Classic Style, Supercar Soul: This Jeep Packs Serious Character

Take a look at this 1979 Jeep Cherokee Chief. The two-tone paint, retro graphics, and denim-upholstered seats make it look like another carefully restored classic SUV. But lift the hood and the illusion disappears. Hiding underneath is a naturally aspirated 9.0-liter V10 borrowed from the Dodge Viper, producing an astonishing 825 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque.

The build comes from Texas-based shop Vigilante, which has made a name for itself by blending vintage styling with modern hardware. The exterior was left largely untouched, but nearly everything underneath was upgraded. The engine itself was assembled by Prefix and is based on the powerplant found in the final-generation Dodge Viper.

Backing the V10 is a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual transmission, an Atlas II transfer case, and heavy-duty Dana axles front and rear. This is a true four-wheel-drive system, free of the electronic tricks found in many modern SUVs.

Inside, the cabin pays tribute to the days when Jeep was owned by AMC. The seats are wrapped in blue denim reminiscent of the old Levi’s Edition models. At the same time, the truck offers modern comforts including air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, sound insulation, and an upgraded audio system. The cabin remains surprisingly quiet, though the exhaust note outside leaves no doubt that something extraordinary lurks beneath the sheet metal. It's a compromise most enthusiasts would gladly accept.

The project wasn't without setbacks. Shortly after the finished Cherokee arrived in Detroit for final testing, an oil line came loose from a fitting and the engine shut down. The V10 was subsequently disassembled, rebuilt with new bearings, and thoroughly tested on a dyno. Today, the powerplant is said to be in perfect health.

The restomod, currently up for auction, crossed into six-figure territory within a week. Expensive? Absolutely. But considering that a vintage SUV body hides performance capable of embarrassing many sports cars—and that every detail has been carefully thought out—the price starts to make sense.

After all, this isn't just an expensive restoration. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Except in this case, the sheep is wearing denim, and the wolf sounds like an entire herd of angry bison.