La Aduana: 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 36,000 miles

I was about ten years old the first time I saw one, a Grand Wagoneer that is. I remember the entire sensory experience as it rumbled past, the 5.9L engine shaking the ground beneath my wee little feet. I remember the shine of the heavy chrome framing the wood panels and the depth of the blue paint. The driver, arm hanging out the window, shot me a thumbs-up and vanished around the next corner, probably laughing at the little hippy kid ogling his truck. I have wanted a Grand Wagoneer ever since. If not for the $54,000 price tag, this would be my chance.

If you’re not familiar with Wagonmaster, they’re mavens of restoration and the Grand Wagoneer is their signature muse. This particular vehicle, from the last year of the Wagoneer, has but 36,000 miles on the clock. Like a wormhole in time, this is what 1991 looked like from the front seat of a hefty chunk of Detroit’s very best. Throw in a red plaid shirt, a bamboo fly rod, and your weekend is set.

wagonmaster.com

Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.