This old Jeep wears an 807bhp Hellcat V8, yours for $385,000

In 1988, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer had a heady 144 horsepowers available for unhurried forward momentum that often ventured into ‘catatonic’. In 2024, this granddaddy of the SUV family now features 807 rather more enthusiastic horsepowers available to propel its classically proportioned bulk.

So, welcome to today’s episode of Old Cars With Massive New V8s Stuffed Inside! Dubbed the “ultimate sleeper” (now not because of its performance, mercifully), it’s the work of Californian outfit Vigilante. Already a dab hand at restoring old Jeeps, it’s taken the next step and made one supersonic.

Because at its heart rests the 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi Hellcat Redeye V8, which punches out 807bhp and 717lb ft of torque. “Vigilante engineered the new, sinfully good Grand Wagoneer to keep pace with anything on the road,” it said, and we don’t doubt that one bit.

There’s a four-speed auto ‘box attempting to marshal that power to all four wheels, and Fox Racing dampers and Eibach springs attempting to keep it pointing the way you want. There are simply huge, six-piston brakes, which feels… sensible.

Otherwise it follows the Old Cars With Massive New V8s Stuffed Inside Rules: strip and blast everything down to its undercrackers, repair and restore the shell, reapply everything again, meticulously, painstakingly, expensively. Like: new paint, new glass, better soundproofing, new, better leather, corduroy inserts (!), and new 17in wheels. You’ll notice it rides a little higher than a regular GW. This is deliberate.

And it’s also a very, very cool car. Overpowered? Hugely. Fun? Quite possibly. “With our updated suspension, brakes, and bigger wheels, Vigilante is committed to bringing legendary Grand Wagoneers back on the road with absolutely everything drivers need to enjoy them,” said boss Daniel van Doveren.

Naturally, it’ll cost you a fair old amount: Vigilante said this exclusive commission is available for $385,000. A lot of money for an old Jeep, but then this one has a lot of horsepower.