Vigilante 4×4 Unveils $260K Hellcat-Powered Jeep Scrambler Restomod

Jeep restomods are increasingly popular, but finding a turnkey build that’s both basic and exceptional is rare. Vigilante 4×4, a Texas-based shop, has taken a bold step by outfitting a classic Jeep Scrambler with modern performance and luxury upgrades.

The Scrambler, a CJ-based pickup produced from 1981 to 1986, is known for its open-top design and stretched 103.5-inch wheelbase. Originally intended as a competitor to Japanese compact trucks, it offered four-wheel drive but faced challenges due to its price and limited practicality. Fewer than 28,000 units were built, though its legacy lives on in today’s Wrangler-based Gladiator.

Vigilante 4×4 has reimagined the Scrambler with a focus on performance and refinement. The build features a custom chassis from The Roadster Shop, incorporating a four-link suspension, revised steering geometry, and Dana 44 and Dana 60 axles at the front and rear, respectively. Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the Scrambler rolls on 285/70/17 BFGoodrich T/A KO3 all-terrain tires.

Power comes from a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, the same engine found in SRT models, delivering 485 horsepower. Buyers can choose between a Tremec TR4050 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission, both mated to an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case. Stopping power is provided by Baer 6-piston calipers and 14-inch cross-drilled and slotted rotors.

The interior blends modern conveniences with rugged durability. Upgraded materials are selected for their resistance to the elements, while features include Bluetooth connectivity, advanced audio and climate control systems, additional sound deadening, and an electronic parking brake. Interior themes in black, camel, and blue are available, along with options for half or full hardtops to replace the standard soft top. Vigilante also offers period-appropriate graphics packages to enhance the classic aesthetic.

Why Choose the Vigilante Scrambler?

According to Daniel van Doveren, founder of Vigilante 4×4, the Scrambler is designed for enthusiasts who find the Bronco too common and the FJ too spartan. The build process is streamlined, with Vigilante claiming it can complete a Scrambler restomod in just nine months—significantly faster than the two to four years typical of past builds.

Pricing for the Vigilante Scrambler starts at $260,000, reflecting its premium positioning in the restomod market. While the price tag may seem steep for an old Jeep, it aligns with the high-end segment of car culture, where exclusivity and performance justify the cost.