The classic Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler takes on a new personality in this extensively reengineered 1982 example by Vigilante 4×4, combining vintage Jeep styling with modern chassis engineering and a powerful Hemi V8. Offered on Bring a Trailer, the Schwab Blue Scrambler was built as the champion’s prize vehicle for the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club.
392 Hemi V8 Power and Modern Drivetrain
At the heart of this restomod is a 6.4-liter, 392-cubic-inch Hemi V8 crate engine rated at 485 horsepower from the factory. The engine is paired with a Bowler 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission, replacing the more modest powertrain associated with the original CJ-8.
Power reaches the rear or all four wheels through an Advance Adapters Atlas II dual-range transfer case with twin-stick controls. The drivetrain also incorporates Currie Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles, while a Reel Driveline driveshaft completes the power delivery system. This hardware gives the Scrambler a substantially upgraded mechanical foundation for both road driving and off-road use.
Reengineered Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
Rather than relying on the original CJ-8 platform, Vigilante fitted the truck with a replacement aluminum body mounted to a custom-engineered chassis developed in collaboration with Roadster Shop. The laser-cut, boxed, and powder-coated frame provides a modern foundation for the upgraded powertrain and suspension.
A lifted suspension, four-link rear setup, and Fox remote-reservoir shock absorbers improve the vehicle’s ability to handle uneven terrain. Seventeen-inch Vigilante turbine-style wheels wear BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, while four-wheel cross-drilled and slotted disc brakes provide stopping power. Steel bumpers, LED lighting, a black soft top, and a swing-away spare tire carrier retain the Scrambler’s functional, adventure-oriented character.
Blue Leather and Tartan Interior
The cabin balances contemporary comfort with distinctive styling. Front bucket seats and a rear bench combine blue leather upholstery with Tartan cloth inserts, complementing the exterior’s Schwab Blue finish and contrasting stripes. Additional equipment includes Vintage Air climate control, a locking center console, and a leather-wrapped passenger grab handle.
A three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a Vigilante-branded electronic instrument cluster featuring a 90-mph speedometer, a 6,000-rpm tachometer, and supplementary gauges. The digital odometer displays just 435 miles on the build, rather than establishing the vehicle’s original lifetime mileage.
A Charity Auction With a Modern Classic
Listed from Scottsdale, Arizona, the Scrambler is offered with build documentation and a clean Texas title. The accompanying Carfax report notes that the vehicle was registered in a county declared a FEMA flood-disaster area in September 2005, a detail prospective bidders should consider when evaluating its history.
Proceeds from the winning bid, including the buyer’s fee, will benefit Truth Spring, a nonprofit focused on education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Beyond its charitable purpose, this Vigilante-built CJ-8 demonstrates how a classic Jeep can retain its period identity while gaining substantially greater performance, modern comfort and extensively reengineered mechanical components.
1982 Jeep CJ-8 Schwab Scrambler by Vigilante 4×4 for Truth Spring For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer