Vigilante’s reimagined Scrambler blends 1980s design with a 485-horsepower Hemi, and a six-figure reality check.
Revived Scrambler
Long before today’s pickup revival craze, Jeep experimented with the CJ-8 Scrambler, a stretched, truck-like version of the CJ-7 produced from 1981 to 1986. It wasn’t a major success at the time, but its rarity and distinctive proportions helped it gain a cult following decades later. That growing interest is what prompted Vigilante to reinterpret the Scrambler as a modern restomod, keeping its original silhouette intact while dramatically upgrading what lies beneath.
Built From Scratch
Each build begins with an original CJ-8 donor, which is stripped down to its bare structure before being rebuilt from the ground up. Vigilante replaces the factory underpinnings with a custom chassis co-developed with Roadster Shop, designed to handle far more power and improve overall rigidity. The setup includes Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles, paired with a four-link suspension that replaces the original leaf springs, signaling a clear shift from vintage utility to modern performance.
Hemi Power Upgrade
At the center of the transformation is a Mopar Gen III 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. That output slightly exceeds the engine used in Jeep’s own Wrangler 392, underscoring the build’s performance ambitions. Buyers can choose between a Tremec TR4050 five-speed manual or a Bowler Performance automatic transmission, both connected to a twin-stick or Atlas II transfer case that preserves off-road capability.
Modernized Capability
Performance upgrades extend beyond the engine. The Scrambler features revised steering geometry and a high-performance braking system with six-piston calipers and large, drilled rotors. BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch retro-style wheels ensure it retains genuine off-road credibility, even if most examples are unlikely to see serious trail use. The longer wheelbase also improves stability and ride quality compared to the original.
Retro Outside, Modern Inside
Visually, the truck stays close to its 1980s roots, with classic proportions, period-style wheels, and simple body lines. Some builds feature details like Ice Blue paint, retro decals, and bikini-style soft tops. Inside, the design leans heavily on nostalgia, with knee-level gauges and a three-spoke steering wheel, but modern conveniences are integrated discreetly. Climate control from Vintage Air, Bluetooth-enabled audio, and upgraded materials like Chilewich and Sunbrella bring the cabin up to contemporary expectations.
Flexible Configuration
Unlike the original two-seat Scrambler, Vigilante’s version can be configured as a four-seater, though that comes at the expense of bed space. Buyers can also choose between soft tops and hardtops in various configurations, along with multiple interior color schemes. Customization is a major part of the appeal, with paint colors, wheel finishes, and trim details tailored to individual preferences.
The Price Question
All of this comes at a steep cost. With a starting price of $260,000, the Vigilante Scrambler sits far above both its original inspiration and modern Jeep offerings. For context, that figure is roughly equivalent to three new Wrangler 392 models combined. Even pristine original CJ-8s typically sell for a fraction of that amount, raising the question of whether buyers are paying for craftsmanship, exclusivity, or simply convenience.
A Niche Proposition
Ultimately, the Vigilante Scrambler isn’t trying to be a mass-market product. It caters to a narrow audience that values a turnkey, fully realized restomod over building one themselves. With a reported wait time of around nine months and nearly unlimited customization options, it’s less about practicality and more about delivering a specific vision, one that combines vintage Jeep character with modern V8 performance, at a price that reflects both.
