As the automotive world shifts towards electric vehicles, Texas-based company Vigilante has taken a bold step in the opposite direction with their latest creation. By transforming a 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer into a high-performance beast, Vigilante has given this classic SUV the restomod treatment, complete with an 807-horsepower Hellcat V8 engine.
Starting with a 1988 model, Vigilante retained the iconic exterior styling of the Grand Wagoneer. The SUV is finished in a striking shade of red, complemented by wood-look paneling, a classic hood ornament, and bright exterior trim. While the wheels appear stock, they are actually 17-inch custom units designed to mimic the original 15-inch alloys, now wrapped in robust BF Goodrich all-terrain tires.
Beneath its vintage exterior, this Grand Wagoneer is anything but ordinary. The SUV rides on a custom-developed frame from Vigilante, designed to support the modern upgrades. The heart of the transformation is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, the same powerhouse found in the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye. This engine delivers a staggering 807 horsepower and 717 pound-feet of torque, a significant leap from the original 5.9-liter V8’s 144 horsepower. The power is managed through a four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring that all four wheels are effectively engaged.
Vigilante has not released specific performance metrics, but it is clear that their Grand Wagoneer is designed to handle a variety of driving conditions. The SUV features a four-link Eibach coil suspension and Fox Racing shocks, which improve handling and ride quality. Additionally, six-piston brakes ensure that the Hellcat’s immense power can be controlled safely.
The interior of the Grand Wagoneer has also received a thorough update while maintaining a vintage aesthetic. Accessed via hidden power-operated steps, the cabin boasts modern vintage-style gauges, an updated climate control system, and extensive sound-deadening materials. The seats have been refurbished with new springs, foam, and padding, and are upholstered in a combination of Moores & Giles leather and corduroy fabric. Despite the extensive modifications, the interior retains an old-school charm.
This extraordinary blend of classic style and modern performance comes at a price. Vigilante is offering the Hellcat-powered Grand Wagoneer for $385,000. For those looking for a truly personalized touch, the company also offers custom-built restomods tailored to individual specifications. While the price is steep—comparable to high-end supercars like the Maserati MC20 Cielo—it reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and bespoke nature of the build.
Vigilante’s transformation of the 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer demonstrates that there is still a strong market for classic vehicles with modern performance upgrades. Companies like Icon and Singer have shown that there is a demand for such unique creations, and Vigilante’s latest project is a testament to the enduring appeal of the restomod movement.
Elizabeth Puckett