The Stellar V8 Scrambler Restomod Could Be the Sole Vintage Jeep Valued at $260K.
Vigilante 4x4
The latest in automotive news and reviews, no nonsense.
Our complimentary daily newsletter delivers the most relevant stories straight to your inbox every weekday.
While there are plenty of Jeep restomods available, finding a simpler option than a Wagoneer, Cherokee, or their pickup variants is quite rare. Vigilante 4×4 exemplifies this, having fitted a Hellcat V8 into a 1988 Grand Wagoneer and a Viper V10 into a 1979 Cherokee. The shop is now delving into the more straightforward side of classic Jeeps, though the price of its latest restomod is anything but modest.
The latest restomod is a Jeep Scrambler, a CJ-based pickup manufactured from 1981 to 1986. It maintained the open-top design of the CJ-7 it was derived from, yet the wheelbase was extended by 10 inches to 103.5 inches. Designed to compete with the rising Japanese compact trucks of the era, its higher price (partly due to standard four-wheel drive) and limited practicality hindered its success. Fewer than 28,000 were produced, but the Scrambler did pave the way for today's Wrangler-based Gladiator (even though that name originated with a larger J-Truck).
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
While the bed space is limited, Vigilante emphasizes that the extended wheelbase improves stability and ride comfort. The driving dynamics are further enhanced by a new chassis custom-built for Vigilante by the Roadster Shop, featuring a four-link suspension, revised steering geometry, and Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles at the front and rear respectively. These axles are equipped with 285/70/17 BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires mounted on 17-inch wheels.
The powertrain consists of the same 6.4-liter Hemi V8 found in various SRT models, producing 485 horsepower, matching those late-model Mopars. A Tremec TR4050 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with an automatic option also offered. Regardless of the transmission choice, it's paired with an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case, and braking is managed by Baer 6-piston calipers paired with 14-inch cross-drilled and slotted rotors.
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
Vigilante 4×4
As typical for a restomod, the interior showcases upgraded materials (selected for their durability in harsh conditions) and modern features including Bluetooth connectivity, contemporary audio and climate control systems, enhanced sound insulation, and an electronic parking brake. Interior themes in black, camel, and blue are available, along with options for half or full hardtops versus the standard soft top. Notably, Vigilante also provides era-appropriate graphics packages.
“The Vigilante Scrambler is designed for those who find the Bronco too commonplace and the FJ too basic,” stated Vigilante founder Daniel van Doveren, referencing two other popular candidates for restomods. The Scrambler isn’t going to be less expensive than other restomods, starting at $260,000. While that’s a significant investment for an older Jeep, it’s not out of the ordinary in this segment of car culture. Vigilante claims it can finish a Scrambler build in nine months, a notable reduction compared to the two to four years typically required in the past.
Have a tip about an interesting restomod? Reach out to us at tips@thedrive.com.
Other articles
The Stellar V8 Scrambler Restomod Could Be the Sole Vintage Jeep Valued at $260K.
It's wonderful to witness a Scrambler undergo the restomod transformation, but that also implies standard restomod pricing.