Restomods have become more and more popular over the last few years. There are so many cars now that can get the special treatment. Vigilante 4×4 is one company specializing in restomods, particularly when it comes to Jeeps. They specialize in mostly the Grand Wagoneer and Cherokee. But the company recently took the covers off a stunning 1966 Jeep Gladiator pickup truck. This Gladiator is one of the most surprising restomod we’ve seen as underneath the truck is a 700 hp engine.
The restomod still retains much of the DNA of the original, while it thoroughly modernizes the old Jeep to better suit 21st century roads. The bodywork features the classic styling of the Gladiator. Although its unlikely that Jeep envisioned a Hemi engine producing over 700 hp when they originally conceived the truck!
Hemi V8 Makes It The World’s Most Powerful Jeep Gladiator
Vigilante have shown off the particular Gladiator that packs all that power. This one was a customer request. Under the hood of the Gladiator is a 6.4-liter Hemi SRT-8 from the Dodge R/T Scat Pack. The HEMI V8 makes 485 hp with 475 lb-ft of torque. However, there is an upgrade available for the Jeep. Vigilante allow you to upgrade to a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI engine. This massively ups the power to a staggering 707 hp, making this one of the most powerful Jeep Gladiators in the world.
The 485 hp example of the Gladiator has a six-speed automatic Tremec transmission. However, the upgraded version is also offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed auto. Handling over 700 hp via a six-speed manual is the dream of nearly every gearhead. To ensure the braking of the Gladiator is as good as possible, the old leaf spring suspensions are gone. Vigilante has instead replaced them with combined spring/shock absorbers. This should provide efficient braking for the Gladiator. As well as to create the best road holding possible for it. Of course, the Gladiator still has to retain much of the DNA of the original.
The Original Jeep Gladiator Look Makes It A Powerful Sleeper
Vigilante modernize many components. But they also ensure that the appearance of the pickup truck stays as true to the original as possible. The company 3D scans the entire body, and the Gladiator goes through a full restoration. The bodywork then goes through a plasma-based metalizing process. This helps to fortify the exterior of the truck. Plus, it includes reengineering a new chassis for the donor Gladiator. The frame then receive sits Dana 44 and 60 axles with a modern four-link suspension package.
The exterior is practically left untouched in terms of the aesthetic. Only the new LED headlights make it look like this is not an original Gladiator. Plenty of restomods go too far in creating a modern look for whatever vehicle they are replicating. This particular restomod hasn’t fallen into that trap. Vigilante have made a clear and conscious effort to preserve as much of the 4x4s exterior as possible. The interior has also had plenty of work. Creating a cabin that both feels like the original while offering plenty of modern mod-cons that we can no longer live without.
Vigilante Have Crafted A Retro Interior For The Gladiator
The interior on the Gladiator is now entirely reupholstered. Not only that, but it is also re-chromed, painted or powder coated as well. The cabin has a fantastic NOS analog clock, as well as an original Gladiator steering wheel. The only change here is the bespoke Vigilante 4×4 badge in the center of the wheel. In terms of more modern features, an electronic GPS-controlled speedo is one piece of modern technology. Power windows and locks, necessities in 2023, are also part of the build. There is room for some other cool little features though.
The Gladiator has a full Bluetooth system, featuring a stereo backed up by a JL Audio amp. A pair of subwoofers ensure that the audio quality is as good as it possibly can be. It has to be too, in order to hear it over the roar of that Hemi V8 engine!
How Much Does A Vigilante Jeep Gladiator Restomod Cost?
The restomod that Vigilante has shown off is a commission by a customer. So it is already spoken for. However, do not despair. The company is accepting commissions for the Vigilante. Meaning that you too can get your hands on one, providing you have a donor Gladiator. The cost for this Jeep restomod is currently at $295,000 for the starting price. That isn’t cheap, although we imagine most people who want one of these can actually afford them. You must also have your own Gladiator as well so that Vigilante can work their magic with the off-roader. Needless to say, this is one amazing restomod.
Source: Vigilante 4×4
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