Forgotten 1960s Jeep Turned Into A 485 HP Manual Off-Roader

The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are familiar nameplates, etched into the history of American SUVs. Less well known is the Super Wagoneer, a short-lived model from the 1960s that quietly helped shape the luxury SUV formula long before it became mainstream.

Read: Vigilante’s 1975 Jeep Cherokee Restomod Combines A 6.4-liter V8 With A Six-Figure Price Tag

Recently, the team from Vigilante got its hands on a Super Wagoneer and set about turning it into something truly unique. Most of the classic exterior design has been retained, but the Jeep has been equipped with a slew of modern upgrades that make it the perfect combination of old and new.

Origins Of A Luxury Pioneer

Vigilante

Back in the 1960s, the Super Wagoneer stood apart by pairing utility with upscale touches, setting a template that today’s high-end SUVs follow almost by default. It was an early experiment in blending comfort and capability, long before that combination became a market expectation.

The most significant change starts with the engine. Gone is the original unit and in its place sits a modern-day 6.4-liter Hemi V8. It’s good for 485 hp and 475 lb-ft (644 Nm) of torque, coupled to a six-speed Tremec manual transmission.

To handle the additional grunt, Vigilante has fitted a custom four-wheel drive system and a set of high-performance Baer brakes. The engine bay looks like a work of art, free of any ugly wires or hoses, and complete with a chrome-finished radiator to keep all eight cylinders running cool.

A Look To Match

Vigilante

Adorning the Jeep’s exterior is a dramatic shade of Flamboyant Blue, complete with several chrome accents. Vigilinate has also jacked up the ride height with aftermarket suspension components and fitted a new set of wheels with all-terrain tires.

Completing the changes is a modern climate control system, a new Bluetooth audio system, and blue trimmings throughout to match the wild shade of the exterior.

“This Super Wagoneer project embodies everything Vigilante stands for,” Vigilante founder Daniel van Doveren said. “It’s a celebration of automotive heritage, but it’s also a bold statement about what classic vehicles can become when you apply modern engineering and craftsmanship. We did not simply restore this Jeep. We reengineered it to deliver an entirely new driving experience while preserving what made it iconic in the first place.”

Vigilante