Vigilante has unveiled a completely reimagined 1979 Cherokee S fitted with a Viper V10 offering 825 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque. In successfully incorporating the V10 power plant into this 70’s-era Cherokee, Vigilante has created one of the fastest vintage Jeeps in the world, according to the company.
“This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V10 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 Daniel van Doveren, Vigilante co-founder and CEO. “We encourage Vigilante customers to think big when designing their dream Jeep, and the Viper V10 Cherokee is our latest example of pushing the boundaries of what a classic Jeep can do.”
Vigilante’s V10-powered Cherokee is an example of what these Texas Hill Country automotive innovators are capable of. Starting life as a solid-colored 1979 Jeep Cherokee S, Vigilante began the modification process by completely stripping the body down to its bare metal. The backbone of the new Vigilante 1979 Cherokee starts with a newly developed modern chassis designed in-house following a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle, then a purpose-built wiring harness and electrical components are implemented to ensure that modern components plug-in seamlessly.
The Mopar Gen V Prefix Viper 550/9.0L V10 crate engine provides a peak RPM of 6400 and 550 cubic inches of displacement. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that is HEMI compatible and with four-wheel drive capabilities allows the Cherokee S to handle much smoother than the original. Performance is distributed to all four wheels via the Atlas-II transfer case and Dana 44/Dana 60 Currie Enterprise axles.
To ensure optimal handling, the 4-link Eibach coil suspension combined with Fox Racing shocks provides a smoother ride for all within the cabin. Braking performance is enhanced by signature 6-piston brakes with hydroboost power assistance. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds mated to a Borla dual in-out muffler with mandrel bent stainless steel dual exhaust system provides a boisterous engine note that commands attention out on the open road.
Vigilante chose to implement a stylish Frosted Glass Blue & Stratus White two-tone paint scheme along with a tribal stripe on the Cherokee’s exterior. Utilizing the original 1979 Jeep body, no reproduction panels were incorporated.
Other cosmetic accouterments include signature machined Vigilante wheels, mirrors, grille, and emblems placed strategically throughout. Vigilante’s attention to detail is evident throughout every build aspect, ranging from the careful restoration of the Cherokees chrome trim to the extensive noise-canceling Dynamat soundproofing. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating along with Bluetooth radio compatibility are also subtly inserted under the dash, interfaced with the original-style radio & HVAC controls.
All Vigilante builds are available with a starting price tag of $295,000. For more information about Vigilante’s Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee S, or to inquire about vintage Jeep custom commissions, click here.
