Wanderlust

Tag: Jeep

  • ICON Reveals Latest Reformer, a 1975 Jeep Cherokee Named “Safe Flight”

    ICON Reveals Latest Reformer, a 1975 Jeep Cherokee Named “Safe Flight”

    • Creators of the Restomod Movement Present a Top-Down Modern Reinterpretation of this Iconic Classic Jeep

    [Source: ICON]

    LOS ANGELES, CA – ICON 4×4, the pioneering automotive design firm that started the automotive restomod category, is proud to introduce the latest over-the-top build created with expert craftsmanship and design. A 1975 Jeep Cherokee is part of ICON’s exclusive series of one-off builds, called The Reformers. The Reformer series seeks to play a bit of revisionist history, transcending and elevating classic vehicles with a focus on revolutionizing the drivability, all while elevating every detail within the builds themselves. 

    ICON and its founder and lead designer, Jonathan Ward, undertook an additional mission with this build: to address the negligent errors of the original Detroit designers by correcting the Native American tribal homages that were incorporated into the vehicle’s original design and adding new ones where it made sense. Detroit designers of the 1960s paid little attention to tribal accuracy or historical references in their work. However, drawing on Jonathan Ward’s experience with his leather goods brand, J. Ward, and his apparel line, Campfire Coats, ICON was uniquely positioned to correct these historical oversights and honor the true cultural significance of the original designs. The original concept of the Jeep Cherokee featured several missteps, including an inaccurate depiction of a Native American tribal graphic on the beltline and the use of imitation Naugahyde leather instead of genuine cowhide. The tribal graphic? Not from the Cherokee nation. The stamped ‘hide’ of faux Naugahyde in a Western style? Completely off the mark. One of the most compelling aspects of these Reformer projects is the chance to thoroughly study the original design priorities. By understanding both the strengths and shortcomings of the original, ICON is able to expand on the design from a fresh, more authentic perspective—correcting inaccuracies while staying true to the spirit of the vehicle.

    ICON began with an original 1975 Cherokee and a 1965 Jeep Gladiator, carefully selecting the best elements from these key moments in Jeep’s evolution. Jonathan Ward blended these iconic features to create something truly unique and exceptional, paying homage to the brand’s rich history while simultaneously elevating it to new heights. Drawing on his expertise and the communities connected to his leather goods brand and apparel line, Jonathan Ward conducted a deep dive into traditional Cherokee textile and clay arts. He explored the rich symbolism embedded in each pattern and detail, ensuring that every element in the design was authentic and respectful of Cherokee traditions.

    After extensive research and close collaboration with tribal leaders, Jonathan Ward discovered a traditional Cherokee pattern symbolizing ‘safe flight’—an abstract representation of an eagle feather. Historically, this design adorned water vessels and blankets when tribe members embarked on perilous journeys. It was a natural choice for the vehicle, featured prominently along the body and integrated into numerous details, from the gauges and coat hooks to the door trim and more.

    For the interior, Ward selected two premium leathers in place of the original vinyl. The primary leather, sourced from Moore & Giles, was chosen for its rich aroma and exceptionally soft texture. The second, from Wickett & Craig, North America’s oldest tannery since 1867, is a vegetable-tanned leather traditionally used for saddles. This durable material was the perfect choice for the hand-tooled seat and door panel accents. In keeping with traditional craftsmanship, Ward enlisted Trajan Vieira, a master artisan and founder of Mercury Leather Works, to carve the leather in the Sheridan style, a technique that gained popularity in early 1900s Wyoming. With German wool square weave carpets hemmed in leather, an Alcantara headliner, bespoke gauges in the original housing, dash knobs, and custom trim, the result is a legitimate piece of art on wheels.

    The vehicle is finished in Custom Porsche Chalk paint (kreidegrau; non-metallic UNI; M9A / 3H; Porsche), a sophisticated shade that provides a striking contrast against the sleek Bentley black roof, enhancing the vehicle’s modern silhouette. Along the side, a meticulously hand-painted graphic, an abstract representation of the eagle feather in black and blood red, pays homage to Cherokee heritage, adding a powerful visual statement. Every exterior detail is a testament to ICON’s design prowess. From the grille and badges to the mirrors, handles, and taillight housings, all hard trim was custom-designed and meticulously crafted from machined 6061 aluminum, ensuring durability while exuding refined craftsmanship.

    Mechanically, this Cherokee rides on a one-off Art Morrison chassis with coil-over suspension, hydroboosted Brembo brakes, Fox Racing adjustable nitrogen-charged shocks, and tunable sway bars. Under the hood, a HEMI 6.4 V8 delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, paired with a custom-built GM 4L85E transmission, Atlas II transfer case, and a PSC power steering box. The vehicle is equipped with Currie Industries ICON-specific Dana high-pinion axles (44 front, Extreme 60 rear). The build is completed with BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tires and ICON Old School Forged 18″ aluminum rims with stainless dog dish hubcaps.

    Modern conveniences, including a Vintage Air Gen IV HVAC system, power windows, door locks, a digital audio system with Focal Utopia speakers, and discreet LED interior lighting, are subtly integrated to preserve the vehicle’s timeless aesthetic, ensuring it will be cherished for decades.

    Jonathan Ward, Founder of ICON, reflects on the project; “This project was both an incredible honor and a true joy from a vehicle designer’s perspective. Commissioned by a long-time ICON client with whom we’ve built a deep bond of trust, we were given the rare opportunity to push boundaries and ‘go further.’ The level of creative freedom we were afforded is something every custom designer dreams of. Immersing myself in the various art forms and traditions honored in this build was a deeply rewarding experience, making this project truly one-of-a-kind.”

    For more information on the all-new 1975 ICON Cherokee “Safe Flight” and their other builds please visit www.icon4x4.com or call 818-280-3333.

  • Vigilante Unveils Fastest Vintage Jeep Ever Created with Viper-Powered 1979 Cherokee S

    Vigilante Unveils Fastest Vintage Jeep Ever Created with Viper-Powered 1979 Cherokee S

    • The Perfect Pairing of Power and Elegance is Evidenced by a Blistering 825 Horsepower from the Reimagined Cherokee Along with a Stylish Two-Tone Colorway & Corresponding Denim Interior

    [source: Vigilante]

    JOHNSON CITY, TX – With a well-deserved reputation as the world’s finest restorers and enthusiasts in the vintage Jeep sector, Vigilante is consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible underneath the hood of a classic-style Jeep. In keeping with the company’s tradition for building the finest custom Jeeps available in the marketplace today, the Texas-based builders have once again established a new high watermark of performance and drivability from a classic-style Jeep. In a true masterclass of design and engineering, Vigilante is proud to unveil a completely reimagined 1979 Cherokee S imbued with Viper V10 power good for an astonishing 825 horsepower and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. In successfully incorporating the dominant V10 powerplant into this 70’s-era Cherokee, Vigilante has created the fastest vintage Jeep in the world.

    “I am proud to say that we have built the fastest vintage Jeep in the world. This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V10 is the result of countless hours of design, engineering, fabrication, paint, and so much more. It’s a true labor of love, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another team around the globe who has as much knowledge and experience working in Jeep restoration and modification as we have here at Vigilante,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder and CEO Daniel van Doveren. “We encourage all Vigilante customers to think big when designing their dream Vigilante Jeep, and the Viper V10 Cherokee is our latest example of pushing the boundaries of what a classic Jeep can do.”

    Following months of design and preparation and involving thousands of hours of dedicated authentic restoration, Vigilante’s Viper V10-powered Cherokee is an exceptional example of what these Texas Hill Country automotive innovators are capable of. Starting life as a solid-colored 1979 Jeep Cherokee S, Vigilante began the modification process by completely stripping the body down to its bare metal. The backbone of the new Vigilante 1979 Cherokee starts with a newly developed modern chassis designed exclusively by the company following a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle to ensure no body modifications are necessary. A purpose-built wiring harness and all electrical components are then implemented to ensure that all modern upgrades and components plug-in seamlessly.

    Known for meticulously restoring classic Jeeps to a level that few others are capable of, Vigilante’s new 1979 Cherokee S features an astonishing level of speed and control by way of modern upgrades expertly implemented throughout. The Mopar Gen V Prefix Viper 550/9.0L V10 crate engine provides stunning performance figures with a peak RPM of 6400 and 550 cubic inches of displacement. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that is HEMI compatible and with four-wheel drive capabilities allows the Cherokee S to handle much smoother than the original. Performance is distributed to all four wheels via the Atlas-II transfer case and durable Dana 44/Dana 60 Currie Enterprise axles. To ensure optimal handling and comfort, the 4-link Eibach coil suspension combined with Fox Racing shocks provides a more balanced stance and smoother ride for all within the cabin. Braking performance is enhanced by signature 6-piston brakes with Hydroboost power assistance, delivering confidence-inspiring stopping power when needed. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds mated to a Borla dual in-out muffler with mandrel bent stainless steel dual exhaust system provides a boisterous engine note that commands attention out on the open road.

    The absolute genius of each Vigilante build goes far beyond just performance and drivability. Paying homage to one of the finest 70’s-era Jeeps ever built, Vigilante chose to implement a stylish Frosted Glass Blue & Stratus White two-tone paint scheme along with a tribal stripe on the Cherokee’s exterior. Utilizing the original 1979 Jeep body, no reproduction panels are incorporated at any point. 

    In order to effectively match the 70’s-era aesthetic adoring the outside of the Cherokee S, Vigilante incorporated original Levis Denim interior fabric along with Moore & Giles fine leathers to create a stylish vintage interior. Each seat also underwent an extensive restoration, including a thorough powder coating process, along with the installation of new springs, foam, and padding for unparalleled comfort. 

    Other cosmetic accouterments include signature machined Vigilante wheels, mirrors, grille, and emblems placed strategically throughout. Vigilante’s impressive attention to detail is evident throughout every build aspect, ranging from the careful restoration of the Cherokees chrome trim to the extensive noise-canceling Dynamat soundproofing. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating along with Bluetooth radio compatibility are also subtly inserted under the dash, interfaced with the original-style radio & HVAC controls. 

    “Our team at Vigilante is committed to building the finest custom Jeeps on the planet. We take great pride in the sheer level of attention-to-detail that goes into each new creation, down to every last nut and bolt,” continues van Doveren. “We specialize in preserving the classic Jeep aesthetic while subtly empowering these legendary vehicles with the performance and reliability our customers need and deserve for modern-day driving. It is our great pleasure to breathe new life into classic Jeeps such as this 1979 Cherokee S, and we look forward to making our clients dreams continue to come true with new custom Jeep creations in the future.”

    Representing the pinnacle of Vigilante’s skill in restoration and engineering, the exclusive custom Viper V10-powered 1979 Cherokee S commission was recently sold. 

    All Vigilante builds are available with a starting price tag of $295,000.  For more information about Vigilante’s Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee S, or to inquire about vintage Jeep custom commissions, please visit www.vigilante4x4.com or email info@vigilante4x4.com. 

  • Blackbridge Motors Unveils Newest Defender 110 with Jeep Wrangler Chassis

    Blackbridge Motors Unveils Newest Defender 110 with Jeep Wrangler Chassis

    With a Base Price of $169,950, Blackbridge’s Mark IV Offers Competitive Pricing With No Sacrifice to Comfort or Luxury

    [source: Blackbridge Motors]

    NORWALK, CT – Renowned for their exacting craftsmanship in reviving and enhancing classic Land Rovers to offer an exhilarating contemporary driving experience, Blackbridge Motors proudly introduces their latest bespoke creation: Defender 110 Mark IV, complete with custom-modified Jeep Wrangler underpinnings and an array of modern performance upgrades. Through their meticulously refined OEM-like build process, Blackbridge Motors seamlessly delivers pristine vehicles such as the new Mark IV without compromise to performance, comfort, or luxury, all while offering clients an exceptionally competitive price point relative to other custom Land Rover builders. Moreover, in an industry where extended wait times for vehicle delivery have become customary among restomod builders, Blackbridge Motors boasts an average turnaround time from down payment to delivery of just 4 months.

    Scott Gilbert founded Blackbridge Motors with the core belief that the thrill of owning and driving an iconic Land Rover Defender shouldn’t come with compromises to comfort or handling. Drawing from years of professional expertise in repairing and restoring Defenders, Gilbert crafted standardized parts and solutions that can easily be switched out and modified depending on a client’s needs and preferences. 

    “A standout feature of our platforms and standardized process is the remarkable degree of flexibility and customization it affords our clients when tailoring a build to precisely meet their needs,” comments Blackbridge Motors Founder & CEO Scott Gilbert. “The most common question we get from potential clients is what makes us different from the plethora of other Land Rover outfits currently on the market. What I always tell them is that while anyone can throw a bigger engine in a Defender and call it a day, what really matters is everything around the engine bay that affects the drivability, safety, reliability, and overall on-road handling experience, and that’s something we’ve refined to the point of excellence.”

    The daily drivability and formidability of each truck, both on and off-road, is among the most pivotal aspects of any Blackbridge build. The newest Blackbridge Motors Mark IV Defender features a GM Performance 6.2L V8 LS3 425-hp engine outfitted with a Blackbridge-designed, aerospace-grade body harness that is affixed to the GM Performance OEM engine and transmission harnesses. To ensure seamless performance and synergy between components, Blackbridge employed an almost complete suite of driveline parts from General Motors such as a GM performance 6-speed automatic transmission, GM transfer case, GM gear select lever, GM performance engine accessory kit, and GM Performance OEM engine control module.

    The General Motors engine system also ensures that clients can conveniently service their Blackbridge Motors Defender at any GM facility or dealer nearby. Optional engine and drivetrain appointments for prospective clients include a 6.2L V8 GM LT1 and an 8-speed automatic transmission with 450-hp or a 6-speed manual transmission.

    The new Blackbridge Motors 110 Defender Mark IV includes heavy-duty Dana HD front and rear axles with 4.88 gearing and a special hydroboost four-wheel Wilwood Master braking system. The original Land Rover Defender chassis has been replaced with a modified 2018 Jeep Wrangler 116-inch chassis which extends the wheelbase and interior space by 6 inches. The new Jeep JK chassis affords clients numerous options when selecting wheels as opposed to the relatively limited choices available for the original Defender OEM platform. 16-inch steel “WOLF” style wheels and BFGoodrich K02 A/T tires were chosen by the client for this new Mark IV. Fox custom valved shocks were added for improved off-road capability and on-road cabin stability along with a custom-engineered heavy-duty steering linkage box and heavy-duty control arms. For extended range and fuel efficiency, a 22.5-gallon fuel tank and a Blackbridge OEM GM returnless, high-flow fuel pump system were also added.

    The base of the interior cabin is lined throughout with custom flooring from Chilewich, with all wiring for the HiFi Audio System and climate control systems running through the sides of the vehicle instead of the floor; making all floor space completely usable without worry of damaging the interior vehicle systems. The interior is comprehensively and harmoniously adorned with an off-white weather treated leather in Hellgrau (light gray) by Hydes which is upholstered throughout the cabin seating, door cards, and center console. Blackbridge utilizes this treated leather for many of their coastal clients as it maintains an unparalleled resistance to moisture.

    The custom-designed dashboard is meant to symbolize the simplicity and analog style of original Defender interiors with exception to the subtly integrated modern amenities. The HiFi Audio System is accompanied by a 9-inch touch screen display with electric heating and cooling capabilities, CNC machined vents and controls located alongside as well as custom analog-style dash gauges. Two successive rows of captain’s chairs are spaciously separated by the Blackbridge-designed center consoles all furnished in the moisture-resistant leather. The entire cabin is accented with modestly integrated LED lighting for style and visibility at night. The cargo space in the Mark IV remains unencumbered, designed for practical utility such as loading beach or outdoor gear, distinguishing it from Blackbridge’s alternative jump seating options. The cargo area is accessible via a dropdown-style tailgate with a secure storage locker.

    The Blackbridge designed tub is produced as a single piece, which makes for increased rigidity and simplifies the assembly process. Lighting upgrades include LED running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and Blackbridge x Vision X 7-inch round DOT LED headlights in the OEM grill. For increased in-vehicle visibility, Blackbridge Motors installed a Standard Width Body Canvas Soft Top with Strataglass Windows, presenting incredible outdoor visibility and elemental protection. Custom upholstered canvas soft tops are available for every build starting at $12,000.

    When speaking on Blackbridge’s competitive price point, Gilbert explains, “We’ve cultivated a distinct advantage over our competitors by tailoring our systems to accommodate a diverse range of client needs. This approach not only optimizes efficiency but also significantly reduces costs and time associated with repair and maintenance, thanks to our proprietary Blackbridge parts seamlessly integrated with the General Motors drivetrain package. Gilbert continues, “Collectively, these factors empower us to offer our products at a price point considerably lower than that of our counterparts, without compromising on quality. In fact, our value proposition is further enhanced when considered for ease of use and maintenance.”

    Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark IV starts at $169,950. For more information on Blackbridge Motors and available vehicles, please visit www.blackbridgemotors.com or call (203) 817-0014.