The original SJ Wagoneer (circa 1963) were deliberately intended as more ‘upscale’ and ‘car like’ Jeep experience, and powered by the (for the time) amazing Tornado 3.8 6 cylinder with 140HP. (Remember that 140HP number. This will come up again shortly.)

In 1965 they added the AMC 327ci V8 as an option, which proved to be extremely popular. At the same time, the Tornado was replaced by the AMC 232ci I6 - which was universally praised. The independent front suspension was dropped from 4WD models in ‘65, but they also introduced the Super Wagoneer in ‘66 which had a 270HP version of the AMC 327, and features that no manufacturer could even match. Tilt steering, push-button radio, courtesy lights, air conditioning, power tailgate, power steering! In 1966! And with that much power, yeah, it was appreciably quick for the time.

‘67-’71 they went to the Buick 350ci Gutless with 230HP. But it made a bit more torque. ‘71 onward it’s strictly AMC powered, using the Gen 3 V8 360ci and 401ci or 252/258 I6. For 1971+ the 360ci put down a very respectable 175-220HP. The 401 would put you back in your seat with 255HP SAE net (330HP gross) and more than 340ft /lbs of torque. These are very impressive numbers for the time.

Then in the mid-70's further changes were required. Remember how the Wagoneer was introduced with a 3.8 straight 6 making 140HP and excellent gas mileage?

1976 Wagoneer with AMC 360, 2bbl 140HP, 4bbl 180HP. This is fine. This is perfectly fine. 1977 Wagoneer with AMC 360? 129HP. Yep, that’s right - 100 more cubic inches, 13 years of advancements, and it made significantly less power. While the Wagoneer had gained hundreds of pounds. Which meant the fuel mileage was also absolutely miserable. Worse, the 1977 258 (not available in the Wagoneer until 1979) could make 120HP.

Add to that, the only updates besides minor restyling, 4WD systems, and features after 1978? Uh. None. They never upgraded the brake system, only changing it when they couldn’t get a part any more. Never really upgraded the suspension aside from a relatively minor update in 1985 . (Again, the IFS was available from 1963! The SJ can be solid or IFS on the same frame.) MOST of the bones of the Grand Wagoneer were completely unchanged from 1963 .

And f or a variety of reasons, the 360 remained at 160HP (often optimistic) and was completely unchanged from 1978 until the final end of production in 1991. But by the end of production, the Wagoneer had grown from a relatively spritely 3800lbs to an absolutely staggering 4500lbs dry.

I honestly think it may be the only production car to retain the same engine for more than 10 years, yet go significantly backwards in power, while also increasing weight by a full ton.