Vigilante 4×4 announces the restoration of an iconic classic Jeep SUV.
Founders Daniel and Rachel van Doveren and their restoration experts out of Texas (dubbed JeepHeritage) offer a sunbeam-chasing screamer with the rare 1980 Golden Hawk.
“In the vintage Jeep market, Golden Hawks are rare. Restoring a truck like this was fun for our team because Golden Hawks are a treasure and we took our time restoring this one,” said Daniel van Doveren. “This fully restored 1980 Golden Hawk is among the best surviving examples in the world, a stunning rig that instantly makes an impression out on the road.”
The Golden Hawk is a representation of Vigilante 4×4’s mission to reimagine vintage Jeeps, according to the company., with van Doveren overseeing the detailed restorations.
The SUV started with a frame-off restoration. The body was stripped to bare metal and carefully restored, then metalized for rust protection and repainted in the original color.
JeepHeritage restored and powder-coated the chassis and completely rebuilt the axles, transfer case, transmission and engine. The AMC 360 power plant was upgraded with a multipoint fuel injection system.
The build also includes all-around disc brakes and a custom stainless-steel exhaust system. All-new wiring, glass, seals, window actuators, gauge cluster, radio and clock were added to provide modern comforts in a period-correct aesthetic.
The crew meticulously recreated the Levi’s Jeep interior using classic stock Levi’s fabric and matching Moore & Giles leather in place of the Golden Hawk’s original vinyl.
