How long does a VIGILANTE Jeep restoration take?

A full VIGILANTE Jeep Grand Wagoneer restoration typically takes between 18 and 24 months. This includes sourcing the donor vehicle, full teardown, engineering upgrades, customization, and real-world testing.

What makes the VIGILANTE process different from a regular restoration?

Unlike standard restorations, VIGILANTE combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Every Jeep is custom-built with premium materials, MOPAR HEMI engines, and the latest tech, while preserving the vehicle's original soul.

Can I customize my VIGILANTE Jeep?

Yes. Each VIGILANTE is fully tailored to your vision — from interior materials and finishes to engine choice, color palette, and optional tech upgrades. It’s a bespoke experience from start to finish.

Why a Jeep Restomod Is the Ultimate Tribute to a Classic Icon

Apr 15

Written By Daniel van Doveren

A restomod isn’t just a restoration—it’s an art form, a vision, and above all, a living tribute to iconic vehicles that left their mark on automotive history. At VIGILANTE, this process has become our passion and our mission: to bring vintage Jeep models back to life while infusing them with modern-day performance and luxury. Here's why a restomod is the ultimate way to honor a classic legend.

A Classic Jeep: A Heritage Worth Preserving

Vintage Jeeps produced between 1964 and 1991 were pioneers of the SUV concept. Among them, the Grand Wagoneer stands out as the godfather of modern utility vehicles. With its iconic woodgrain panels and spacious interior, it once embodied unmatched luxury and versatility.

However, these classics were not without flaws—excessive fuel consumption, vague steering, and a tendency to rust plagued their reputation. Today, those shortcomings are a thing of the past thanks to the restomod.

Preserving Authenticity, Integrating Innovation

Restomodding is all about striking a balance between tradition and technology. At VIGILANTE, our challenge is to retain the original design while seamlessly integrating modern features. The original Grand Wagoneer, for instance, had a bold monochromatic interior—everything from the dashboard to the headliner was color-matched. We preserve this distinct spirit while adding state-of-the-art upgrades like rear-seat ventilation and high-end electronics, enhancing comfort and convenience without altering the vehicle’s essence.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer ventilation with modern A/C

The Power of Reverse Engineering

Restoring a Jeep while keeping its original charm requires mastery in reverse engineering. Our team recreates long-lost parts and interfaces them with today’s components. Dashboard gauges, heating systems, and more are redesigned for flawless integration—combining old-school charm with cutting-edge reliability.

We replace outdated leaf springs with precision-engineered suspension systems, ensuring smooth, responsive driving. The iconic solid axles are preserved but modernized for elite off-road capabilities. Outdated brakes and imprecise steering are swapped for high-performance systems that maintain the vehicle’s 4x4 DNA.

Uncompromised Power

Our engine lineup features MOPAR’s most powerful offerings—HEMI 392, Hellcat, and Redeye—delivering between 485 and 815 horsepower. We choose these powertrains not for gimmicks but for their proven reliability and serviceability at any MOPAR dealership. These engines not only deliver peak performance but also resolve the original’s inefficiencies, preserving the Jeep’s soul with unmatched power.

The Perfect Platform for a Restomod

Thanks to their body-on-frame architecture, classic Jeeps offer a perfect foundation for restomods. This design allows modern components to be integrated without compromising structural integrity.

An Icon on the Silver Screen

The Grand Wagoneer’s rugged charm and timeless elegance have earned it screen time in various movies and TV series, reinforcing its cult status and making the case for its preservation through a bespoke restomod.

The True Value of a Masterpiece

Restomodding is no quick fix—it’s an intensive process that reimagines the entire vehicle. Hundreds of hours of artisan labor and up to 1,000 miles of testing in America’s national parks ensure every Jeep we deliver is a reliable, luxurious, and high-performing work of art.

Conclusion: Where Heritage Meets Innovation

A restomod isn’t just a tribute—it’s a rebirth. At VIGILANTE, we preserve the soul of classic Jeeps and reimagine them for a modern world. Each transformation tells a story—a fusion of past and future, where luxury meets rugged authenticity.

Ready to begin your journey?

Book a call with our experts to discuss your vision.

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Daniel van Doveren