• 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 (April 11, 2023) – Few marques have stood the test of time across the world as well as the ever-celebrated Jeep. While the vintage Jeeps are legendary for incredible presence and styling, the fondly remembered rigs from the 1963 -1991 era present challenges driving on modern day roads. Enter Vigilante. First founded in 2017 as a pure restoration business, Vigilante now breathes new life into vintage Jeeps such as their new incredibly reimagined 1966 Gladiator custom, artfully blending the vehicle’s original aesthetic with the best in modern technology. Designed as custom commissions, each Vigilante Jeep build is re-engineered to perfection for clients to fully enjoy.

“Our goal at Vigilante is to breathe new life into a celebrated vehicle from the past, bringing each one into the present while still delivering an authentic driving experience as first intended. Each Vigilante custom build must reflect the truck’s original authenticity, even with the modern upgrades,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder and CEO Daniel van Doveren. “Customers feel like they are stepping into a time machine when they get behind the wheel of a Vigilante Jeep. Everything looks and feels like the original Jeep fresh off the dealership floor, yet we’ve created something that can stand toe-to-toe with any modern luxury SUV. Even more impressive, we’re able to do all this without changing the essence of the original vehicle.”

In an effort to further improve the Gladiator’s road-going handling and overall drivability, a 4-link modern suspension with Eibach coil springs was integrated into the rig along with Fox 2.0 dampers to soften travel and tackle almost anything in its path. BAER 6-piston calipers dramatically increase stopping power to keep in line with improved engine performance. Large 17x8’’ wheels further improve braking and performance, while still staying true to Jeep’s legendary proportions and identity.

Representing thousands and thousands of build hours, Vigilante accounts for every detail meticulously with the 1966 Gladiator custom allowing the client to enjoy the best of both worlds. Vigilante’s exacting attention to each rig goes as far as adapting highly stylized original badging, logos, and emblems that offer a new look. For the 1966 Gladiator custom, Vigilante 4x4 took great care in creating a new, slightly smaller 15’’ steering wheel with a Vigilante embossed logo from CNC-ed aluminum that provides the owner with a tighter, sportier driving experience. Vigilante also developed a gauge cluster that looks stock but is fully modernized, discretely updating the error lights with electronically controlled gauges that provide accurate readings of battery voltage and oil pressure. 

The new Vigilante 1966 Gladiator custom started with a full 3D scan of the body in order to validate fitment over its new platform, including taking the exterior body off and stripping each part for media blasting and prepping for a complete restoration. This is a critical step to ensure the integrity of the body remains intact when developing the custom chassis. The body is artfully restored using old-world heat and quench methods of metal shaping, as Bondo and body filler is minimal on all Vigilante builds. The vehicle than goes through an intensive plasma-based metalizing process that protects the body from rusting in the future. Countless hours went into reverse engineering the vehicle and making the Vigilante Gladiator suitable for modern-day driving. The Gladiator was then repainted by Vigilante. Each classic Jeep body rests on Vigilante’s reengineered new chassis, with modern suspension and Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles.

On the interior, the Vigilante Gladiator is further restored to perfection. Each interior piece is freshly chromed, painted, powder coated, or covered in leather. This ‘66 Gladiator features a new old-stock analog clock that is nearly impossible to find today. Additionally, the Vigilante logo replaces the original center hub as a subtle indicator that this Jeep is different. The speedometer is electronically controlled using a GPS based receiver. All windows and door locks are electric, and the Vigilante Gladiator is even equipped with an invisible Bluetooth receiver powered by a JL Audio amplifier, speakers and two subwoofers, tucked neatly away behind the leather covered bench seat. Precision LED headlights are mounted in their original housings for better visibility. The Gladiator’s carpet is made of a natural woven German fiber while the tailgate is pristinely built to spec. Even the completely rebuilt wing windows were upgraded to take advantage of better seals and offer quieter performance. Other unique details include the CNC’d chrome and enamel badges on the front fenders to indicate the HEMI V8 engine and its 392ci displacement. 

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.

“No other builders understand the deep nuances and history of Jeep at the same level of the Vigilante crew. Our team is pushing the boundaries of what many thought was possible in a Jeep restomod, and that stems from our team’s shared passion for these vehicles,” continues Daniel van Doveren.

“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 Grand Wagoneer 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.