Check Out This 1966 Jeep Gladiator Restomod by Vigilante 4×4
Texas-based Jeep Restomod company shows us that we can have old cars run and drive like new with this glorious hemi-swapped 1966 Jeep Gladiator.
Deep in the heart of Texas, there was a company who saw an amazing opportunity waiting beneath the shell of a 1966 Jeep Gladiator. Vintage vehicles, while beautiful, aren’t quite as capable as handling modern stresses like modern vehicles. Suspension, frame, braking, acceleration and even power don’t match up to the standards that we see implemented today. And that’s okay — it’s the vintage vehicles that we established new safety standards from. Vigilante 4×4, the Texas-born company that created this incredible machine, kept the original looks and intentions in place, while adding in modern bits to make it safer, more reliable, and faster.
“Our goal at Vigilante is to breathe new life into a celebrated vehicle from the past, bringing each one into the present while still delivering an authentic driving experience as first intended,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder Daniel von Doveren. “Each Vigilante custom build must reflect the truck’s original authenticity, even with the modern upgrades… Even more impressive, we’re able to do all this without changing the essence of the original vehicle.”
Specializing in Jeep rebuilds, Vigilante 4×4’s first order of business was to replace the original small block V8 with a much more powerful 6.4 liter 485 horsepower SRT-8 powertrain. Paired with a modern six-speed transmission, their restomod shifts smoothly. Though, Vigilante’s website also mentions that if 485 horses aren’t enough, there are other options to choose from — going as high as 1,000 horsepower. Transmissions also come in a variety of option, ranging from four to six speeds.
Though, to make sure it’s a true restomod, the engine and transmission weren’t the only oldies to be replaced. The frame has been updated to be more stable, suspension has been replaced with softer traveling components, and brakes have been updated to six-piston calipers to increase stopping power and reliability. In order to keep up with the original look, Vigilante used 17×8 wheels. Even emblems and badges were created to keep the original look at the forefront, including custom but vintage-esque Vigilante badging.
On the inside, the steering wheel was downsized to make the large truck easier to handle. The instrument clusters keep the vintage aura alive and well, but are connected using modern methods. Even error lights are electronic now, to make diagnosis and repair much easier. To make monitoring even easier, Vigilante added gauges to report oil pressure and battery voltage — something that wasn’t a part of the equation in 1966.
Otherwise, leather, chrome, and powder coating is still very abundant on the interior. Cleverly hidden is a Bluetooth receiver in the dashboard to play your music from without ruining the original look of the 60s, complete with two subwoofers under the rear bench seat.
Also modern are the prices for Vigilante builds. For a restomod that keeps the original designing intact but with modern safety and performance bits, you’re looking at $295,000.
Photos: IBP Media
Join the JK-Forums now!
