VIGILANTE INTRODUCES INCREDIBLE NEW 807-HP HEMI-POWERED HELLCAT REDEYE GRAND WAGONEER
JOHNSON CITY, TX (June 5, 2024)
Vigilante’s Superpowered 1988 Grand Wagoneer Pairs Sinfully Strong Performance with Rolls Royce-Inspired Interior to Create the Ultimate Sleeper
VIGILANTE custom-built chassis with HEMI Platform
Meticulous exterior improvements and modern mechanical upgrades in a state-of-the art restoration that celebrates the Jeep Heritage and provides premium comfort and reliability
U.S based Jeep restoration company VIGILANTE is regarded as the pioneer in the classic Jeep restoration fieldVIGILANTE 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 825 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:
Currie Enterprises Dana-60 front axle
Rear swap bar
Currie Enterprises Dana-60 rear axle
JOHNSON CITY, TX (June 5, 2024) – As North America’s premier builder of incredible vintage-era Grand Wagoneers, Vigilante once again surprises with their latest 1988 custom build. Made as the ultimate sleeper, Vigilante’s brand new fiery crimson wood-paneled Grand Wagoneer is a completely reimagined street rod, featuring a 807-horsepower Hellcat Redeye ready to eat up rearview mirrors on and off road. Known for meticulously restoring classic Jeeps that honor legendary designs such as the Grand Wagoneer and Cherokee, Vigilante’s new 1988 Grand Wagoneer features an astonishing level of speed and control by way of modern upgrades expertly implemented throughout an authentically restored, absolutely magnificent Jeep.
Celebrated across the world, the Grand Wagoneer's legacy spanned from 1963-1991. Interestingly, the late model Grand Wagoneers from 1988-1991 are prized by collectors due to the late year model’s “sunset stretch” characterized by more high-end features and technology such as electric seats. Famously embodying strength, versatility, and luxury, the Grand Wagoneer proudly stands as the father of modern-day SUVs, historically sparking America’s love for versatile, roomy, impressively-designed transportation. Celebrated for setting (and resetting) what generations of enthusiasts have come to expect from a SUV, the new Vigilante 1988 Grand Wagoneer pays homage to one of the greatest Jeeps ever made.
The legacy of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer also owes much to the visionary designs of Brooks Stevens, an incredibly influential and talented industrial designer. His innovative vision and creativity played a pivotal role in shaping the essence of the Jeep brand, one that would not only inform SUV designs, but many cars as well. Stevens' world famous transportation designs paved the way for future models of Wagoneers, as they remained virtually unchanged until production ceased in 1991.
While Vigilante focuses an incredible amount of time on perfectly restoring each Jeep, the genius of the company lies in subtly improving all aspects of the Grand Wagoneer with tasteful, much-needed modernities. The backbone of the new Vigilante 1988 Grand Wagoneer starts with a newly developed modern chassis designed exclusively by the company. The roaring heart of the Grand Wagoneer is a fiery new 807 horsepower (717 lb.-ft. of torque) 6.2L Hemi Hellcat Redeye engine mated to a high-performance 4-speed Bowler 4L80E automatic transmission. Now with more than five times the power of the 1988 original truck’s 144-hp, Vigilante engineered the new, sinfully good Grand Wagoneer to keep pace with anything on the road.
“What’s under the hood makes this Vigilante Wagoneer a real sleeper. At first glance, this 1988 Grand Wagoneer’s speed may not be immediately apparent, but once someone starts driving, the performance is immediately astonishing,”
“With Vigilante’s extensive experience in the world of vintage Jeep restoration, our company is one of the few that has the expertise to seamlessly integrate an engine of this caliber into a vintage Wagoneer, perfectly pairing together the power with authentic style.”
Performance is seamlessly distributed to all four wheels via the Atlas-II transfer case and unflappable Dana 44/Dana 60 Currie Enterprise axles. Ensuring optimal handling and comfort, the 4-link Eibach coil suspension combined with Fox Racing shocks provides a more balanced stance and smoother ride quality for the restomod. Braking performance is enhanced by signature 6-piston brakes with Hydroboost power assistance, delivering confidence-inspiring stopping power when needed.
After media blasting down to bare metal, Vigilante begins a classic restoration process for the exterior with sheet metal repairs that avoids use of fillers. The new Vigilante 1988 Grand Wagoneer features all-new tempered glass and machined 17-inch stock looking wheels that update the Jeep’s aesthetic in a discreet, yet functional manner. This truck received an eye-catching, red hot two-toned paint livery with the truck exactingly outfitted in the rich wood grain tones that famously made up the classic Grand Wagoneer trim. Vigilante's impressive attention to detail is evident throughout every build aspect, ranging from the careful restoration of Wagoneer chrome trim to the extensive noise-canceling Dynamat soundproofing. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating is also subtly inserted under the dash, interfaced with the original-style controls.
The interior of the new Vigilante Wagoneer custom is decadently upholstered with Moore & Giles leathers, handsomely complemented by New Old Stock corduroy inserts. Each seat underwent an extensive restoration, including powder coating, along with the installation of new springs, foam, and padding to ensure peerless comfort. Traditional Grand Wagoneers featured long shag carpeting, giving the vehicle cabin a saloon-like feel. Incredibly difficult to replicate, Vigilante created the long shag carpeting for this build by specially sourcing rare sheepskin hides, and skillfully blending and tanning them to recreate a lush, extravagant feel.
Drawing inspiration from the Rolls-Royce artisans responsible for crafting the company’s lambskin interiors, this new Vigilante Grand Wagoneer gorgeously integrates the same sheepskin materials into the interior panels of the cabin as well, tastefully contrasting them with premium grain leathers. On the driver’s side, Vigilante's signature new, but original-era designed stock-looking gauges are installed throughout to deliver a thrilling drive experience that remains classic in look.
Experts will note that Vigilante departed from the original Grand Wagoneer’s traditional low-to-the-ground stance. With comfort and visibility in mind, Vigilante CEO Daniel van Doveren opted to significantly elevate the vehicle, providing drivers with a clear view from behind the wheel in line with current SUVs while still maintaining the optimal aspect ratio. To ensure drivers can easily get in and out of the Grand Wagoneer, Vigilante integrated special power steps for effortless entry and exit.
“Modern-day SUVs tend to stand up pretty high, so Vigilante made sure that we lifted this 1988 Grand Wagoneer to present more aggressively while allowing drivers a nice view. With our updated suspension, brakes, and bigger wheels, Vigilante is committed to bringing legendary Grand Wagoneers back on the road with absolutely everything drivers need to enjoy them,”
“Vigilante specializes in preserving the classic aesthetic of transcendent transportation designs like the Grand Wagoneer while pairing them with the performance that people need to have fun and drive them safely on roads today. Vigilante is committed to breathing new life into old school, vintage Jeeps, reviving them for joyful driving wherever the road takes our clients.”
Representing the pinnacle of Vigilante’s skill in restoration and engineering, the exclusive custom 1988 Hellcat Redeye Grand Wagoneer commission is available at a price tag of $385,000. For more information about the special Vigilante 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, or to inquire about vintage Jeep custom commissions, please visit www.vigilante4x4.com or email
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”
“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’s Best-in-class Proprietary Platform
The idea of a vintage vehicle rebuilt to perfection is enticing, but finding such a vehicle is rare. VIGILANTE understands the emotional connection one can have with their vintage Jeeps and has taken it upon itself to polish and present classic Jeeps in their original form.
VIGILANTE custom-built chassis
BAER 6-piston calipers
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 Grand Wagoneer starts at $385,000. That figure can go up if the more powerful engines are selected: the 825 hp supercharged V8 powertrain and the larger 426 cubic inch V8 are optional.
