485 HP Under a Retro Hood: This Scrambler Costs as Much as Three New Wrangler 392s

California-based custom shop Vigilante decided to remind the world what a real open-top off-roader should look like. To do that, the company took the iconic Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler, added modern engineering, and dropped in a massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8. The result is a dream machine—but one priced far beyond the reach of most buyers.

At first glance, you might think the modern Jeep Gladiator is the natural successor to the legendary CJ-8. But true enthusiasts know that the simple, raw charm of the 1980s original is hard to find in today’s trucks. That’s exactly the audience Vigilante had in mind when building what it calls the ultimate off-road machine.

Visually, it stays incredibly close to the original. Square headlights, the classic seven-slot grille, and sharp body lines make it look like a factory-fresh Scrambler from decades ago. But underneath, it’s a completely different vehicle. Engineers mounted the body on a new stretched frame chassis, giving it a longer wheelbase, better road stability, and enough room to function as a real four-seater—even if rear-seat space remains limited.

Under the hood, there are no compromises. Instead of the old inline-four, this build uses a Mopar Gen III 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 485 horsepower and 474 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can choose between a performance-focused five-speed Tremec manual transmission or a classic four-speed automatic from Bowler Performance.

Both transmissions are paired with an Atlas II two-speed transfer case that can be shifted on the move. Vigilante also ditched the outdated leaf springs and replaced them with a modern four-link solid axle suspension setup using Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear axles.

The braking system is another major highlight: six-piston calipers and 14-inch drilled brake rotors give this retro truck serious stopping power.

Inside, the design keeps the old-school spirit alive. The dashboard sits low like an old pickup, and the steering wheel proudly carries a vintage AMC badge. At the same time, the cabin includes modern comforts like Vintage Air air conditioning, a retro-style Bluetooth audio system, and premium materials such as Chilewich and Sunbrella upholstery.

Now for the painful part—the price. Each Scrambler is hand-built over nearly nine months, and the final cost lands at around $260,000.

For that same money, you could drive home three new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 models at roughly $80,000 each from a U.S. dealership. That makes this Scrambler far more than just a utility truck—it’s a collector’s toy for someone who refuses to park an ordinary Gladiator in the driveway.