
Headquartered out of Johnson City, Texas, Vigilante 4×4 was originally founded in 2017 as a vintage Jeep restoration specialist, though has since expanded its operations to now include elite restomod building services. Focusing on vintage Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Gladiator models produced from 1963 through 1991, the shop has recently built out a high-end J-Truck restomod in a bid to demonstrate what it’s capable of, taking a ’66 Gladiator and thoroughly modernizing the pickup’s performance while still retaining much of its original visual DNA.

Starting with a full 3D scan of the body, the vehicle has been completely restored before having its bodywork put through an intensive plasma-based metalizing process that fortifies the exterior of the truck. This also includes reengineering a new chassis for each donor, before equipping the new frame with Dana 44 and 60 axles and a modern four-link suspension package that includes Eibach coil springs and FOX 2.0 dampers. In place of the donor’s original powertrain is now a 6.4-liter HEMI SRT-8 from Dodge’s R/T Scat Pack that makes 485hp and 475ft-lbs of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic Tremec transmission, the restomod’s engine can also be upgraded to a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI that puts down 707hp and is offered with a six-speed manual or four-speed auto. Additional hardware updates include top-shelf Baer six-pot calipers and a new set of 17” x 8’’ steelie-style wheels.

With the exception of new LED headlights set in the truck’s stock housings, the exterior of the Jeep has been repainted, but otherwise left almost entirely untouched — a decision made in an effort to preserve the classic 4×4’s factory appearance. Every piece of the interior has also recently been freshly reupholstered, chromed, painted, or powder-coated. From there, the cabin has also been treated to an ultra-rare NOS analog clock, an original steering wheel updated with a bespoke Vigilante 4×4-logoed badge, an electronic GPS-controlled speedo, power windows and locks, rebuilt windows, carpeting made from a natural woven German fiber, a rear leather-covered bench seat, and a Bluetooth-connected stereo that’s backed by a JL Audio amp and a pair of subwoofers.

While this particular 1966 Jeep Gladiator Restomod is already spoke for, Vigilante 4×4 is currently accepting commissions, with builds starting at $295,000.