Even the smallest, softest of SUVs, like this 1986 Suzuki Samurai, can be turned into a serious off-roader with a set of tracks replacing the wheels. This one turned up on Craigslist in Denver, and it's yours for $15,000. Would you have this over the ubiquitous Jeep Wrangler?
The body sits on a three-inch lift, and comes with a set of 33-inch tires if you, you know, want to actually drive this on the road. New front and rear bumpers with winch mounts have been installed, and the seller claims the paint job cost $6000. The engine appears stock besides a new Weber carburettor and K&N air filter, and it sends its power to a manual gearbox.
As Bring a Trailer points out, the price might seem a bit high for a 30-year-old Samurai, but the tracks alone are likely worth close to that. Despite its small size, the Samurai is a pretty competent off-roader in stock form, and the modifications done here up the ante significantly. So this, or a Wrangler?
A car enthusiast since childhood, Chris Perkins served as Road & Track's engineering nerd and Porsche apologist.
