Long before the current Jeep Wrangler-based Gladiator hit the market, the American carmaker had actually already built a pickup badged the Gladiator between 1962 and 1988. A company by the name of Vigilante recently got its hands on one of these classic trucks and has comprehensively restored and modified it.
To bring this 1966 model into the modern age, Vigilante has outfitted it with a re-engineered chassis with modernized 4-link suspension system rocking Eibach coil springs and Fox 2.0 dampers to improve the ride and boost the truck’s off-roading abilities. Complementing the upgraded suspension components are new 6-piston brakes sourced from Baer as well as new Dana axles.
Read: 11 Owners Can’t Trust The ‘Park’ Gear In Their 2022 Jeep Gladiators
While Vigilante had the Gladiator’s body completely removed from the chassis, it also stripped each part for media blasting and restored the body using old-world heat and quench methods of metal shaping. The body was also subject to a plasma-based metalizing process to protect it from rusting in the future. It was then repainted in a stunning shade dubbed Empire Blue.
Vigilante then turned its attention to the pickup’s engine. It is now rocking a 6.4-liter Hemi SRT V8 engine that is good for 485 hp and coupled to a six-speed Tremec transmission. Should other classic Jeep Gladiator owners want a little extra grunt, Vigilante can also install the screaming 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 with 707 hp, although that’s probably a little excessive for a vehicle like this.
The interior of the ’66 Jeep has also been thoroughly updated. For example, there is a new electronically-controlled speedometer, electric windows and door locks, as well as a new audio system with Bluetooth, a JL Audio amplifier, speakers, and two subwoofers. New carpets made from high-end German fiber have also been installed.
Buying a classic Jeep Gladiator from Vigilante isn’t cheap with prices for comprehensive builds like this starting at an eye-watering $295,000.
