• 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, TEXAS (February 17, 2026) – Few vehicles carry the historical significance of the Jeep Super Wagoneer. With its latest bespoke creation, a fully reimagined 1966 example, Vigilante transforms the pioneering luxury SUV from the ground up, honoring its legacy while elevating its performance, comfort, and refinement for a new era.

Inspired by the ethos of its original design, where rugged capability met refined comfort, the Vigilante team approached this build with a clear mission: preserve the soul of the 1966 Super Wagoneer while transforming every mechanical and performance aspect to meet today’s standards. The result is a vehicle that retains its timeless silhouette and unmistakable charm while delivering driving dynamics, power, and sophistication that far surpass anything from its era.

Finished in striking Empire Blue and detailed with the cues that made the original Super Wagoneer legendary, this build maintains its classic aesthetic while integrating cutting-edge engineering beneath the surface. Power comes from a MOPAR Gen III 392 HEMI SRT-8 V8 producing 485 horsepower, paired to a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission engineered for precise, driver-focused engagement. A handcrafted suspension system, Baer performance brakes, and a custom four-wheel-drive system ensure this Super Wagoneer stops, steers, and rides with confidence and composure, whether cruising at highway speeds or navigating more demanding terrain.

Inside, the cabin merges heritage and innovation with intention. Signature elements, including vintage-correct styling cues and the classic push-button radio, remain intact, while modern integrations such as Bluetooth connectivity and a fully functional HVAC system elevate comfort and usability. Carefully engineered components, including custom console elements and thoughtfully reinterpreted trim details, ensure the interior feels authentic to 1966 while delivering the refinement expected of a modern luxury vehicle.

The exterior retains its chrome accents and iconic proportions, benefitting from meticulous restoration and enhanced materials that respect the vehicle’s history. Every visible surface reflects Vigilante’s commitment to craftsmanship, balancing originality with subtle modernization. The result is a Super Wagoneer that feels both historically significant and confidently contemporary.

Far more than a restoration, this 1966 Super Wagoneer represents Vigilante’s continued evolution as a benchmark for bespoke automotive craftsmanship. It stands as proof that innovation and heritage can coexist in perfect harmony, delivering a vehicle that is as engaging to drive as it is timeless in design.

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.

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 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 Super 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.