Rod tells us he has been a LandCruiser man his whole life, owning several key models including a 40 Series that was shipped over to America when he sold it. There was also a petrol-powered Troopy which he loved, and a rare MWB BJ73 with FRP roof which was ‘cool but not great for camping’. With old age kicking in (or should that be sensibility?), Rod decided to buy this FJ Cruiser pretty much kitted out as you see it here – complete with suspension, mud tyres, a roof rack and full storage drawers already installed. Rod mentioned he was sick of building 4X4s so he wanted to buy something modern that was already accessorised. Thoughts of a Jeep Wrangler did cross his mind; but once a ’Cruiser man, always a ’Cruiser man… hey Rod?
MARC’S GRAND VITARA
It isn’t every day you see a modified Grand Vitara, but Marc – the owner of this fine example – can’t understand why. He has been kept rather busy however modifying the’Vit, and in his own words he refers to his vehicle as the most over-capitalised Grand Vitara in the country. He started with a 40mm Dobinsons lift kit, a set of Mickey Thompson P3 tyres, and a roof rack with awning and light bar, which also carries some extra fuel when required. Marc had an Xrox bullbar fitted as it was the only one he could find with recovery points to suit a GV2; and a Carbon winch takes care of recovery duties. Marc’s goal was to build a 4X4 that was self-reliant off-road but not a nightmare to drive in shopping centre car parks. Job well done we say, Marc!
SCOTT’S (STRETCHED) 79 SERIES LANDCRUISER
Talk about a killer touring setup: Scott’s stretched 79 Series really has been built with long-distance travel in mind. Everything from the stretched wheelbase to the barwork works together in harmony to create something that is equally capable and comfortable. The Metalink canopy on the rear of the ’Cruiser pops up to reveal sleeping quarters, and also has one of the most complete kitchen areas we have seen. Take a good look at the shelves and storage area, and it is easy to see Scott likes to travel organised. At our count, we spotted six ARB Intensity spotlights on the truck too – so Scott is obviously scared of the dark. One look at the dust and mud all over the ’Cruiser though, suggests that he certainly isn’t scared of using this beast off-road.
MIKE’S DEFENDER
Here we have Mike’s beloved Defender, which he has set about customising into his idea of the perfect tourer. It’s a 2010 model with the 2.4L Puma motor, which Mike has largely left alone. In terms of touring modifications, he’s installed a full set of Drifta drawers with fridge slide, 140L long-range fuel tank, two water tanks, front and rear Air Lockers and a 2-inch lift with 500kg constant load springs. The 12V system used in Mike’s Defender is quite impressive, with 400Ah of batteries as well as LED lighting, an inverter and checker-plate bonnet protector with side wings from Mammouth in the UK.
