Smallest four-wheeled expedition vehicle?

[Thirty-Nine]

My friend in Japan just shared a new concept from Suzuki being revealed there: the Hustler. It's a combination of micro-car and utility vehicle.

Yeah, I totally wish I could get one of these. I also totally dig the XLANDER

http://www.subcompactculture.com/2013/10/suzuki-concept-vehicles-from-43rd-tokyo.html

Andy

 

[cascade.king]

It's one thing to be a tiny 4x4.. It's an entirely different thing to be the smallest "real" Expedition Vehicle.

(Photos from "10000 Miles Through Arabia" - Ernst Wiese)

 

[eatthepeach]

Yeah but if you're out on an expedition with your Haflinger and you need to do this, can you? I doubt it.

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Isn't that just the new FJ Cruiser? :coffeedrink:

My friend in Japan just shared a new concept from Suzuki being revealed there: the Hustler. It's a combination of micro-car and utility vehicle.

 

[Tappet]

Great thread. Brings back some good memories.

Had a Susuk LJ50 Van and then L80 rag top and doors when I was a young guy. Can't even remember the the LJ20, if indeed it was even sold in this country. The 50 had the big block, 550cc 2 stroke Amazing vehicles would go places a LandCruiser wouldn't even look at. You just didn't want to do a trip in one. At one stage had the 80 on A frame which we towed behind my mates Toyota BJ40 with camping gear and stowed in 80 and dogs in the back of the 40. It made quite a formidable 8 wheel drive vehicle when the going got really tough.

I ruined the 50 by transplanting a hotted up Corolla 5K engine and gearbox in it. It was stupidly fast for what it was but lacked the off road ability of the 2 stroke lightness.

Now I'm going to have find the old photo albums and scan the pics to post.

 

[eatthepeach]

There's a very entertaining five-part 1980's video of the history of the Jimny on YouTube, starting with the HopeStar ON360: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKOWZaBljKA . Sorry if it's been posted before or is old hat. If anyone has a better quality copy and wouldn't mind sharing it I'd be happy to help with the legwork of the transfer (or ripping) and uploading.

 

[dasmule]

I love the Niva! Such a capability in a small package. I was looking to import one, but read (on several forums) the chances of getting a newer model imported into the US are pretty low due to EPA emissions requirements and DOT safety. Closest thing to the NIVA (as far as form factor goes) in the US would be a Subaru Justy AWD. I doubt the Justy would touch the Niva as far as off road performance goes though.

 

[ChazXJ]

Jeep is supposed to be announcing a tiny new addition to the lineup. No real details yet but it shares the fiat 500L platform

Rendering from spy shots by AutoExpress:

 

[stevec]

Another vote for the Suzuki LJ's (the original Jimny):sombrero:

That is awesome, you can park two in one parking space.

We actually parked six of them using two parking spaces at one of the LJ meets in South Dakota a few years ago (the parking lot was actually pretty full when we arrived):

 

[africanexpat]

Some extreme Jimny's here.

http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=170922

 

[NMC_EXP]

For someone who travels light, the VW / Bombardier Iltis might qualify as an "expedition" vehicle.

 

[sigo]

71 posts and no mention of my favorite small four wheeled expedition vehicle. How about a flat fender Willys; MB, GPW, CJ2A, CJ3A, MC, or CJ3B?

 

[mspeters]

AMC Mighty Mite - this one is a resto-mod with diesel power.

 

[GetOutThere]

AMC Mighty Mite - this one is a resto-mod with diesel power.

View attachment 218146

View attachment 218147

Mite (hah) just be the most adorable little off roader I have ever seen.

 

[SiliconTi]

71 posts and no mention of my favorite small four wheeled expedition vehicle. How about a flat fender Willys; MB, GPW, CJ2A, CJ3A, MC, or CJ3B?

I agree, they are remarkably small and very capable bone stock.