Image Credit: Bring a Trailer.Restomods rarely struggle to grab attention these days, especially when vintage SUVs are involved. Still, every now and then a build appears that goes well beyond the usual formula of oversized wheels, modern lighting, and a crate V8 swap. This 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief is one of those builds.Currently listed on Bring a Trailer, the heavily reworked two-door SUV combines classic Jeep styling with supercar-level power courtesy of a massive Viper-derived V10 engine. The project was completed by Texas-based Vigilante 4x4, a company known for creating some of the most extreme custom Jeep builds on the market.At first glance, the Cherokee still looks unmistakably vintage. The boxy proportions, tribal-style graphics, and chunky stance all preserve the rugged personality of Jeep's late-1970s SJ platform. Underneath the retro-inspired design, however, sits an entirely modern performance machine with 825 horsepower on tap.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe result is a build that feels both outrageous and carefully thought out. From the denim-trimmed interior to the six-speed manual transmission, this Cherokee embraces old-school character while delivering performance levels that would embarrass many modern sports cars.A Viper V10 With 825 HorsepowerImage Credit: Bring a Trailer.The centerpiece of the build is undoubtedly the naturally aspirated 9.0-liter Prefix-built Viper Gen-V V10 mounted under the hood. The engine reportedly produces 825 horsepower and 750 pound-feet of torque, transforming the classic Jeep into something far more aggressive than its original AMC-era engineers could have imagined.Power is sent through a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission paired with an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case. The setup feeds both a Dana 44 front axle and Dana 60 rear axle from Currie Enterprises, giving the Cherokee serious hardware both on and off pavement.The build also features a stainless-steel dual exhaust system with four Borla mufflers, ensuring the V10 soundtrack matches the truck's wild appearance. Even among modern restomods, a naturally aspirated Viper engine remains an unusual and dramatic choice.Vintage Looks Meet Modern EngineeringImage Credit: Bring a Trailer.Although the powertrain grabs most of the headlines, the rest of the build appears equally comprehensive. Vigilante stripped the body to bare metal before refinishing it in Aston Martin Stratus White and Frosted Glass Blue with retro-inspired 1975-style graphics running down the sides.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe SUV rides on custom 17-inch Vigilante billet aluminum wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires. A custom Roadster Shop chassis sits underneath, featuring a triangulated four-link rear suspension setup with Fox dampers and Eibach springs.Stopping power comes from hydroboost-assisted Baer six-piston brakes at all four corners. The truck also uses a Borgeson quick-ratio steering box, helping modernize the driving experience without sacrificing the classic Cherokee personality.Denim Seats And AMC Throwback DetailsImage Credit: Bring a Trailer.One of the most charming aspects of the build is the interior treatment. The front bucket seats and rear bench combine blue Levi's-style denim upholstery with leather accents, paying tribute to AMC-era special editions that famously used denim interiors during the 1970s.The cabin balances retro flair with modern convenience. Features include power windows, Vintage Air climate control, Bluetooth audio capability, and a JL Audio sound system with an amplifier and subwoofer.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdditional upgrades such as Dynamat insulation and Wilwood pedal hardware give the SUV a more refined feel than most vintage 4x4s. Despite the supercar-grade engine output, the interior avoids becoming overly flashy or futuristic.Not Your Average RestomodThe seller notes that the Jeep originally underwent refurbishment in the 1990s before receiving the complete Vigilante transformation, which was finished in September 2024. The odometer currently shows around 3,200 miles since completion.Interestingly, the listing also discloses an engine-related issue that occurred shortly after the build was finished. According to the owner, an oil line separated while the vehicle was idling at Prefix's Detroit facility, causing the engine to seize. Prefix reportedly tore the engine down, inspected all components, replaced the bearings, and rebuilt the unit before testing it again. As of now, bidding has already climbed well into six-figure territory, with the auction scheduled to end on June 18. If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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