The Jeep Grand Wagoneer SJ was a Luxury 4WD SUV Far Ahead of Its Time, Until It Became a Classic
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- 00:00 Start
00:04 Startup, night, drive
00:54 Intro, weather, Autohaus, plastic future
04:20 Start of car review, overview
06:02 History, beginnings
19:33 Styling
24:12 Tailgate, rear window and compartment
26:32 Under the hood
30:01 The interior, controls, cluster
37:57 Going for a drive
History, review and test drive of a 1985 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (SJ). Review by Bill of Curious Cars, vehicle supplied by Autohaus of Naples (AutohausNaples.com).
Review of Jeep XJ (and why our logo is goats on a Porsche):
• Goats Jumping on a Por... - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
My Mom's was a maroon woody...We lived in a gated beach community on the southern shores of Lake Michigan in Indiana...I remember listening in on their conversation about buying it, and my Mom said to my Dad "I don't care what it costs, we're buying it, because of the winters here on the lake, I want myself, and the children to be safe"...We had it in our driveway by weeks end, lol...My Mom drove it for 10yrs by which time my sisters had grown up, and married, just leaving us three boys at home....Those winters on Lake Michigan were magical, and our Wagoneer was a big reason why, we could go anywhere with that thing, and it made it through the winding, hilly, beach roads like it was nothing, after my sisters moved out my Mom "downsized" to a 0ldsmobile 98 lol 😂....We kept the Wagoneer as a third vehicle, and used it for summer, AND winter vacations
My dad was an early adaptor to the outdoor lifestyle and what would become the SUV. He was a Boy Scott troop leader and eventually worked his way up giving much of his time to scouting. We didn't have much money and grew up in a lower middle glass family. His first new car was a light yellow 1970 Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer. The Grand had not been in the name yet. We used it for camping for our vacations and many trips around the northeast. It was his daily driver and he paid dearly in repairs for that. We did use the roof rack where large tents were carried. It had manual crank windows, black vinal with white striped trim seats that tore over the years and was very basic. But we pulled out several dune buggies when going on sand trails. It got through the muck like nothing else. It had manual wheel locking hubs. It was fun...until it went to the shop the next week where it lived many times as there was always something that went wrong. They were known to drop drive shafts especially if stopped on a mild incline. It had transimison issues. Electrical issues. The engine flooded out easily, they overheated easily and they were major rust buckets. I recall sitting in the back and seeing the road through the rear floor board. Still my dad loved the life style and eventually got a lightly used 1978 AMC model. It was a nice blue with a small line of fake wood along the side. I think it still had manual window cranks but I can't remember . It was slightly nicer with cloth interior and blue carpet. We pulled a small pop up trailer with it and it too lived in the shop way too frequently, as the first one did. I learned to drive on that thing and took my road test and passed the first time in it. My friends called it the old V8 as all their parents in the early 80's had 4 cylinder economy cars. When my dad died unexpectedly in 1984, we had to come to a decision and sold it back to the dealer that serviced it for all it's life. It was bittersweet, but it needed to go. My mom had the memories as well as a fixed income and did not want to maintain such a needy beast. It took many years for me to appreciate what we had and how my dad was very ahead of his time. Reviews like this bring it all back. I even kind of yurn for one, but know it's needs to be pampered and not used as a daily driver. This one you showed was extensively updated. It looks to have new everything inside including that custom wood floor that was never a standard feature to my knowledge.
Beautiful lines, great character, but built like it needs a mechanic living nearby. Thanks Bill for reminding me of my youth and my Dads adventures with his beloved Wagoneers.
This is why you need to work on them yourself.They actually are very reliable, driving my 1978 J20 to work daily.
Let me add an "Honorable Mention" for the International Harvester Travelall from 1953 to 1975.
John Candy & "The Great Outdoors!"
The old 96'er
Grew up in these - took my driving test in one, drove another off to college. Best vehicle ever made.
Lol
I had no idea they were still making this into the 90's. I'm not sure I've ever seen one, but then again, I live FAR from Martha's Vineyard. This is beautiful.
Yep, 1991 was the final year. Kinda similar to the Suburban, which kept the old Chevy squarebody through the 1991 model year as well. I believe this Jeep has the distinction of being the last US domestic vehicle produced with a carburetor, though I could be wrong on that. Chrysler was just riding it out as long as they could without putting any money into development. It would've definitely gotten the axe by the mid-90s due to its piss poor crash safety (note the SJ never received airbags), but they pulled the plug a bit earlier when sales cratered following a spike in gas prices (due to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait kicking off the Gulf war). Chrysler knew the platform would require a complete overhaul to meet both regulations and buyers' standards, so instead of doing that, the development of the ZJ Grand Cherokee was already well underway as the SJ's indirect replacement.
My 1984 J10 is currently powered by an AMC 360 that I pulled from a rusty 1991 Grand Wagoneer. Chrysler didn't change very much when they took over in 1988. They ditched the ford starter system for a Mitsubishi type and change the casting on the side of the block from 360 to 5.9L Other than that, it was still the same AMC 360 until the end in 1991.
I actually saw one at the AMC dealership back in 1986 when I was buying my CJ7. They are a blast but mucho expensive back then. I think they were three times what my CJ7 cost. They were the boomer yuppie puppies car. Spoiled brat millennials. No wonders.
My mother drove one when we were kids...IN the winter, in the snow, it went anywhere and she drove it ......anywhere.....What a beast!!
These Jeeps were also popular in Vail and Aspen.
I always thought these were kind of ugly but it is definitely come around and they are now cool in light of the cars that are available today. One thing I remember from car and driver back in the day was people who bought these had the highest gross income of any car buyers in the US when they were new.
Bill thank you so much for doing this one. My late grandfather loved these full size Jeeps. He bought one of the first Cherokee Quadra-Trac models back in 1974, then followed up with two Grand Wagoneers in the 80s. I was a kid back then and remember riding around in those beasts quite a lot. I also remember that even on the most miserably hot and humid days, the A/C was intolerably cold
Bought my wife an FSJ two-door Cherokee from 1985, with a monster brush bar on the front. The thing was a beast and could climb over anything. The Wagoneer was the pinnacle of unnecessary opulence in American cars. It was an exact copy of the one her Dad had when she was a kid. He passed away and I found this thing, and that was the reason I bought it for her. We got a plaque for the dash and she drove it for 5 years, to help her over the loss of her father. We let it go almost10 years ago, thanks to finances but I think she truly appreciated the opportunity to have a few more memories of her dad, after he left us. Great video! Thanks, Bill!
Praying Bill came through the Hurricane safely. 🙏🏾
A good friend had one of these (formerly belonging to his parents) and it was a conversation starter anywhere we drove it. The paint and chrome would always shine up like a new penny. Suffered frequent transmission issues and we were never sure whether it was the gearbox itself or difficulty finding a qualified mechanic to work on it. It also nearly caught fire twice from internal wiring issues but thankfully we got it shut down before there was any major damage. Sadly by about 2010 it was put in the back of their garage and later sold. Yet, we still talk about it all the time despite both of us owning countless cars and trucks since then. There was nothing else like them.
Too bad they didn't hang on to it now in good condition they can sell for over 100k now. Friend just gave me his 86 Waggy Unfortuntly he left it sit in his backyard for 17 years lot of work needs to be done. He kind of a hoarder took us all day to dig it out of his backyard 2 hours of a tow truck and my own JK jeep winch pulling to get it though the tiny gate he had. I think he was sad to see how bad shape he let it get in. He has to vacate the property soon he knew he didn't have the money to do anything with it I will take it and restore it to drivable condition.
Same here
Bill, I consider you one of the premium automotive historians of our time. Thanks for your content.❤
I always remember these for being the ride John Candy drove in The Great Outdoors.👍
Another awesome review Uncle Bill. Keep ‘em comin.
I love the old Wagoneer's, especially with the woody side's.
This was an absolute treat compared to that boring Tesla you just reviewed, Bill. Thanks alot
Bill, I hope that you are doing well and survived the horrible hurricane this week. I understand that Naples was hit especially hard. My prayers go out to you and everyone in Florida. Take care.
Wish he’d post a short or something at least just to say “hey, good morning, this is Bill from Curious Cars. I did not die”
We certainly hope that Bill and his cars are OK, although I suspect that the flood may have damaged a lot of the cars
Unfortunately I have the grim task of reporting that Bill did indeed perish during the storm. RIP Bill we love you
@@HipsterDoofus100
Are you serious?
@@leelee3995 unfortunately I am
ive been praying for u and all your cars in Naples. You was the first person I thought of. peace and blessings. Praying that GOD get you thru the storm.
Hope your all safe after the Storm!
My favorite car in history! Had one as my first car, an ‘88. Such comfort and ruggedness! Fun to drive too in my opinion.
This is what 38 year olds drove 38 years ago.
It's a wagoneer. You keep your shotgun in your lap.
When 38 year olds were proper middle-aged men who had no idea what soy lattes or TikToks were.
@MelloWattz It is an espresso-based drink that usually has steamed milk. Some folks are too sensitive and can't tolerate it, so they get soy.
@@BitchinSpectre 380 is better. Right to Carry Right to Defend Right to Bare arms
@@egold2071 38 Years Ago. Had a 69 Dodge Charger R T. No stupid cell phone. Under a dollar for gas.
37:35 Bill‘s description of the posh wife is as complete and descriptive as his review of the vehicle. Love it!
...and the entitled, unappreciative kids and weemiraner (wiemaraner) in the luggage area! lol
.....no wonder some men are 'forced' to adore their cars. :/
lol
I almost fell out of bed laughing perfectly described the 80's trust fund bitchy wife.
This had my dying! 😂
Post an update Bill! Hope all is well.
My grandfather drove these in the late 60’s through the early ‘80’s when he retired. He always had something special in the garage, like a Chrysler 300, Chrysler New Yorker, Mercury Marquis Brougham, even a Chevrolet El Camino. Those cars never got many miles on them because the Jeep was his “go to” car.
Your grand dad sounds like a cool guy!!! Maybe like an Uncle Johnny
@@JZ_Cars he was a great guy. It was always interesting to visit him, he’d buy a new car on a whim. His Chrysler 300 was a 1965, in 1969 he decided it had been around long enough, even though it had only about 5,000 original miles on it, so it disappeared and a loaded El Camino replaced it. The El Camino lasted 3 years with only 1,800 miles on it to be replaced by the Mercury. Even his Jeeps would usually go about 3 years or 20,000 miles before they were replaced. My dad once asked him why he replaced his vehicles so frequently, he answered “ I hate buying tires.”
@@cadillacguy1890 Man that is AWESOME!!!! That’s the kind of fella I would love to just ask questions about his cars and all. I got the car bug early in life and since then, any time I come across a like minded person I love talking to them about cars. For whatever reason I can talk cars but I suck at just about every other topic.
The resurgence in the 80's was due to the luxury trim and features. Friends who owned them claimed 8 mpg in town, and only a bit higher mileage on the highway. The Martha's Vineyard friends bought the plain versions in order to blend in, and very common in Aspen during the winters. The International Travelall was the competition.
This is by far the greatest and most honest review of a vehicle I’ve ever seen !
I worked at a Dodge, Chrysler Plymouth dealer all through the 1980's. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer was an outstanding vehicle. The 360, 4 barrel was a great motor, it was backed by a 727 Torque Flight MoPar transmission. Dana 44 differentials. If you perform strict maintenance on them to include all the fluid changes on a regular basis and kept them clean they will run forever.
This thing reminds me of The Great Outdoors - great movie and a fantastic vehicle. That movie also has a sweet w126 and a Miller v-drive boat in it. Vehicularly elevated content for sure.
A freind of mine had a early 70's version of this in the 1990's and used it as a daily truck. At that time they really weren't all that special on the resale market. I got to drive it once and it was a GREAT RIDE that didn't betray the fact it was solid axle and leaf spring.
The seats were AMAZING. I remember to this day how supportive and yet soft and comfortable they were. If thses had had a O/D transmission to help keep highway RPM down they would have gotten lots better millage.
Great review, Bill.
I hope you are safe and the storm impact hasn't been too bad where you are. Our prayers to all folks effected.
Martha's Vineyard residents don't need much firearm storage in their personal vehicles. They store their firearms with their hired security.
I'm guessing you've never been to Martha's Vineyard.
As someone who was born in the ‘60s, I saw these things through my childhood and into early adulthood. But I never understood the appeal until 1996 when I followed a then girlfriend to a medical conference/ ski junket in Aspen, CO. And when I got there, I was floored by all the Grand Wagoneers there were. Even though they had been discontinued in ‘91, I’d never seen so many in one place in my life. It would be like on safari and finding the secret place where elephants go to die. But then I realized why so many were there. They had plenty of cargo space and roof racks for skis and related gear. They had legendary Jeep 4WD that could handle any Aspen snow. And it was luxurious enough that you looked and felt great going anywhere.
11:10 I remember that stuff; it was on the countertops of the 1955 house in which I grew up. Ugly as sin, but it was good a hiding dirt. There was a metal edge around the whole thing which pressed up against the ungrounded refrigerator, so if you leaned on it while cleaning a pan, you got a little tingling shock.
Great video
I owned an 87 here in New England . At the time it was 1993 . You didn’t see to many around so it got a. Lot of attention. Loved it
Very smooth and comfortable
This was the Mercedes G Wagon of the 70’s and 80’s. They actually had vacuum operated 4x4 all the was back in 1973 with the original Quadra Trac AWD system. Although the G Wagons lived on the same platform for a full 40 years from 1979 till 2019 beating the Wagoneers reign of 29 years in the end.
Bill I hope y’all out there in Naples are doing ok I’m over here in Cape Coral big fan of your stuff. Hope to hear from you soon and you and your family are safe.
First fell in love with Jeep Grand Wagoneer in high school, with a number of them sporting Reagan/Bush '84 stickers on the bumper (in Austin, Texas no less).
LOVE! Jeff Bridges drove one of these in the '85 film 'Jagged Edge' with Glenn Close. Same color too.
Eight mos later, but good call on that film. The JGW really suited Jeff Bridges’ married-into-money SF newspaper baron or whatever. Also liked Glenn Close’s Peugeot 505 wagon for her defense lawyer mom character. Ah, the 80s.
Gotta love a good Jeep. They're iconic.
Our used car sales manager daily’ed a new 84 Grand Waggy in the same colors as this example.
I got to ride and drive in a lot of new and used vehicles growing up in the car sales world. Had driven a number of Cherokees and Wagoneers but the 80s Grand Wagoneers were something else. They rode and drove very nice for a 4x4. The seats were Cadillac good. They smelled great inside when new. Nowdays a mint example would be a great collectible to have in your quiver.
PS these are a beast in hood high snow..
I remember muddin’ in one of these in the woods of Indiana. Fun times
Was there any beer involved?
I don't know where you find these gems Bill ... perhaps you have a time machine using alien technology from Area 51 ... but I digress ...
I use the term 'Americana' ad nauseum, in my comments when describing some of the vehicles you review for us ...
This Jeep Grand Wagoneer is simply beautiful ... you can see yourself putting some camping gear (and a howitzer/ammunition) in the back and heading up into the mountains ... perhaps stopping at a small town diner or two on your way there ...
Leaf springs, wood paneling, actual bonnet springs (not gas struts), oversized door handles and switches, 70's leftover shag pile carpets, ash trays ... and just a time capsule of a time passed ... 🥰
SKYLARK! DUDE! Thank you! That pattern on that material has been in my head since '94 without a name.
I'm happy now...
Bill, Praying 🙏 you weathered Hurricane 🌀 Ian w/o a scratch!!!!
Back in the early 70's when I was a kid, the Wagoner was the "IT" vehicle for all the doctors and lawyers in my home town. They could haul the family, commute to work, then take it to the deer lease on the weekends
I learned how to drive on an '86. Same color brings back memories! I had no clue back then how sought after they would be today!
I hope all is well with you down there in Naples with the storm take care
This thing cannot be more unthinkable of in the europe of that time. Love it. Killer wood panels
7:46 One of the advantages of the Jeep "Station Wagon" in 1946 was that it had only short-draw body stampings, so Jeep could switch over to civilian production almost instantly, and, with WPB/CPB allocations still a challenge, use less malliable grades of steel, while the Big 3 had to retool just to get their warmed over 1942 models back on the market.
Truly a beautiful luxurious SUV, when price of gas didn’t matter! Classic!
You left the dealership, are you continuing this? We all look forward to every new video. You’re videos are in-depth and I enjoy learning things about these cars. Where you get your information none of us know … you’re a good teacher. Don’t quit this.
I find it facinating how & where they added modern features to as you said was basically a 1960's vehicle. Some blend in very well...others look like a 16 year old designed it & picked the location to mount it. I get it, the basic body design was over 20 years old when this example was built, but since a third of the price for these was pure profit, you'd think they would have done a better job with the presentation of certain things. I really like it though even with its quirks.
Bill youre my hero. Thank you so much for doing this, this is what my mother drove during my early childhood. It was driven everywhere, and still ran when she gave it to a friend. Truly a one of a kind vehicle, to get my hands on one today this clean I know it would cost upwards of $15k. Worth every dime.
One of my absolute favorites. From any angle i always thought the Wagoneer with or without woodgrain is just so damn handsome. Ive always thought these along with Cadillac Brougham represent the last gasp of the 50s 60s mentality of what made a luxury vehicle. The sunday driver, the special occasion car. A car that gave you an experience.
Bill, I don't have to agree with everything you say for me to like that you are unapologetically you. I always get a good laugh and I always learn something.
Owned an '89 that I bought in 2000. Drove it for a couple years until it was the victim of a random hit and run that caused the insurance company to total it. Loved it. Best turning radius I've ever experienced. The interior was comfortable and huge. Tried to buy another several years ago off eBay. Turned out I was bidding against the Wagonmaster (based in Kerrville, TX) so dropped out early. Pricing for these things has gone through the roof.
The Jeep J10 Pickup was AWESOME!!
Hey Bill, just started getting into your auto reviews. Hope you weathered the storm okay. Looking forward to more videos. Keep up the good work.
Dad had an 89 about 20 years ago, the carburetor was fidgety and actually ended up burning up on him while it was warming up one winter's day. That thing was fun to drive regardless.
I like tech with analog switches and buttone.. I like tech that compliments my cognitive ability to use them. Growing up in the 70's and labled as a boomer simple is a good thing. Bill your not alone. Love this wagoneer,
These were a real status symbol -- Diane Keaton's character drove one in Baby Boom!
The narrative for this video is FIRE
I love how the interior just screams AMC. I used to have an Eagle wagon years ago and the resemblance is striking. I miss that car so much!
A few of the interior parts will even interchange with AMC cars, the door arm rests and window cranks.
I sure hope you're safe down there and that yours and Peter's houses survived the hurricane.
Thanks Bill, it is a bit boring when you take a break but I guess it makes a new video even better! Keep it up and see ya soon I hope!
I grew up in Colorado and remember being very impressed with these, there was a hotel in Aspen that made limousines out of them.
Stay safe down there, Bill! All the best to you and yours.
I have had two AMC Eagles and for some reason never realized how much switchgear was shared. Thanks Bill!!
In 1989 i bought a 1979 2 doors Golden Eagle , 360 cu 4 speed gear drive , chevy diff …. Nice SUV , had it for 5 years , sold it :( but made great profit , it was a nice truck , good on gas , lot’s power , not bad riding , and can pull what ever , i have to say , a great all around SUV ❤
That startup sound gives me goosebumps. Great video and info. Cheers.
Oh man hurricane Ian probably totaled all those beautiful cars in Naples 😢... We need an update Bill!
my friends parents had one and we took a few camping trips in it. the grand wagoneer was a 85 and this was prob in 1989 or 90...and all of us would make fun of how old the thing looked. on top of being in massachuttes it had visible rust all over by than. As boys we all did think it was kinda cool. the ac was completley added on like an aftermarket unit as i recall
Hey Bill, hearing bad things about the weather down your way. Hope you have been able to stay well away from the storm, and no lost cars. Take care.
Yea Bill, I’m hoping you’re well as I can’t imagine what you went through with that storm! Take care and looking forward for more reviews!
I hope so.
Watching hurricane footage of Naples and hoping Bill and his special lady friend are okay, that Peter's place is still above sea level, and that all the fine cars of southern Florida are being kept safe and dry. Best of luck.
I called auto haus today because I saw a comment about bill being beyond this world. The guy I talked to at auto haus said that bill was fine and he talked to him today so should be fine.
Webcome back Bill. Thanks for making our day! Great review as usual...
Love it Bill!! Keep the videos coming 👍🏻
I love this channel.We get immaculate 80's and 90's cars with a natural comedy that's based on a commonly shared reality.
Two Vidjyas in less than a week!!!!! Woohooooo!!!!! I love those old school Wagoneers man they are really cool to me. This one looks really nice Mr. Uncle Bill sir! Thanks for sharing fella! This makes our week!!!
I LOVE these cars! Would love to own one... and have the lifestyle that goes with it 🙂 Great video, thank you for posting.
I've been waiting for this one thank you Bill. My favorite part was your description of the classic eighties Vineyard wife. Love it.
Just discovered this channel after watching a few videos I wanted to say thanks for documenting all these cars in the hilarious but meticulous way you do. Cheers from Canada eh
Thanks Bill right up there with the Gen 1 Cordoba review. I grew up with these and the Pickups.Have a 1978 J20 these days that I daily in the no salt months.Brings lots of smiles.
I would love to own a Grand Wagoneer one day!
TY Bill! Your videos are WORLD CLASS!!!!!
Though being someone who don't quarrel with the electric future, this is one of the very few SUVs, I love.
Bill .. bloody legend 👍
The new Grand Wagoneer interior is super nice… so nice
Thanks Mr. Bill... Enjoyed the time travel back to this Jeep.. Take care and I... like so many of your loyal fans look forward to your next Show Case..
Just when Bill thought that the weather couldn't get worse along comes a Cat 4 hurricane! Yikes! Hopefully you're out of there, Bill!
According to the gentleman at auto haus bill is ok. I called today and asked because a guy on here was commenting that bill passed in the hurricane, but according to the guy at auto haus bill is in fact ok. Hopefully he’s just dealing with insurance because of his cars
@@nathanwebb6021 That's great to hear! Thanks!
Bill we love and missed you please don't stop making TH-cam videos no matter where you work 😁👍
Hi Bill! Hope you are well and the hurricane whiskey is doing what it's supposed to do. Take care.
First of all, missed your videos. Second, I was working for a company in the mid to late 80s which had a fleet of these Grand Wagoneers. Well, in the winter/snowy season, they would shuttle us to and from the office, to our vehicles. Let me tell you, I fell in love with the way it drove/rode in hard compact snow.. To this day, I love this thing. I have never owned an American vehicle( Have always purchased Japanese/European) but If I ever was to purchase something Domestic? THIS would be it.. Thanks for bringing this nostalgia back.
PS: Glad you mentioned the original Jeep Gladiator, as one of my co-workers had one..
These things were iconic. The parents of a good friend of mine in college had one of about this vintage. This was in the mid-'80s. The view out over the shapely hood was fantastic.
Another awesome video by Bill the Great!! Also, good to hear the new owners are good people. Best of luck to you Bill!!!
Lest we forget, it was just the Wagoneer until 1984, when AMC/Renault decided to make an XJ Cherokee with 4 bizarro headlights and fake wood panelling the "Wagoneer" (and they changed the cool wrap-around tail lights from the big Wagoneer to the simpler 2 piece, brake light and separate side marker from the SJ Cherokee at the same time). When I was in college in the early 1990's, I found a 1963 Kaiser-Willys Wagoneer with the overhead cam straight 6 and three on the tree for sale in New Mexico. Unfortunately, being a college student, I couldn't afford it 😪
Great video! These are absolute Jeep icons!!
fantastic review Bill, as usual
Great to hear you again
I grew up with a few of those in the drive way, Looks great !! I just bought my first grand cherokee trail hawk !!
Great video as always!!!
I have a couple of memories of these, even having never owned one, or even wanted to. A cousin of mine had a late '70s Wagoneer in the late '80s. He put so many speakers in that thing that when he cranked it all the way up, the headlights dimmed and brightened to the beat of the music, which matched the rhythm of the movements of the ammeter gauge.
Coming a bit closer to that landed gentry thing was the financial advisor of a friend of mine, who had one like the one in your video, but in maroon. He'd managed to talk my friend into buying a lot in Ford's Colony in Williamsburg before he managed to go bankrupt himself. Too bad my friend never managed to build there, as houses there go for a cool million or two.
Somewhere in my archives is the issue of Motor Trend that has a road test of the original Wagoneer, I think it was the March 1963 issue. It's the one with tests of two versions of the Impala SS and a Mercury Monterey with that Breezeway window.