If you want a restomodded Jeep, few places can do a better job than Texas-based Vigilante 4x4.
The firm has worked hard on a new project and has finally revealed its latest piece of art. Based on a '77 Cherokee S, this elderly Jeep has received a new lease on life thanks to the 485-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8.
Mated to a 4L80E automatic transmission from Bowler Performance, this 46-year-old off-roader moves like a modern Jeep. With all that power under the hood, the driver will be pleased to know the braking system has been uprated, with Baer Vigilante six-piston brakes on all four corners.
The Cherokee S used a rather rudimentary leaf spring suspension setup from the factory. While durable, it can't be described as comfortable. Vigilante 4x4 has ripped this out and replaced it with a Front Dana 44 front axle, Rear Dana 60, and Eibach coil springs. The cherry on top has to be the adjustable Fox racing shock absorbers.
This classic Jeep should be far comfier, more controllable at speed, and genuinely unstoppable off-road. Vigilante has also fitted the Jeep with an Advance Atlas II transfer case, which provides a fine blend between highway driving and competition use.
While the oily bits have been thoroughly reworked and upgraded, the exterior has been left as is. The Cherokee benefits from a delightful two-tone paint job comprised of Midnight Blue and white. This fresh combination has been teamed with 17-inch wheels fashioned from billet aluminum. This old Jeep looks excellent with chrome details and Vigilante rear badging.
The Cherokee S appears to have been upholstered in regular Slate Grey leather. Look closely, however, and you'll notice the gorgeous floral design embossed into the seats and door cards. It's subtle, but, as they say, God is in the details.
Other than that, the interior is perfectly straightforward. There's seating for two up front and three additional occupants in the second row. Vigilante has fitted a helpful center console for those in the front row. Notably, the interior has been fitted with three-point seatbelts.
The owner of this particular vehicle has kept the cabin as close to factory specification as possible. You won't find power windows and locks here; it's a truly analog experience. Seeing an old American off-roader get this special treatment is lovely, but it does come at a cost. Vigilante says all its builds start at $295,000, which is seriously steep.
Then again, that's what some people pay for an electric Range Rover Classic.
Vigilante has the potential to build just about anything for classic Jeep enthusiasts. Earlier this year, the specialists previewed an iconic Grand Wagoneer with the 707-hp Hellcat motor. If, for some reason, that's not extreme enough, the company also offers a Hellephant conversion with more than 1,000 horses.
In recent years, resto-modding has become extremely popular. Those with big bucks and no interest in new cars can get just about anything, be it a battery-powered Bentley or a classic Mercedes 300 SEL with a 638 hp engine.
If you want a modernized classic off-roader but Jeeps aren't your thing, ECD Automotive can build a superb Land Rover restomod.