• U.S based Jeep restoration company VIGILANTE is regarded as the pioneer in the classic Jeep restoration field

• VIGILANTE recently designed an advanced chassis to rebuild the original Jeep Grand Wagoneer with phenomenal power

• The Jeep’s original aesthetics are maintained, but reengineered on a modern platform

• The original Jeep chassis was not a viable option to handle 485 to 1000 horsepower, so VIGILANTE created a new and stronger one from scratch

• The completely reengineered platform (chassis, suspension, brakes) can handle the extra power of HEMI engines

• The vintage Jeeps’ handling, braking, and overall performance is comparable to that of a modern SUV

• Some vehicles are ready for delivery. Or customers can choose the model, specifications, and engine that best fit their needs.
  

• Premium modern performance:

  • HEMI engines - powertrains range from 485 hp to 1000 hp

  • EIBACH coil springs are added, with Fox 2.0 dampers to absorb any impacts

  • BAER 6-piston calipers to aid with braking performance

  • 17x8'' wheels (instead of 15x7'') to allow for better braking, giving the Jeep a modern and robust look that better aligns with its performance

JOHNSON CITY, TX (September 12, 2023) – As one of the world’s foremost experts in vintage Jeep restoration, Vigilante is proud to showcase the company’s newest with a spectacular 485-horsepower 392 HEMI-powered 1975 Cherokee S. Handcrafted to exacting detail, the new two-tone Jeep is highlighted in a cool Brittany Blue streaked with a Glacier White stripe accenting the two-toned truck. Engineered using a 1975 Cherokee S sourced in Texas, Vigilante once again showcases the superb craftsmanship of their build team, completely reengineering the 1975 into a one-of-kind masterpiece

As with all Vigilante builds, the Cherokee S started with a complete strip-down of the original body to its bare metal. Approaching each restoration with an aerospace level of precision, Vigilante incorporates CAD design work based on a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle when developing each new custom-built chassis. The result allows for all of Vigilante’s modernized upgrades to seamlessly fit onto the new chassis, translating to a truly one of a kind driving experience in an incredibly powerful vintage American truck made for today’s roads. 

The centerpiece of the new Vigilante 1975 Cherokee S is a 6.4L HEMI 392 MOPAR Gen III crate engine good for 485 horsepower with 475 lb.-ft. of torque and a peak RPM of 6,400. The high-performance engine is joined to a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission that allows drivers the chance to experience all the thrilling HEMI power. Made with impeccable handling in mind, Vigilante then installed an Advance Adapters Atlas-II transfer case alongside a Dana 44 front axle and Dana 60 rear axle to make sure the Cherokee S can comfortably drive on all terrains. 

The custom Cherokee S wears Baer six-piston brake calipers operating in concert with a Hydratech hydroboost brake assistance system to create plenty of stopping power to match the upgraded performance capabilities. A newly implemented Borgeson “Street and Performance series” power steering box makes the Cherokee S infinitely more drivable and nimble on the road than ever before.

The level of care, complexity, and customization found in each new Vigilante’s engineering is stunning. The new 1975 Cherokee S custom incorporates a purpose-built high density aluminum radiator with an 850W Vintage Air brushless electric fan that serves as the truck’s primary cooling system. Mopar cast iron high flow exhaust manifolds are joined with a set of Borla stainless steel mufflers to create a stout, durable system. A vented 26-gallon powder coated black stainless steel fuel tank with a large, easily serviceable fuel filter is also engineered into the Cherokee S.

Vigilante introduced high-quality interior appointments designed to carefully recreate 70’s-era style with Moore & Giles leather throughout the cabin embossed in a subtle flower pattern. A Vintage Air Magnum V climate control unit allows drivers and passengers to enjoy driving even in the warmest conditions in the front and in the back seats. A state of the art JL-audio system, combined with the original Jeep AM/FM/CB radio offers Bluetooth and HD-radio capabilities in-cabin with a powerful amplifier and a loop of six speakers for entertainment.

Vigilante specializes in full-size vintage Jeep models originally sold between 1963 to 1991, including the Cherokee, Wagoneer, and J-Truck (Gladiator) models. With more than 20 years of experience fully restoring more than 50 classic Jeeps via parent company JeepHeritage, Vigilante was launched as a way to maintain the cherished Jeep tradition while incorporating reliable modern drivetrains. Vigilante builds serve as the next logical step in terms of restomod advancement for vintage Jeeps.

“Over time, our company has become a one-stop solution for all Jeep restoration needs, and we have the ability to rebuild and introduce an entirely new chassis so our Vigilante customs can accommodate the performance demands of modern powertrains. Our customers are investing in a quality, brand-new driving experience that has all of the fundamental old-school characteristics of the original vehicle. Getting behind the wheel of a Vigilante Jeep makes both driver and passenger feel like they are driving in their living room. These are the special experiences we seek to create for our clients, and it’s the exact type of work that our team takes pride in.”

Restored in Johnson City, Texas, the VIGILANTE Jeeps – completed or customizable - can be seen at the showroom now, or on the inventory page of their website.

VIGILANTE has 20 years of experience in the Jeep restoration field through its parent company Jeep Heritage. What drove the creation of the subsidiary VIGILANTE was the desire to go beyond a classic restoration: VIGILANTE focuses on completely reengineering the Jeep’s frame and performance while keeping the Jeep’s vintage aesthetics.

“We wanted to maintain the iconic design of Brook Stevens but dial up the spice to suit our needs.”
said Daniel van Doveren, CEO of VIGILANTE.

The company is a one-stop solution for all Jeep restoration needs. Not only do they beautify the exterior and interior, they also rebuild the entire chassis, so it can withstand the forces of modern powertrains. It takes meticulous research and hours of hard work to install a contemporary engine into a classic vehicle, but they take pride in being experts in such work.

“The creation of this platform was a real challenge. It was complex and long, but the perseverance paid off. Thousands of hours of work were necessary and have been rewarded with this exceptional result that we are proud to offer through VIGILANTE”

said Daniel van Doveren, CEO of VIGILANTE.

The VIGILANTE engineers and designers use modern simulation software programs to design the perfect mix between vintage soul and modern performance for their restored SUVs. The company specializes in rebuilding classic Jeep SUVs, especially those that Jeep produced between 1964 and 1991 (the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wagoneer, and the Jeep J-Truck).

The aforementioned Jeeps are rebuilt on a bespoke chassis that is fitted with modern suspension, brakes and engines. When it comes to SUVs, power is everything. That’s why VIGILANTE fit their Jeeps with HEMI engines – the same ones that are found in today's Trackhawk and Grand Cherokee SRT variants.

The company stays true to the classic design elements, and ensures it does not change anything that would alter the shape and feel of the vehicle.

VIGILANTE’s Restoration Process

VIGILANTE takes pride in providing the best-in-class service. Its workers, designers, and engineers work closely together to design the best vintage Jeep. First, the staff strips off everything from the vehicle and searches for rust and damage on the body. The issues are quickly resolved and treated to prevent future rust. Then, they paint the vehicle from the ground-up. Every inch is meticulously covered from top to bottom. New parts are added and the vehicle is re-assembled with extra care.

Price and Other Details

The VIGILANTE Jeep cherokee starts at $295,000. That figure can go up if the more powerful engines are selected: the 707 hp supercharged V8 powertrain and the larger 426 cubic inch V8 are optional.