Pick Of The Day: 1968 Jeep Wagoneer

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the words Jeep Wagoneer? There’s a good chance you envision faux-wood side panels because those have become synonymous with the classic versions of the full-size SUVs. But Brooks Stevens’ design for the Wagoneer was so handsome that it looks great without that embellishment, as our Pick of the Day shows. You can find this 1968 Jeep Wagoneer listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Bellevue, Washington, which will throw in an original brochure and restoration photos and receipts as part of the sale.

There’s an attractive purity to a “wood”-free Wagoneer—and that’s coming from someone who has a 1989 Grand Wagoneer on his long list of dream vehicles. I think of it in terms of the Lamborghini Countach and the C3 Chevrolet Corvette: like those, the early Wagoneers had a nice simplicity to them, but the later ones with the visual add-ons are lookers, too. The truth is, there’s no such thing as an ugly SJ Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer.

The one you see here is certainly proof of that. According to the selling dealer, it received a body-off restoration by the experts at The Jeep Farm in Phoenix. Red isn’t normally a color I associate with Jeeps, especially Wagoneers, but this shade is just right.

And then there’s everything else: the angled “razor” grille between the round headlights, peaked hood scoop, ribbed roof, and wrap-around taillights (a distinctive, jewel-like feature that I wish the 1984-1991 Grand Wagoneers kept). The white wheels have an old-school look and provide the right amount of contrast to all the red above them; BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires supply grip so this Wagoneer can do Jeep things.

The interior was also overhauled and fitted with fresh black vinyl upholstery with black and white houndstooth cloth inserts. The addition of the newer axles brought along power steering as a bonus. Although the radio looks retro, it’s equipped with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

While The Jeep Farm had this Wagoneer disassembled, it took the liberty of fitting it with useful upgrades. Underneath, it swapped out the axles for those from an ’82 Wagoneer. All four corners are now equipped with disc brakes.

According to the selling dealer, the 350ci Buick V8 is numbers-matching. The “Dauntless” engine benefited from a mechanical refresh and a Howell electronic fuel injection system “with an engine control module that makes the car run smoother while improving power and efficiency.” Power reaches the road and trails below through a rebuilt Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed, two-speed transfer case, and rebuilt differential (which the dealer’s website listing implies is the front unit).

Visually, there’s no way to go wrong with a classic Jeep Wagoneer. All you need to figure out is which look is more your style: all paint or paint and “wood.” If you prefer the former (and like helpful modern touches), this 1968 Jeep Wagoneer can be yours for $85,950.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com