Leon Miller is an agriculturist by training, and had a successful career in agri-business before he ever thought about getting into the automobile business. But his second career, which began as a labor of love, is in many ways a bigger success than his first.

Leon was born in Garland, Texas, but his parents soon returned to their home state of Missouri, and it was there that he grew up and attended school. He married his high school sweetheart, Kay Carr, just before his junior year at the University of Missouri.

In 1956, the young couple moved from Missouri to a ranch in Montana, then to Colorado, then to California, and finally to Texas, where they established Alta Verde Industries near the border town of Eagle Pass. For twenty-six years, they were very successful in a number of agricultural endeavors, including cattle feeding, meat packing and commercial vegetable growing.

Although he had made his living in agriculture, Miller had always been interested in cars. “As a kid, I traded cars a lot.” he recalls. When Jeep introduced its pioneering Wagoneers (forerunners of today’s luxury SUVs), he was impressed with the classic styling, rugged versatility and luxurious ride. “I liked the sharp, sharp lines and the earthy look of the old woodies.” He says. “I owned several Grand Wagoneers in my previous business, but I had never done any restorations.”

When the Millers retired to Kerrville in 1992, Leon went to the dealership to buy a new Grand Wagoneer. To his dismay, he was told that “they’re not making them anymore.” Wondering why not, Miller took his question to the upper management of Chrysler, which in 1987 had bought out the Jeep manufacturers. He was introduced to the man who had designed the original Grand Wagoneer (Brooks Stevens), who told him he’d have to buy a 1991 model and restore it. “Make a ’92 out of it!” Stevens advised.

Miller was already looking for a project to work on in hi ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy