Vigilante Transforms 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Into Modern Blacked-Out Powerhouse
Sporting a 485-hp powerplant & upgraded drivability, this discreet Wagoneer pairs the aggression of a modern muscle car with the refinement of a vintage luxury SUV…
Vigilante has unveiled its latest bespoke build: a fully reimagined 1979 Jeep Wagoneer featuring a blend of refined luxury and modern performance, company officials stated in a press release. Sourced from a pristine Texas donor body, Vigilante says it set out to honor the elegance of the storied SJ platform while pushing it into a new realm of contemporary sophistication. The result is a Wagoneer that feels iconic yet modern, standing as a confident expression of Vigilante’s evolving design language, noted the release.
Inspired by a previous blacked-out Cherokee build, the goal of the Vigilante team was to enhance the vehicle’s street presence with restraint, transforming a beloved family icon into something sharper and more architectural. Deep black paint anchors the exterior, while all chrome elements have been reimagined in matte black, creating subtle contrasts that reveal themselves only upon closer inspection, the company said.
Traditionally warm and decorative, the slimmer 1979 moldings of the Wagoneer’s signature side woodgrain have been reworked in layered gray and black tones that blend into the body. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) technique, the treatment evokes the visual depth of charred wood—textured, resilient and contemporary. Smoked, architectural glass completes the monochrome composition.
Classic & Bold Interior With Hidden Modern Technology
Inside the Wagoneer, the dark exterior gives way to a rich Whiskey-colored interior. Supple leather is paired with the Wagoneer’s signature corduroy, creating a tactile mix that is both nostalgic and indulgent. The black-and-brown palette delivers a sophisticated balance that is classic in spirit, yet bold in execution, officials claim.
In keeping with Vigilante’s core philosophy, modern technology is integrated invisibly throughout the cabin. Period-correct window cranks quietly operate electric windows, while vintage-style gauges conceal modern instrumentation. Even the steering wheel has been re-engineered, offering an ergonomic grip that improves the driving experience without betraying the vehicle’s original character.
Power & Performance of the Reimagined 1979 Jeep Wagoneer
Beneath the surface, this Wagoneer is powered by a MOPAR 392 HEMI SRT-8 engine. The Blacked-Out Wagoneer delivers tight, responsive steering and commanding acceleration. Designed to cruise at modern highway speeds, this reimagined Wagoneer is complemented by robust braking performance that delivers exceptional safety and control.
“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.”
Together, Vigilante says these elements showcase the company’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.
