Heritage, Re-Engineered: Vigilante 4×4’s Blacked Out 1979 Jeep Wagoneer

Renowned for its world-class automotive design and engineering, Vigilante 4×4 proudly unveils its latest bespoke build: a fully reimagined 1979 Jeep Wagoneer that captures the company’s signature balance of refined luxury and modern performance. Built from a pristine Texas-sourced donor body, the project began with a focused mission—to honor the timeless elegance of the storied SJ platform while elevating it into a new realm of contemporary sophistication. The result is a Wagoneer that feels instantly iconic yet unmistakably modern, standing as a confident expression of Vigilante’s evolving design language and its meticulous, ground-up restoration philosophy.

Vigilante’s approach has never been about simple restoration. Each build is stripped down, analyzed, and re-engineered with the same rigor applied to modern luxury vehicles, ensuring that every detail—from stance to steering feel—meets contemporary expectations without erasing the soul of the original truck.

Blacked Out, But Never Overstated

Inspired by a previous blacked-out Cherokee build, the Vigilante team adapted and elevated the concept specifically for the Wagoneer’s stately proportions. The goal was not aggression for its own sake, but a restrained enhancement of presence, transforming a beloved family icon into something sharper, more architectural, and undeniably confident. Deep black paint anchors the exterior, while all traditional chrome elements have been reimagined in matte black. The effect is subtle and deliberate, with contrasts that reveal themselves gradually rather than demanding attention.

The monochromatic theme is not about hiding details, but refining them. Body lines appear cleaner, proportions feel more intentional, and the Wagoneer’s unmistakable silhouette takes on a more modern visual weight without losing its original identity.

Reinventing The Iconic Woodgrain

One of the most defining features of any classic Wagoneer is its side woodgrain, and Vigilante’s treatment of it may be the most innovative aspect of the entire build. Traditionally warm and decorative, the slimmer 1979 moldings have been reworked in layered grey and black tones that blend seamlessly into the bodywork. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese Yakisugi, or Shou Sugi Ban, technique, the finish evokes the visual depth of charred wood—textured, resilient, and thoroughly contemporary.

Rather than standing apart as ornamentation, the reimagined woodgrain becomes an integral part of the overall design language. Smoked, architectural glass completes the composition, reinforcing the Wagoneer’s aura of mystery and quiet confidence while enhancing its modern, almost tailored aesthetic.

A Warm Counterpoint Inside

Step inside, and the Wagoneer opens up in deliberate contrast to its dark, brooding exterior. The cabin is finished in a rich Whiskey-colored interior that immediately feels warm, luxurious, and inviting. Supple leather is paired with the Wagoneer’s signature corduroy, creating a tactile experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. The black-and-brown palette strikes a sophisticated balance—classic in spirit, yet bold and unmistakably premium in execution.

This interior reflects Vigilante’s belief that luxury should be felt as much as it is seen. Materials are chosen not only for their visual impact, but for how they age, wear, and enhance the connection between driver and machine.

Modern Technology, Invisibly Integrated

In keeping with Vigilante’s core philosophy, modern technology is woven seamlessly into the cabin without disrupting the vintage atmosphere. Period-correct window cranks quietly operate electric windows, preserving the tactile rituals of a classic truck while delivering modern convenience. Vintage-style gauges conceal precise contemporary instrumentation, ensuring accuracy and reliability without visual distraction.

Even the steering wheel has been thoughtfully re-engineered, offering a confident, ergonomic grip that dramatically improves the driving experience while remaining true to the Wagoneer’s original character. It is this invisible integration—where modern capability exists without announcing itself—that defines Vigilante’s craftsmanship.

Performance Worthy Of The Name

Beneath the refined exterior and carefully curated interior, this Wagoneer has been transformed into a true modern performer. Power comes from a MOPAR 392 HEMI SRT-8 engine, delivering commanding acceleration, tight and responsive steering, and braking performance that far exceeds anything imaginable in 1979. Designed to cruise effortlessly at modern highway speeds, the Blacked Out Wagoneer pairs its muscle with robust braking performance that delivers exceptional safety and control.

This is not a classic truck that merely looks the part. It is engineered to be driven daily, confidently, and without compromise—equally at home on long highway stretches or carving through city streets.

A Statement Of Vigilante’s Vision

“This truck represents everything Vigilante stands for today,” said Vigilante Founder Daniel van Doveren. “It’s about respecting an icon while radically improving how it looks, drives, and feels. The engineering is modern, the craftsmanship is world-class, and the design is intentionally restrained. This Wagoneer is special because it doesn’t chase attention, but rather it commands respect from the moment you see it.”

That philosophy is evident in every detail, from the restrained exterior contrasts to the richly inviting interior and the modern performance hidden beneath vintage sheetmetal.

Heritage, Perfected

Together, these elements showcase Vigilante’s evolution into a global benchmark for bespoke automotive craftsmanship. This 1979 Jeep Wagoneer is not simply restored or modified; it is re-engineered and re-thought as a modern luxury machine. In doing so, Vigilante proves that innovation and heritage are not opposing forces, but complementary ideals—capable of coexisting in perfect harmony when guided by vision, discipline, and respect for the icon that started it all.