Wagonmaster Breathes New Life into Jeep Classics

For 25 years, Wagonmaster, a Texas-based company, has been restoring Jeep Wagoneers for enthusiasts around the world. From the quiet town of Kerrville, Wagonmaster has built a reputation for transforming classic SUVs into luxurious, reliable vehicles for collectors and drivers alike.

The Origins of Wagonmaster

Chip Miller, the current owner of Wagonmaster, learned the business from his father, Leon Miller, who founded the company in 1993. Around the time the Grand Wagoneer production was ending, Leon reached out to Jeep about resurrecting the legendary SUV. Although Jeep wasn’t planning a revival, Brooks Stevens, the original designer of the Wagoneer, encouraged Leon to restore and refresh Wagoneers himself.

In its first year, Wagonmaster refinished and sold 12 Wagoneers. Since then, the company has sold over 1,800 vehicles to clients across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, Europe, and Kuwait. On Nantucket Island alone, there were once 38 Wagonmaster Wagoneers on its 105 square miles of beaches and lighthouses.

Touring the Wagonmaster Facility

A visit to Wagonmaster reveals a colorful collection of full-size Jeeps. From low-mileage Cherokees to Wagoneers in various stages of restoration, the facility is a hub of Jeep history. Spare parts, including original badges and trim pieces, are carefully stored to keep each restoration authentic.

The Wagonmaster Conversion Process

Wagonmaster’s team focuses on sourcing rust-free, low-mileage Wagoneers, usually under 70,000 miles. Then the real work begins:

Mechanical upgrades: Suspension, steering, brakes, transmission, and electrical systems are reconditioned. The underbody is coated for corrosion protection.

Engine refresh: Engines are rebuilt with new bearings, seals, timing chains, oil pumps, and mounts. Carburetors are upgraded to fuel injection, improving efficiency by 10–12%.

Four-wheel drive: Transfer cases are rebuilt, hubs and bearings replaced, and differentials serviced.

Interior updates: Carpets, seats, consoles, and soundproofing are renewed. Original corduroy seat inserts are salvaged and integrated into new leather upholstery, with optional seat heating.

Luxury touches: DVD entertainment systems, Alpine audio and Bluetooth packages, and Xenon headlights are available. Exterior woodgrain siding is replaced and painted to perfection.

Behind the Wheel

Driving a Wagonmaster-restored Wagoneer is a nostalgic experience. Take, for example, a Midnight Blue and Desert Tan 1991 Final Edition. Despite modern upgrades, it retains classic features like carburetors and vintage lighting.

The Wagoneer isn’t bought out of necessity — it’s purchased because you want it, for its style, status, and history. Its 4WD and spacious cargo area are practical, but it’s the timeless design and classic charm that make it truly desirable.

Why Wagonmaster Wagoneers Are Special

Wagonmaster’s success lies in balancing classic authenticity with modern reliability. Each vehicle is carefully restored, preserving its historical charm while enhancing performance, safety, and comfort. The result is a vehicle that’s both of its time and timeless, cherished by Jeep enthusiasts worldwide.

Experience the Magic
From Kerrville to your driveway, Wagonmaster continues to breathe new life into classic Jeeps. Each restored Wagoneer is a piece of automotive history, ready to be enjoyed for decades to come.