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Drive or Restore: 1979 Jeep Wagoneer

The Jeep Wagoneer runs hot and cold in the collector car marketplace, with some restored examples pulling surprisingly high numbers while total heaps are almost always designated as parts vehicles if they’re rusty or stripped. There’s not often a middle ground, but this highly original 1979 Wagoneer seems to skirt that norm with its preserved cosmetics and functional interior. There is some rust to contend with but it looks entirely manageable. Find the Wagoneer here on craigslist with under 80,000 original miles and offered for $16,900.

The seller notes the two-tone color scheme as “Wedgwood and Ensign Blue”, which is an entirely period-correct combo for the era this Jeep was built in. It’s just shocking to see an unrestored truck with an original finish that still looks this good. The Wagoneers of this era all came with a classy chrome roof rack and simple hubcaps, and combined with the standard ride height, these upscale 4x4s looked like they were built for adventure. The Wagoneers came with Quadra-Trac full-time four-wheel drive, which the seller confirms is working as it should.

The upholstery inside the truck compliments the blue exterior with light blue seating surfaces and coordinating door panels. The carpets are a bit faded and soiled, but that’s certainly a modest flaw you can live with indefinitely. The seller reports that all of the various features inside the truck are working, from the tailgate window to the odometer. The working odometer also helps to verify that those low miles are accurate, and with just over 75,000 on the clock, the 360 under the hood is barely broken in. Rust is said to be present in the rear quarters and the rockers.

The Jeep does benefit from some recent maintenance, including a new master cylinder, fuel tank, sending unit, and fuel pump. Those replacement components suggest the Jeep was sitting for a spell as replacing the fuel system is a standard task for getting a long-dormant vehicle up and running. To me, the most appealing feature of a truck like this is you can use it as-is or completely restore it and the outside world will appreciate it just the same. Even so, I suspect the asking price will be a touch high for most fans of this model, so fingers crossed the seller is open to offers. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the find.

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Comments

  1. Bill West

    No comments? Desirable unit pending frame/ suspension inspection. 2k too high however.

    Like 2
  2. Christopher Gentry

    Here’s a comment , when these were new I thought they were cool family cars. Still do. But that price. My gosh , has the world lost its mind.

    Like 4
    • JimmyinTEXAS

      That looks like a classic “I’m trying to sell it, Honey.”
      She said to sell it and he doesn’t want to…

      Like 3
  3. V12MECH

    No. I’m a jeep guy, own 2 , pre 2000, good ones, better stuff out there.

    Like 1
  4. Pete.k

    I had a 69. It had the Buick 350 in it, automatic. It would go anywhere in the woods. Great for plowing too. Drove it until the late 80s Unfortunately it rusted to hell.

    Like 1
  5. George Birth

    Nice looking Jeep. Unfortunately it needs some serious rust and upholstery repair. Price is a tad high. High hopes maybe?

    Like 0

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