I’m a big fan of the Samurai and all the other related members of its family (Jimny, etc.). I’d like to find one in good condition, and possibly flat tow it behind the Promaster for exploring serious jeep trails. I noticed this one on a walk in Port Orford, especially since it has a rather unusual large front-mounted cargo rack. That’s a bit different, but then these are small cars, so this is one way to add cargo capacity.
Here’s a closer look. It was presumably designed for rear hitches, but if you have a front hitch receiver, why not?
And for additional cargo hauling, there’s not only a roof rack, but another rack out back, over the spare. That would help balance out the front one some.
I’m so lazy sometimes, so no pictures, but I saw an interesting Suzuki two-fer a few days ago, but several blocks apart so presumably unrelated: an X90 and a clean and bone-stock looking Samurai. The latter, in unmodified condition, is almost rarer around here than an X90. This red one looks well cared for but I wonder about the stock 1.3 or even a Sidekick 1.8 or 2.0 handling that tire weight and diameter, even with 5.something axle gearing. Could there be a 4.3 V6 under the hood?
On the east coast the front rack is for surf fishing..
I’m more drawn to the squared Suzuki Jimny-look fender flares. Lends a more robust and masculine appeal to the basic Samurai, and its round wheel arches. The faux rivets on the fender flares, present a dated early 2000s look and feel. But I like the overall appearance. The cargo rack here, would make sense for a sleeping bag and piece of plywood, as a decent place to rest.
Deer rack.
Fenders are bushwacker flares cut
Unless you put Toyota axels under the zuki,,stock axels won’t handle anything bigger then 31″ tires ,learned the hard way.
I have a 1986 for sale!
I’m just susceptible enough to buy a new Jimny just because the looks and size are so damn appealing, the first of which is the worst possible reason for buying a useful form of transport.
In this hemisphere, these were called Sierras back then – and hilariously, also sold as Holden Drovers, who said BMC mastered badge engineering? – and the one pictured reminds me why I so like the latest. The flares and general neatening-up make it quite resemble the newbie, and allows me to forget the reality of the leaf-sprung oldie, which is that they were the most uncomfortable vehicle ever invented.
If you put LARGE enough tires on them, they won’t tip over.
Nice ;
I too like these but never had one, they’re still here and there way out in the desert doing what come naturally .
-Nate
I have an 88 with 31s, 4.56 lockers, spring over axle, and winch.. It has a slightly modified 1.3 in it. Its not fast, but it weighs 2000 lbs and climbs everything I ask it to.
Where is the rear spare tire rack from?