There seems to be a new classic vehicle restorer popping up weekly. And while we’ve all seen our share of gorgeous Dodge Power Wagons, Ford Broncos, and Land Rover Defenders, it’s much more uncommon to see a fully restored classic full-size Jeep Cherokee. Classic Jeep parts, especially the bodies, are incredibly difficult to source. That’s where Vigilante 4×4 comes in.

Based in Johnson City, Texas, Vigilante 4×4 is the brainchild of Daniel van Doveren. Growing up in Belgium, Daniel’s love of classic Jeeps blossomed into a full-on obsession after restoring his first Jeep, a 1981 Cherokee Chief, with his father. Because these wonderful vehicles are more prevalent in North America, Daniel moved to the United States where he launched into the business of saving and restoring classic full-size Jeeps. The company has built many custom one-off Cherokees since its inception; however, none are quite as astonishing as its latest creation: a 1979 Cherokee S imbued with Viper V10 power.

Complete Frame-Off Restoration

The Vigilante Viper Cherokee started life as a basic solid-colored 1979 Jeep Cherokee S. The modification process began with the company stripping the Jeep’s bodywork down to bear metal and gutting every non-essential factory element. A newly developed modern chassis, designed exclusively by the company following a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle, acts as the backbone of the build. A purpose-built wiring harness and all electrical components were then installed, ensuring that the modern upgrades and components work seamlessly.

Once the bodywork was complete, with no replacement panels used, the Cherokee was finished in a gorgeous two-tone Frosted Glass Blue & Stratus White two-tone paint scheme along with a white tribal stripe. Inside, Vigilante incorporated original Levi Denim interior fabric along with Moore & Giles fine leathers to create a stylish vintage interior. Other cosmetic enhancements include the company’s signature billet aluminum mirrors, grille, and emblems. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating along with Bluetooth radio compatibility are also subtly inserted under the dash and interface with the original-style radio and HVAC controls.

Insane 9.0-Liter Viper V10 Power

Under the hood of this meticulously restored Jeep lies an 825 horsepower, 750 pound-foot, 9.0-liter Mopar Gen V Prefix Viper engine. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds mate to a Borla dual in-out muffler through a mandrel-bent stainless-steel dual exhaust system. This exhaust system offers a boisterous engine note that commands attention from the Viper V10’s unique sound everywhere the Jeep goes.

The insane power is routed through a Tremec T6060 six-speed manual transmission and dispersed to the axles thanks to an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case. Axles are from Currie Enterprises and feature a Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear. Stopping power is provided by hydroboost-assisted Baer six-piston brakes.

A four-link suspension was installed utilizing Eibach coil springs and Fox dampers. The combination provides the optimal combination of handling and comfort. The suspension also makes room for the Jeep’s 285/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.

“I am proud to say that we have built the fastest vintage Jeep in the world. This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V-10 is the result of countless hours of design, engineering, fabrication, paint, and so much more. It’s a true labor of love, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another team around the globe who has as much knowledge and experience working in Jeep restoration and modification as we have here at Vigilante,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder and CEO Daniel van Doveren. “We encourage all Vigilante customers to think big when designing their dream Vigilante Jeep, and the Viper V-10 Cherokee is our latest example of pushing the boundaries of what a classic Jeep can do.”

If You Have To Ask… Well, You Know

Vigilante offers three different levels of build, including Classic, Elevate, and Vigilante4x4. Classic is the entry-level and offers a nut-and-bolt restoration with the finished product being as close to factory as possible. These builds are offered starting at $165,000. Mid-grade restorations, the Elevate level, offers the same build quality as Classic but with the choice of a crate HEMI 5.7-liter V8 engine, six-speed transmission, and Atlas II transfer case.

All Vigilante4x4 builds, the company’s premier restoration product, come with a starting price of $295,000. These are the full, ground-up, restoration with a custom chassis, new suspension and axles, and choice of a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 or 6.2-liter Hellcat V8. Adding wild options such as a Viper V10 engine pushes that price tag higher. Vigilante4x4 builds costing north of $400,000 are not uncommon.