06:28 26-12-2025

Vigilante reimagines the 1979 Jeep Wagoneer with a 392 HEMI

Vigilante unveils a 1979 Jeep Wagoneer restomod with a 485-hp 392 HEMI, refined dynamics, matte black styling, and a whiskey leather, velour-trimmed cabin.

Vigilante has unveiled a thoroughly reimagined 1979 Jeep Wagoneer built around its original body. The project pairs the model’s classic shape with modern hardware and sharper dynamics, with the SUV essentially rebuilt from the ground up.

The off-roader wears a deep black finish, with every chrome piece swapped for matte dark trim and the glass tinted. The once-slim moldings are recast in a gray-black palette for a more cohesive, restrained look. The team says it isn’t designed to shout; proportion and detail do the work. In practice, the restraint suits the squared-off silhouette better than brightwork ever did.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in whiskey-colored leather set against the Wagoneer’s signature velour. Period cues are kept, from stylized gauges to the window cranks, which now operate electric mechanisms. The steering wheel has been reworked for better ergonomics while preserving the model’s original character. The mix feels authentic rather than nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake.

Under the hood sits a Mopar 392 HEMI SRT-8 rated at 485 horsepower. According to Vigilante, the SUV feels at home both on the highway and off the pavement, far surpassing the abilities of late-1970s Wagoneers. Taken as a whole, it comes across as a respectful restomod that balances heritage with contemporary tech and comfort.