1987 plus model year Grand Wagoneers, received improved wood siding, modernized aluminum wheels and two stage base coat/clear coat paint finish. In 1989 the Grand Wagoneer received a few more upgrades to keep it competitive with its new competitor, the Grand Cherokee. These final three production years received a new A/C compressor, rear wiper assembly and an overhead console with compass and temperature gauges. The changes made to these 1989-1991 model year Grand Wagoneers and the resulting strong sales numbers further a legacy that solidified the Wagoneer’s place in automotive history. These examples are known as “the best of the breed,” not because of Chrysler’s marketing, but their high production quality, classic styling and strong mechanicals have caused Jeep enthusiasts to bestow them with that honor.

This Grand Wagoneer has stood the test of time, showing its age beautifully, with paint and wood siding still in pristine condition, a straight, original and rust-free body with consistent factory panel fits and gaps. The chrome has few imperfections, the glass and rubber are in excellent original condition and the original wheels are flawless and wrapped in tires with plenty of remaining tread. All of the power windows, wipers, A/C, and instrument cluster are still original and in perfect working order, as are the compass and temperature gauges. The truck has an excellent aftermarket Alpine Radio/CD player with an auxiliary plug in; however, the original Jeep unit is also included in case its next owner wants to return the car to entirely original. The car has had weatherproof rubber mats that have kept the carpets pristine and the seats are equally clean, the leather crack-free and the Cumberland cord inserts showing negligible signs of age. The fit and finish of the dash, and all the control knobs for the power windows, A/C system, and cruise control are solid.

After twenty-four years on the road, this Grand Wagoneer is in exceptional working order. The engine feels powerful and solid, and the three-speed Chrysler transmission’s shifting is smooth and on point. The car drives straight and true, and brakes and handling are all as they should be. As mentioned above, the car underwent an extensive service, with all fluids being replaced, any worn seals addressed and the suspension checked for leaks. The 4WD system was also serviced and had its fluids replaced. Consequently, the ride quality and performance are what one would expect from a well-maintained, 39K original mile car.