1965 Jeep Wagoneer

Introduced in 1962 as a replacement for the Willys Jeep station wagon, the Jeep Wagoneer combined rugged usability with a level of comfort that distanced the model from both its predecessor and more-utilitarian rivals. Arguably kick-starting the Sports Utility Vehicle revolution, the handsome new model broke cover in both two- and four-wheel-drive guise, sporting independent front suspension, an automatic transmission — a first for a vehicle of its type — and a gutsy 230-ci “Tornado” overhead-cam straight-6 engine. Styled for beauty yet built for duty, the basic design would remain largely unchanged until the model was withdrawn in 1991. The example offered was first registered in March 1965 and was specified as a desirable four-wheel-drive, 4-door station-wagon variant utilizing the venerable “Tornado” straight-6 mated to a 3-speed column-change manual transmission. The car is finished in White Cap over a Sylvan Green interior, while the odometer displays 55,746 kilometers, suggesting that this example was built for the European market. While little is known of its early life, in September 2010 the car was registered in Switzerland. Please note, to be fully enjoyed this vehicle would benefit from a brake-system rebuild and servicing. Boasting the desirable four-wheel-drive configuration, this pioneering American SUV would make an interesting everyday classic and conversation starter at Cars & Coffee events.