The Original Luxury SUV — Reinvented by VIGILANTE
1966 Jeep Super Wagoneer
From the first luxury SUV to a modern masterpiece.
In 1966, Jeep created something that had never existed before: the Super Wagoneer. It was the pioneer of high-end 4x4s, a vehicle that combined rugged capability with unheard-of luxury features.
Today, VIGILANTE takes that rare icon and brings it into the 21st century.
Stripped to the last bolt, rebuilt on a custom VIGILANTE chassis, and powered by a 485 hp 392 SRT-8 HEMI paired to a handcrafted gated manual transmission, this is the ultimate expression of what the Super Wagoneer was always meant to be.
Every detail has been reimagined without losing the soul of the original.
The 1960s silhouette remains — the chrome, the proportions, the iconic grille — but under the skin, everything is new: modern suspension, Baer brakes, precision steering, and a meticulously crafted interior with air conditioning, a custom dash, and hidden tech integration.
This is more than restoration. It’s a resurrection of the SUV that started it all — built for those who demand timeless style with modern power.
Where 1966 Meets 2024
Heritage Restored. Performance Reborn.
The SUV That Started It All — Reimagined by VIGILANTE
Rachel test-drives our 1966 Super Wagoneer restomod — the SUV that started it all, now rebuilt for a new era of performance and prestige.
Often considered the first true American luxury SUV, the original Super Wagoneer set the standard in 1966 with features far ahead of its time. Our restomod honors that legacy by retaining the vintage styling while reengineering every component beneath the surface.
Now powered by a naturally aspirated 392 SRT-8 HEMI delivering 485HP, this build blends effortless muscle with refined modern comfort. From the custom Vigilante chassis to the hand-crafted leather interior and advanced suspension system, every inch has been elevated to exceed today’s expectations — without losing its timeless charm.
The Legend Returns
Original Design,
New Components
A chassis built to our specifications allows us to handle the power of modern HEMI engines and deliver a fresh driving experience with modern suspension and true braking capacity.
20 years of JEEPHERITAGE experience have allowed us to understand the good and the bad of the original designs. The objective of VIGILANTE is to keep the good and update the Jeep to today’s standards.
A monster 485hp to 860hp with a 6-speed transmission
The engines found in our VIGILANTE vehicles are the same as those found in today’s JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SRT and TRACKHAWK.
Motorization revisited with 3 HEMI engines to choose from (from 485 HP to 1000 HP).
Modern suspensions with massive braking power
EIBACH coil springs and manually adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers have replaced the original leaf springs suspensions used on Full-Size Jeeps.
The firm grip is provided by BAER 6-piston calipers.
A Chassis like No Other.
A custom-built chassis that can handle up to 1000 HP.
Our Jeeps are Fully Restored.
At VIGILANTE, our restorations are of similar quality as the ones performed on high-end car brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, or Bugatti. What we deliver is as close to brand new as you can get!
During the restoration process, the entire car is disassembled, piece by piece. Our body shop then carefully strips paint off the body and fixes both impacts and rusted areas. Then the entire body is metalized and the chassis is galvanized to prevent rust from coming back.
Finally, the body is painted, and the chassis is completely powder-coated.
Every mechanical component is new.
“Our rule: Respecful reengineering of every component.”
Drivetrain
The objective of VIGILANTE is to offer engines that are much more performant than the original ones (the carburated 5.9 Liter 8 cylinder or inline 6 engines). The goal is to get as much reliability and power as the high-end Sport SUVs that are currently found in todays market .
392 SRT HEMI comes standard. Optional engine configurations with increaded power are available.
485 HP
MOPAR HEMI SRT-8
Naturally aspirated V8
392 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Optional
707 HP
MOPAR HEMI HELLCAT
Supercharged V8
376 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Optional
825 HP
PREFIX VIPER GEN-V
Naturally aspirated V10
550 c.i. Electronic Fuel Injection
Transmission
All that power – ranging from 485 HP to 1000 HP – is channeled through 6-speed manual or 4 speed automatic gearboxes that are designed and adapted to HEMI engines.
We recommend the 4 speed automatic for this build but other transmissions are available. Manual or automatic? You pick.
Optional
6-speed manual
Tremec TR-6060
6 speed manual transmission
HEMI compatible
4-wheel drive compatible
McLeod RXT hydraulic clutch
4-speed automatic
Bowler 4L80E
4-speed automatic transmission
HEMI compatible
4-wheel drive compatible
Compushift TCS
Four-wheel drive
For the VIGILANTE line, we chose to maintain the four-wheel-drive mode of operation. That’s why, to best distribute the high power of the HEMI engine, we selected an Advance Adapters Atlas-II type of reinforced transfer case.
Atlas-II
2 manual speed
High Range 1:1
Low Range 1:3.45
Reinforced case
Helical gear transmission
Axles
The axles are the last part of the kinetic chain, and we wanted axles in accordance with Jeep’s legacy for our VIGILANTE line. The obvious choice for us are the DANA 60 and DANA 44 type from Currie Enterprises: these new axles are the standard of reference in the axles’ market for both their sturdiness and their reliability.
Front Dana 44
Currie Enterprises Dana-44 front axle
3.71 or 4.11 gears
6-piston Baer disc brakes
Rear Dana 60
Currie Enterprises Dana-60 rear axle
3.71 or 4.11 gears
6 piston Baer disc brakes
Long travel suspension and powerful brakes
EIBACH coils and adjustable FOX RACING 2.0 shock absorbers have replaced the original leaf spring suspension used on Full-Size Jeeps.
More acceleration requires more braking power. The drum/disc combination originally found on Grand Wagoneers was functional but completely outdated. That’s why we replaced it with four huge slotted/drilled/vented discs that can withstand high temperatures. The firm grip is provided by BAER 6-piston calipers. This combination is installed on all VIGILANTE Jeeps.
Fox Racing 2.0
Front & Rear Lift Coilovers
2.0" Smooth bore and honed seamless
Black-anodized,
CNC-machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum components
Baer 6 pistons
6 cross-bolts
Stainless steel pistons
Drilled/grooved/ventilated 14” brake disc
Flexible aviation
High-temperature resistance pads
Wheels
We wanted to keep the iconic Brook Stevens design, but we chose to tailor that design to our needs. The original wheels were scanned and reconfigured to a larger scale to accommodate the new massive brakes.
The wheels installed on the VIGILANTE Jeep are now 17x8'' (instead of 15x7''). Not only does this allow for better braking; it also gives the Jeep a modern and robust look that better aligns with its performances.
VIGILANTE 14-spoke Super Wagoneer 17x9” aluminum machined 90s
Price start at $295,000
Looking for something unique?
Reach out & Give us a call.
Understand Before You Invest
This comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know about high-end Jeep restorations: the true process behind a flawless build, realistic investment ranges, and the hidden mistakes that can turn your dream project into a costly disappointment. Learn what separates authentic craftsmanship from superficial upgrades – and make sure your future build reflects your standards, not someone else’s shortcuts.
Check our inventory
At Vigilante, we have a passion for breathing new life into classic Jeep vehicles.
Our dedicated team of enthusiasts meticulously restores each Jeep, bringing back the timeless charm and rugged elegance that these vehicles are known for.
Available vehicles
We have a small inventory of vehicles that were traded in for new Vigilante builds. These vehicles were classically restored to the highest standards by our sister company, JeepHeritage. If you are looking for a unique and incredibly restored Jeep and want to avoid the current 24 months restoration process, this could be an ideal scenario.
Ready to Experience VIGILANTE Up Close?
Book a private visit to our workshop and step into the world of extreme restoration.
We’ll walk you through our current builds, explain our process, and explore what your own bespoke Grand Wagoneer could become.
Let’s bring your vision to life — one detail at a time.
Let’s talk about your vision.
Book a private call with a VIGILANTE expert.