54k Mile Time Capsule: 1969 Jeep Wagoneer
The seller of this 1969 Jeep Wagoneer states that it was used sparingly by its previous owner before it was parked in a garage in California in 1992. It has only recently been released from captivity and will need a new owner willing to return it to a roadworthy state. Its condition is quite astounding, and it would suit a buyer looking for a spotless and unmolested survivor. Located in Reno, Nevada, the Jeep has been listed for sale here on craigslist. It can be yours if you hand the owner $19,500. I need to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Ikey H for spotting this fantastic garage find for us.
It appears that the original owner purchased the Empire Blue Wagoneer in Roseville, California. He drove the vehicle through until 1992 when he parked it in his garage. It sat there until less than a week ago. It was then dragged out and moved to its current location in Reno. That means that it has spent its entire life in favorable climates. As a result, there are no rust problems for the buyer to tackle. There is a dusting of surface corrosion on the frame and some of the suspension parts, but that’s it. The panels are as clean as a whistle, and apart from a ding in the driver’s side rear door, they are also perfectly straight. The paint shines beautifully, and there are no signs of any problems with the trim or the glass. The original hubcaps have been removed, but they are included in the sale. One practical addition is the trailer hitch, which could make this an accomplished tow vehicle.
The condition of this Jeep’s Rawhide interior is simply jaw-dropping. The original owner fitted covers on the seats when the vehicle was new, which means that the upholstery is perfect. Rubber mats have protected the carpet, while plastic covers have protected the lower door trims. The dash is perfect, the dash pad is spotless, and there are no signs of any wear or cracks on the wheel. The original radio still holds pride of place in the dash, and air conditioning is a welcome addition in warmer climates.
The owner claims that the Wagoneer has a genuine 54,425 miles showing on its odometer. The decades of inactivity make that sound plausible, while the engine bay’s condition could potentially seal the deal. However, the inclusion of a complete service history leaves no room to doubt the claim. This forms part of a significant collection of documentation that is to be included in the sale. What we find under the hood is a 350ci Buick V8. This engine produces a respectable 230hp, along with a very healthy 350 ft/lbs of torque. The transmission is a 3-speed manual, while the Jeep also features power steering. The good news here is that the Wagoneer runs and drives. The bad news is that it is only going to drive as far as onto a trailer. Twenty-Eight Years of inactivity have left it with plenty of dried seals and hoses. It will now require a comprehensive mechanical check before it could be classed as roadworthy.
This 1969 Jeep Wagoneer is something special, and its condition is pretty astounding for an original survivor. It will probably require some work to return it to a roadworthy state, but it should be well worth the effort and the cost. Original rust-free examples have the potential to command prices of $30,000 or more. This one isn’t perfect, but it is an original survivor. If it is returned to a roadworthy state, it could potentially threaten that sort of figure. That leaves a reasonable amount of room to revive this classic before it is no longer financially viable. Are you up for the challenge?
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Comments
This over the upcoming Wagoneer change my mind
Last of the late, great Kaiser Wagoneers. In 1970, I read, AMC acquired the Jeep line from Kaiser, and while we go through this every time, it looked similar, but became a different truck. These were the last true Jeeps, with standard transfer case and lockouts, not that crummy Quadra-Trac( I didn’t like it one bit) and I read, the 350 was an option in ’69. Obviously, AMC did away with it in favor of their own motors.This, even with it’s shortcomings, is a fantastic find, as most, if not all, wasted away in the very environment they were created for. I’d take this anyday over that dismal ’78 Cherokee I had. Clearly “Vegas money”, I don’t know if this is worth $20g’s, apparently the seller thinks so.
In this market and in original condition it’s worth the asking. I think they are really cool but my struggle would be to get it muddy and use it as it was designed. It’s too nice and doing so would start the process of degradation. I have the same struggles with any classic 4X4. Maybe find one with more patina and a little rust to calm my nerves.
Nice Wagoneer. The old adage, buy the best you can afford comes to mind. There is a reason the seller is asking for a premium price, this one deserves it.
Steve R
My mother had those same style bubble wrap looking clear seat covers on her 67 Rambler American . I can still remember sticking to them on hot summer days !
Back in 1992 my now ex husband and I had a 1972 Wagoneer. Purely a workhorse, very few options. P/S, P/B, auto (I think) power tailgate window, AM radio. That’s about it. It was a V-8 but I don’t remember what size. It was definitely one of the cooler vehicles we owned. Only, being an east coast car, it was a rust bucket. Especially around the rear wheels.
That was the first year AMC started using their own V8s. It could have been a 304 or a 360, most likely the latter.
Was Jeep part of AMC in 1969? If so, they would have been able to choose from the 290, 343, and 390 V8s. At least those were put in the cars. The ad states that it has a 350 Buick engine.
No, AMC completed the purchase of Jeep from Kaiser in 1970.
Hi Dave. Jeep used the Buick 350 beginning in 1968 to 71 when the AMC 327 was no longer available. They also sourced the Buick V6 for use in smaller Jeeps marketing both engines as “Dauntless.” Jeep bought the tooling for the V6 after 1967, only to be bought back by Buick when hit with the first energy crisis.
I swear there was a plate on the firewall of my husband’s 1972 Jeep Wagoneer that said Willys Overland/Kaiser. I know this because I pointed out to my husband and gave him a short history lesson on Jeep.
I think you may have been looking at the patent registration plate, as by the early 70’s, it was just “Kaiser Jeep”.
https://www.kaiserwillys.com/patent-registration-data-plate-fits-41-71-jeep-willys
The Buick 350 that were in these were junk so I have been told by some who had these back in the day. Quadratrac didn’t come out until till later. AMC didn’t kill the Jeep that is why Chrysler bought out AMC. Chrysler has pretty much ruined Jeep IMHO
My father bought one of these used when I was little. It was a green 65 with the same color interior and In line overhead valve six and auto transmission. It was rusty before he laid it up in our garage and even got rustier after plus the interior was all moldy. However, they cleaned the interior with ammonia and vinegar and it looked like brand new. He threw it outside in our front yard and a group of people came like a year or two after and bought it in 80/81 for 100 bucks. They showed up and got it running then towed it home with a chain.
Too bad this doesn’t have automatic. I wonder if you could convert it. If all the seals are leaking you are going to have tear it apart anyhow.
The manual is what’s most appealing to me, lol to each his own.
My dad bought a 68 jeep pickup when I was fairly young. Same color as this one. He still owns it. It never got many miles on it. He used it to plow the driveway. ( It came with the plow). The motor is a 327 non chevrolet. Of course it was approximately 40 plus years ago and the worm got to it. It still runs but it’s not that great of shape anymore. I really liked that pickup. Also it was a 4sp.
I had a 69 Wagoneer and a 70 3/4 ton truck.
My dad sold both these new at his dealership. I got them used.
Both had 350 Buicks, I plowed a ton of snow with the truck in the winter and towed a race car to the dragstrip on a lot of Sundays over a hour and a half away. Definitely not junk engines. I beat the crap out of them. Now, the bodies, they were junk.