Vigilante’s 1979 Jeep Wagoneer Restomod Is a Blacked-Out Masterpiece

Vigilante has unveiled a striking new restomod that redefines what a classic American SUV can be in the modern era.

Its latest bespoke build, a fully re-engineered 1979 Jeep Wagoneer restomod, blends restrained architectural design with contemporary performance and world-class craftsmanship.

Sourced from a pristine Texas donor body, the project honors the elegance of Jeep’s legendary SJ platform while confidently pushing it into a luxury-focused future.

This is not a nostalgic throwback or an over-styled modification.

Instead, the Vigilante Wagoneer stands as a carefully considered evolution, one that feels instantly iconic yet unmistakably modern.

A Modern Interpretation of a Timeless SJ Icon

The original Jeep Wagoneer holds a unique place in automotive history, widely regarded as the blueprint for today’s luxury SUVs.

Vigilante’s challenge was clear: preserve that heritage while elevating the vehicle to meet modern expectations for design, performance, and everyday usability.

Inspired by a previous blacked-out Jeep Cherokee build, Vigilante adapted the concept specifically for the Wagoneer’s larger, more stately proportions.

The design favors presence over aggression, delivering clean lines and subtle contrasts that reward closer inspection rather than chasing attention.

Finished in deep black paint, the exterior replaces traditional chrome with matte black elements.

The result is a sharper, more architectural appearance that modernizes the Wagoneer without compromising its dignified character.

Reinventing the Iconic Woodgrain

One of the most defining elements of this build is Vigilante’s reinterpretation of the Wagoneer’s signature side woodgrain.

Traditionally warm and decorative, the slimmer 1979 moldings have been reworked into layered grey and black tones that integrate seamlessly into the body.

Inspired by the Japanese Yakisugi (Shou Sugi Ban) technique, the finish evokes the depth and texture of charred wood, resilient, tactile, and contemporary. Smoked, architectural glass completes the monochrome exterior, reinforcing the SUV’s modern luxury presence.

A Whiskey-Colored Cabin with Hidden Technology

Step inside, and the Wagoneer reveals a deliberate contrast to its dark exterior.

The cabin is finished in a rich Whiskey-colored interior that immediately feels warm, inviting, and premium.

Supple leather is paired with the Wagoneer’s signature corduroy inserts, creating a tactile blend that celebrates the SUV’s heritage while elevating it with modern materials.

The black-and-brown color palette strikes a refined balance that feels classic in spirit yet bold in execution.

Modern technology is integrated invisibly throughout the cabin.

Period-correct window cranks quietly operate electric windows, vintage-style gauges conceal modern instrumentation, and a subtly re-engineered steering wheel improves ergonomics without betraying the truck’s original character.

392 HEMI Power Transforms Performance

Beneath the refined exterior, this Jeep Wagoneer restomod undergoes a complete mechanical transformation.

Power comes from a MOPAR 392 HEMI SRT-8 engine, delivering responsive acceleration, confident highway cruising, and modern reliability.

The drivetrain is supported by tight, responsive steering and robust braking performance, offering levels of control and safety unimaginable when the Wagoneer debuted in 1979.

Rather than chasing outright performance figures, Vigilante focused on a cohesive, effortless driving experience.

“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.”

That philosophy is evident throughout the build.

Every design choice and engineering upgrade serves a clear purpose, enhancing the Wagoneer’s original vision without excess or gimmicks.

A New Benchmark for Luxury SUV Restomods

This 1979 Jeep Wagoneer restomod by Vigilante is more than a restoration or modification; it is a fully re-engineered luxury machine.

It demonstrates how heritage and innovation can coexist without compromise.

As the restomod market continues to mature, builds like this highlight a shift toward intentional restraint, where craftsmanship and engineering matter more than spectacle.

Quietly confident and impeccably executed, Vigilante’s Wagoneer sets a new benchmark for bespoke luxury SUV restomods.