Performance Art Grand Wagoneers: The Reimagined Classic SUV as a Work of Art

The classic Grand Wagoneer is back and better than ever reimagined as a work of art by Performance Art Grand Wagoneers. This Motive program brand has breathed new life into the iconic SUV with a unique hand-painted woodgrain art technique.

Unlike other companies that charge thousands of dollars for a woodgrain vinyl sticker, Performance Art Grand Wagoneers features a woodgrain art that is literally buried under the vehicle’s clear coat. Each vehicle is a true work of art, as only a handful of woodgrain artists are proficient in using this method in the vehicle restoration world. Due to the unique process and artist’s touch, no two vehicles’ woodgrain will be the same.

The process starts with the vehicle being prepped in a painting facility where the body panels are color-sanded and pre-mask templates applied. The woodgrain basecoat is applied first, followed by the metal flat plates engraved with a selected woodgrain pattern. The special ink is applied to the plates, and purpose-made soft rollers of various sizes are rolled across them, picking up the ink in the woodgrain pattern. The artist then rolls these over the body panels, transferring the woodgrain ink pattern to the vehicle’s sides. The graining is done in sections, and the artist finishes it off by hand, using a variety of delicate brushes. Multiple layers and colors can be laid over a base coat for different effects. Toners are used to add depth, and then the full body panels of the vehicle are sprayed in a factory clear coat. The painted artwork is buried under the clearcoat and cannot be felt when running your hand over it.

Performance Art Grand Wagoneers come in three models (Classic, Grand Adventure, and Grand Touring), all specifically designed to reclaim the throne as the coolest of all the big luxury SUVs. Each model features unique forged or factory-style wheels and optional performance and lifestyle equipment. Optional gear is wide-ranging from custom leather luggage to color-matched Jeep e-bikes, Airstream trailers (with matching painted woodgrain), and personal watercraft. Performance Art Concierge can even arrange outdoor adventures for the new owners.

Starting at $150,000, Performance Art Grand Wagoneers are available exclusively through Motive and Windward Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep-RAM. Production is limited to only 15 of each color series at Aria Group’s state-of-the-art automotive design, engineering, and manufacturing facility in Irvine, California.

A series of only 15 white Classic Woody Edition Grand Wagoneers with Dark Walnut woodgrain will debut in March at a media event at Hagerty Garage + Social event facilities in Southern California. 

Motive was founded to design, build, and market dynamic specialty vehicle concepts that create opportunities for social change and give back to charitable organizations. Motive works with OEMs, dealerships, major brands, auto industry suppliers and retailers, the media, charity organizations, celebrities, and foundations to find ways to leverage our culture’s love of cars to make a difference in the world. Recent and past organizations supported include the USO, Semper Fi Fund, CHOC Children’s Hospital, Victory Junction Camp, and Hope of Life Guatemala.

A portion of the profits from each Performance Art Grand Wagoneer sold will be donated to support the Hagerty Drivers Foundation. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization exists to celebrate and preserve car culture for future generations.