Offered for sale on Bring a Trailer as a no-expense-spared reinterpretation of Jeep’s iconic full-size SUV, this 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief underwent a comprehensive transformation by Vigilante of Johnson City, Texas, culminating in September 2024. Originally acquired by its longtime owner in 1991 and refurbished during the mid-1990s, the vehicle was later selected for Vigilante’s signature restomod treatment, blending classic Jeep styling with contemporary engineering, supercar-grade performance, and modern luxury.
At the heart of the build lies a naturally aspirated 9.0-liter Prefix Gen-V Viper V10, an extraordinary powerplant producing a factory-rated 825 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. Installed during the final phase of the project, the all-aluminum engine features electronic fuel injection, carbon-fiber Prefix 9.0L Xtreme engine covers, a high-capacity PWR aluminum radiator, and an 850-watt brushless cooling fan. Exhaust gases are routed through stainless-steel manifolds feeding a mandrel-bent dual exhaust system equipped with four Borla mufflers, delivering a soundtrack befitting its immense performance credentials.
Power is sent to either the rear wheels or all four corners through a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission paired with a McLeod RXT hydraulic clutch and an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case. The drivetrain is further strengthened by a Currie Enterprises Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, ensuring the capability to harness the V10’s prodigious output both on and off the pavement.
The Cherokee rides on a custom-fabricated Roadster Shop chassis engineered to dramatically elevate handling and ride quality. Suspension upgrades include a triangulated four-link rear setup with Eibach coil springs and Fox dampers, while a Borgeson quick-ratio power steering box sharpens steering response. Stopping power comes courtesy of hydroboost-assisted Baer six-piston disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners. Completing the stance are bespoke 17-inch Vigilante billet aluminum wheels wrapped in 285/70 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, with Warn locking hubs fitted up front.
The body was stripped to bare metal before being refinished in Aston Martin Stratus White and Frosted Glass Blue, accented by period-inspired 1975-style tribal graphics. Custom billet aluminum trim pieces, mirrors, and grille components elevate the craftsmanship, while signature Cherokee Chief elements such as the “pig nose” grille, chrome bumpers, and power-operated rear tailgate glass preserve the model’s unmistakable character.
Inside, the cabin combines vintage Americana with modern refinement. Front bucket seats and the rear bench are upholstered in blue Levi’s denim accented with leather trim, while Dynamat insulation throughout enhances comfort and reduces cabin noise. Modern amenities include Vintage Air climate control, power windows, an OEM-style Bluetooth-enabled audio system, and a premium JL Audio setup featuring a VX1000/5i amplifier, AudioFrog speakers, and an 8-inch subwoofer. Twin-stick transfer case shifters rise from the transmission tunnel, while a leather-wrapped steering wheel fronts a set of Speedhut gauges including a 160-mph speedometer, an 8,000-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary instrumentation.
Blending timeless Jeep styling with exotic V10 power and cutting-edge chassis engineering, this Vigilante-built Cherokee Chief represents one of the most comprehensively executed full-size Jeep restomods available today.
1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief by Vigilante For Sale – Image Gallery
Source: Bring a Trailer