This 1972 Suzuki LJ20V has been with the seller since nearly new. Said to run great, it’s powered by a two stroke, two cylinder and is claimed to have needed only a new wheel bearing, water pump and reed valve in 40 years despite heavy off-road use. Cosmetics are rough but not bad for a trail rig, and the ad mentions recent rust repair as well. Find it here on eBay in Jackson, Mississippi for $3,275 OBO.
40 Years Off Road: 1972 Suzuki LJ20V
1995 Range Rover Classic LWB
This 1995 Range Rover LWB (VIN SALHC1341SA648502) looks great in Plymouth Blue and is said to be a very well looked after example that was until recently part of a large private collection. All electrics and accessories including A/C work, the Buick-based aluminum Rover V8 is said to run smoothly, and inside and out cosmetics look great. Find it here on eBay in Woodland Hills, California for with no reserve. Special thanks to BaT reader Rick S. for this submission!
Cyclops Eye: 1982 Subaru BRAT
This 1982 Subaru BRAT (VIN JF2AT53B8CE502883) is a rare “Cyclops Eye” equipped example with a third, flash-to-pass headlight concealed behind a central grille door. Another rarity is working A/C, and the seller says it runs, shifts, turns and stops well. Tires, battery, front rotors, ball joints and fluids are all new, and past maintenance includes rebuilt heads, replaced water pump and more. Find it here on eBay in Fort Collins, Colorado with no reserve and fast bidding.
Market Flooded: 1960 Mitsubishi TM15 Three Wheeled Truck Project
This 1960 Mitsubishi TM15 is the second we’ve ever seen, the first of which was featured here less than a week ago. This one is more complete with a bed, engine and 4-speed manual transmission, the seller noting that its OHV 1100cc twin is a dry-sump design—note also the open gate shifter. A missing windshield will be unobtanium, but the motor does turn over. Find it here on eBay in Norman, Oklahoma with an $8k BIN.
Ex-Air Force: 1957 FWD MM1 Terracruzer
This 1957 FWD Terracruzer is a largely aluminum truck originally used by the Air Force to haul MGM-13 Mace missiles. This one’s powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V-71 two stroke, though researching we read about others that ran avgas-fueled Continental flat eights as well. Four or eight wheel drive, tire pressure can be adjusted on the fly and this one’s said to have only 900 hours and 3,000 miles use—five spare tires are also included. Find it here on Craigslist in Long Beach, Washington for $22,250 OBO.
Eight Foot Long Dually: 1950 Crosley Farm-O-Road
This 1950 Crosley Farm-O-Road (chassis FR159) is thought to be one of about 600 made, and though it looks to be in very good condition the seller says it’s received only light restoration—a low 14k and change miles probably further contribute to its good state of preservation. Though its mini-Jeep looks suggest 4WD, only the rear, dually axle is powered by a 724cc four cylinder of Crosley’s own design. Find it here on eBay in Anaheim, California with reserve not met.
At first glance main body paint appears to be glossy and a likely respray, though closer inspection shows a bit of fade and a close match to what’s seen underneath the hood and floors. There’s no word on originality or what work restoration involved, though it seems like there’s a good chance that finish may remain factory albeit after plenty of polishing. Some of our favorite details include the simple, three bar grille, passenger-side mounted spare and of course the smallest dually axle we’ve ever seen.
Though certainly minimal, the cabin isn’t any more sparsely equipped than that of full-sized off-roaders of its time—Crosleys were built more like downsized regular cars than other very small and inexpensive machines, and had equipment levels to match. Though RWD only, one gearstick operates a 3-speed manual primary transmission while the other selects between high or a 4:1 reduction gear.
Power comes from a 44 cubic inch four of what’s quoted as 26.5 HP and six additional lb. ft. of torque, perfectly adequate for a truck with a 63” wheelbase and 1,100 pound curb weight. Ground clearance looks pretty good, and with such little weight pressing down on its 12” wheels and knobbly tires it would probably float pretty well over most deep mud and snow. Additionally, wheel spin could be mitigated by moving the emergency brake lever left or right to engage each side’s respective brake shoe independently.
It sounds as if this one’s seen very little if any use over the past eight years, and though we’re not condoning putting it to work hauling a plow or a horse trailer, it does look like it’d be fun to cruise around town in. Like a Mini Moke, it’d be perfect for the beach.
SWB Pick-Up: 1958 Land Rover SII 88 Project
This 1958 Land Rover SII 88 (chassis149000216) is a short wheelbase pick-up and not as the seller says a Safari Station Wagon. Largely complete but tired looking from spending 30 years outdoors, it’s said to have minimal corrosion under good aluminum bodywork, with 64k recorded miles that are thought to be accurate. A non-running project with a disassembled and incomplete motor, we like the idea of a modern turbodiesel swap but would also endorse a rebuild of its original four cylinder. Find it here on eBay in Orange, California with no reserve.
Bodywork looks pretty good despite a lot of dings, weathered trim and peeling or scratched paint. We like our old trucks with a bit of character though, and seeing as finish is probably still original we’d consider leaving it as-is after tending to dried up rubber, a few cracked pieces of glass, some missing plastic lenses and its ugliest dents. Replacement grille and trim pieces should also be sourced, and a few add-ons like the tray mounted beneath the passenger side rear window and what appears to be a cabinet handle above should also be removed.
What looks like factory covers and stuffing has seen better days, but reupholstering the triple bench would be affordable and easy—any thick vinyl close in color would do. A few drilled mounting holes in the roof and doors need to be filled, ventilation screens beneath the windshield could stand to be replaced, and electrics are likely in need of restoration also. Otherwise the cabin looks pretty good with complete gauges, lights and switchgear, though we’d want to see that rust is as minimal as claimed underneath aluminum floor plates.
The truck’s 2.25L four is said to have been pulled apart prior to being put outside some three decades ago, and though most major components seem intact we doubt much is salvageable—note the heavily rusted crank and grimy looking block and head. An empty engine bay shows good looking frame rails and leaf spring mounts, and hopefully a rusty input shaft and worn seal is the extent of transmission fatigue.
These early SWB pick-ups seem to be pretty rare, at least here in the US. Whether restoration focuses on mechanicals or both the guts and cosmetics, we hope it stays painted this factory drab mint and avoids the diamond plate treatment.
Radios Included: 1956 Volvo TP21 Sugga
This 1956 Volvo TP21 Sugga (chassis 21277) is said to have spent the past several years sitting, and though running and drivable the seller does advise a tune-up before any more miles are added. A Swedish Army radio command car, it’s said to be rust-free, complete and includes original, working electronics, an era-correct Swedish bicycle and rack. Find it here on eBay in Sisters, Oregon with no reserve beyond an unmet opening bid of $17,500.
Swiss International: 1980 Monteverdi Sahara
This 1980 Monteverdi Sahara is a modified International Scout underneath, and it’s believed that only 30 or so were marketed by the Swiss manufacturer better known for fast, hand-built coupes and sedans. A less-expensive alternative to the entirely re-bodied Safari, these trucks came equipped with power accessories, leather, A/C and more, allowing them to compete with the less-expensive Range Rover when luxury SUV’s were still a novelty in Europe. This one looks very clean and is said to be all-original as well. Find it here on carandclassic.co.uk in Gundelfingen, Germany for 21,500 GBP (~$32,752 today). Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission!
Two Owners: 75K Mile 1978 Ford Bronco
This 1978 Ford Bronco (chassis U15SLAJ4929) is listed as a two owner, 75k mile example with a strong running 400ci V8, smooth shifting auto trans and good working transfer case. Further described as very dependable, photos show a clean, well-kept truck with a particularly impressive interior—these trucks were almost all ridden hard and put away covered in mud and salt. Find this one here on eBay in Caldwell, Ohio with reserve not met.
1967 Mercedes Benz O309D Camper Conversion
This 1967 Mercedes Benz 0309D (chassis 30912413006407 ) started life as a German postal van and was imported and converted to a camper sometime in the 70’s. The conversion is still an ongoing project, but mechanicals sound to be good following some sorting by the seller—a quick starting OM617 has been swapped in and runs an upgraded cooling system, the injector pump has been rebuilt, and it’s said to cruise at 50 MPH comfortably. Find it here on Craigslist in Noblesville, Indiana for $15k.
Restored 1972 Suzuki LJ20 Jimny
This 1972 Suzuki LJ20 (chassis 103904) is the rarely seen predecessor to the Samurai. A left-hand-drive model powered by a 360cc 2-stroke, this 125 inch long micro-Jeep makes an interesting counterpoint to the Crosley Farm-O-Road featured here last week. It is said to have benefited from a frame-off restoration, and the bright red over black really emphasizes the toy-like vibe. Find it here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona with an $11,900 BIN that includes free shipping anywhere in the continental United Sates.
Cummins 4BTA Power: 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser
This 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser runs a Cummins 4BTA 3.9L turbodiesel four cylinder that looks to have been installed well. A factory remanufactured unit with what’s claimed to be less than 10k miles use, it’s said to run great and deliver 20-25 MPG at 70 MPH. No interior photos are provided, but the truck is described as very clean inside and out with ARB air lockers on both axles. Find it here on Craigslist in Myrtle Point, Oregon for $26,500. Special thanks to BaT reader James E. for this submission!
4.6L Swapped: California Legal 1981 Range Rover Two Door
Thus 1981 Range Rover Classic is a rare two door model that was gray imported and federalized from new. Fully-restored over a two year period ending in 2008, the truck is California registered and smog-legal following installation of a BAR-approved 4.6L V8/automatic transmission swap from a newer example. Cosmetics look very nice throughout, and a comprehensive, well-written listing paints a picture of a well-built, rust-free and sorted truck. Find it here on eBay in San Francisco, California with reserve not met.
Fully stripped in preparation for fresh Arctic White paint, both bodywork and finish look very nice in photos, as does glass, plastic and metal trim. Early style wheels are perfect here, and run new 215/85R16 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTracs. Though the seller seems to have gotten some flak for their larger than stock size, we think they look great in conjunction with a one-inch spacer lift. The OEM roof rack shown here isn’t included in photos but can be negotiated for separately.
Inside, the cool early style dash shows no cracks and is matched by beautifully refurbished wood caps on the doors—note the twin opening levers on either side of the armrest. Seats have been reupholstered in leather, while the custom-built and well-matched center console (housing donor truck transmission, transfer case and handbrake controls) is wrapped in stitched vinyl. Air conditioning was also swapped over and works well, though both oil temp and pressure gauges lack the correct adapters and are currently inop.
Additionally, the fuel gauge won’t register a full tank, and the ad has a list of modern conveniences not to expect, among which are heated, cooled or power seats, cruise control, power windows, a sunroof, central locking, glove box, a place to put your phone, easy to use or intuitive HVAC controls, level cornering and more—Range Rovers have come a long way over the past 34 years, but we’d still take this one over a 2015 Bentley on stilts.
Donated from a 1995 example, the 4.6 is said to offer ample but not prodigious power despite fitment of a Crower cam and lifters. Driven only about 5k miles since completion, work is said to have included a bottom end rebuild, and a 4.2 ECU controls adapted Lucas fuel injection—a multiple Range Rover owner, the seller says it’s as reliable as one can expect from one of these trucks. Other swap work included transfer of the newer example’s trans, viscous coupling, oil cooler, fuel tank, cats and other emissions equipment. Various suspension, brake and other mechanical detail jobs are listed as well.
An impressive looking build, both the BAR approval and thorough sounding seller are encouraging signs that work has been done properly and that it drives as good as it looks.
Chevy V8 Swapped: 1982 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia
This 1982 Volkswagen Westfalia (VIN WV2ZA0255CH022760) features a Chevrolet 350 V8 swap that is compliant with California smog laws. Mated to a 4-speed manual trans, the V8 is said to run well and stay cool. A GoWesty suspension kit has also been installed and should help with the extra weight of the 350. The canopy tent will need to be replaced and the interior has a few too many peace signs, but we like this swap and it sounds to be well-built. Find it here on eBay in Agoura Hills, California with a $20k starting bid and no further reserve. Special thanks to BaT reader Mike K. for this submission!
This Week’s BaT Auction: Now Open for Bidding!
This week we’re excited to announce the next round of 10 vehicles… seeing as we have 8 cars, a truck, and one great BMW motorcycle!
The 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen SSC is a special limited production performance model with just 1100 miles from new. The 1966 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato is a highly desirable early production model with an all aluminum Zagato body. A 1952 BMW R68 is a high-performance motorcycle that has been fully restored with many original features. The 2000 Qvale Mangusta is a well-maintained example in the best black/black color combo. A 1968 Fiat 850 Sport Sedan is mechanically restored with an Abarth intake manifold and Weber carb. The 1990 Citroen XM is fully documented from day one and reminds us of the epic car chase in Ronin. A 1977 International Harvester Scout is driven daily by its enthusiast owner and features original paint and working A/C. The 1983 Volvo 240DL wagon was purchased off of BaT last year and is powered by a Ford 302 V8. A 1989 Ford Mustang GT has been with the seller since 1990 and has just 51k miles from new. Finally, the 1983 VW GTI has several performance modifications and is being sold without reserve.
You can find links to all the auction listings below:
- 1989 Ford Mustang Saleen SSC
- Alloy 1966 Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato
- Fully Restored 1952 BMW R68
- 2000 Qvale Mangusta
- 1968 Fiat 850 Sport Sedan
- 1990 Citroen XM
- 1977 International Harvester Scout II
- 5.0L V8 1983 Volvo 240DL Wagon
- 51k-Mile 1989 Ford Mustang GT 5.0
- No Reserve: 1983 VW GTI
The overview of all these BaT Auctions and the complete results archive can be found here.
Ex-Dakar: 2002 Kamaz 49252 Race Truck
This 2002 Kamaz 49252 race truck wears an entry plaque mounted to its front showing that it competed in the 2006 Lisbon-Dakar rally. Power comes from a 17 liter turbodiesel V8 with a quoted output of 720 HP and nearly 2000 lb. ft.–both of which are shifted through a 16-speed manual ZF transmission—of course it’s four wheel drive, too. Find it here on konigmotor.ru in Moscow, Russia for 15m RUB (~$226,600 today). Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission!
Farm Truck: Running 1963 Dodge Power Wagon Project
This 1963 Dodge Power Wagon is said to run roughly with “some leaks”. Muddy, dented and hard-used looking, it seems right at home in its element as a farm truck—ideally any future work will result in something in between its current state and the kind of over-restored examples more frequently seen for sale. Find it here on Craigslist in Washington state for $9k OBO. Special thanks to BaT reader David A. M. for this submission!
302/5-Speed 1963 Ford Ranchero
This 1963 Ford Ranchero has been partially restored and updated with new paint, fresh interior and a 5.0 pulled from a 1989 Lincoln. The seller notes a few flaws such as dented bumpers and fender-rolling caused damage at the rear, but overall the truck seems like a decent-looking driver. Electrically adjustable Ford Explorer seats are OK, but we’d find a new shift lever for the rebuilt 5-speed ASAP. Find it here at California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, California for $11k.
Cool Camper: 1986 Mercedes Benz 240GD
This 1986 Mercedes Benz 240GD (VIN WDB46131117048384) is an ex-military, long wheelbase, open top model that’s been converted to a camper by addition of a new two-person tent, lightweight plastic cabinets, stove and other conveniences. A 5-speed manual, diesel-powered truck, both mechanics and cosmetics are said to be in very good condition. Find it here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California for $25k. Special thanks to BaT reader Maurice P. for this submission!