Far too often, classic car restomods are more resto than mod. And while this can undeniably massively bolster performance, it has the potential to rob the donor of its original spirit and identity. In an effort to preserve their DNA while still delivering a contemporary driving experience, Vigilante 4×4 created its Jeep restoration specialist division known as JeepHeritage. And the Texas-based off-shoot’s latest work sees founders Daniel and Rachel van Doveren dig deep into the Jeep archives in order to deliver a modernized take on a limited edition ‘80s-era Cherokee that retains the origin’s character while returning it to its former glory — and then some. 

This meticulously restored and tastefully modified build gave the team at JeepHeritage the opportunity to bring a particularly rare model back to life — a 1980 Jeep Cherokee Golden Hawk, which was a special limited edition package available on Jeep CJ-5s, CJ-7s, and Cherokees during the 1980 model year. Like all builds from JeepHeritage, this restomod began with a complete disassembly that saw the frame, body and all metallic components media-blasted, as well as a thorough cleaning and zinc treatments for the donor’s hardware and the lion’s share of moving parts. Restored, galvanized, and powder-coated, the new framework has been paired with a completely rebuilt transfer case, axles, and a newly-rebuilt AMC 360 engine that’s had its carb-fed setup jettisoned in favor of a multipoint fuel-injected system. The 5.9-liter mill has also been fitted with a custom-built Mandrel-bent stainless-steel exhaust. Disc brakes have also been added at all four corners. 

Repainted in the limited edition donor’s original colorway, the body of the Cherokeee has been custom built using Jeep’s ‘80s-era body shaping techniques, hammer-beating and heating the material into shape. From there the build was coated in the Golden Hawk’s Bordeaux Metallic livery, complete with its tri-tone flying hawk hood graphic, matching body stripes, and Golden Hawk branding on the doors and tailgate. This seldom-seen paint job is complemented via gold wheels and a pair of front bumper-mounted SEV Marchal auxiliary lights. Inside, the team at JeepHeritage have recreated the Golden Hawk’s Levis Jeep interior, with the cabin now trimmed in classic stock Levis fabric and matching Moore & Giles leather — a subtle upgrade over the Golden Hawk’s original vinyl. Rounding out the project is all-new instrumentation, a new custom leather-wrapped steering wheel, a new radio, a new clock, all-new wiring, and all-new glass paired with new window actuators.

The 1980 Jeep Cherokee Golden Hawk from JeepHeritage is currently for sale with an asking price of $195,000. JeepHeritage is also accepting commissions for its Stage One, Stage Two, and Stage Three builds with prices starting from $155,000, $185,000, and $295,000, respectively.