The most recent issue of Men's Vogue features a piece by John Spong on a "Grand Wagoneer guru" from Texas who has bought, restored, and sold more than 1,200 of the long-discontinued cars over the past 15 years.

The fellow, a feedlot owner and meat-packing magnate named Leon Miller, "prefers the term 'renew' to 'restore,'" Spong writes. "[I]t's truer to the affection he feels for the car. The Grand Wagoneer was effectively America's first luxury SUV, a predecessor to the Cadillac Escalade in price as well as style. It had power windows, seats, and locks; thick shag carpet to ensure a quiet ride; saddle-leather upholstery; and that faux-wood paneling along its sides. Its preppy sophistication made it a favorite in Waspy New England enclaves from New Canaan to Nantucket, but it fit just as well with the other woodies headed for Southern California beaches. And it was one more status symbol for windshield farmers and ranchers showing off their spreads in the Midwest and Texas."

Not content to simply focus on the big old GW, Miller also restores (or renews) older models, like this yellow '48 Willys Jeepster.

For those of us who mourned the passing of the Wagoneer way back in the day, learning of Miller's work with the old beauties is a welcome, wonderful surprise.