The Weekly CarSoup Secret Six
This week’s Secret Six is all about SUVs. They’re powerful. They haul stuff. And they can go just about anywhere. Sadly, manufacturers have dropped some of the baddest of the bad–and by bad we mean awesome–from their lineups. Lucky for you they’re here on CarSoup.com. Check out these six spectacular four-bys and prepare to get muddy.
1968 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser
It’s hard to find a more iconic of a four-wheeler than Toyota’s venerable J-series Land Cruiser. It’s one of the SUVs that started the of-road craze, and it’s highly sought after to this day. It’s a shame that Toyota dropped the modern incarnation, the FJ Cruiser, form its lineup, but you can have the original classic.
1982 Jeep CJ-7
Vying for the title of longest in-production 4×4 is Jeep’s CJ. With roots straight from the battlefields of WWII, the CJ has been the go-to off-roader for generations of adventure seekers. With it’s raised rear seat and animal holding cage, this CJ appears to be set up for an African Safari.
1983 Toyota Land Cruiser
This ’83 Land Cruiser is a far cry from the J-series that headlined this list, but this incarnation of Toyota’s go-anywhere 4×4 has just as many admirers. This particular one’s even outfitted with an air intake snorkel. River fording, anyone?
1983 Chevy Blazer
The full-size Chevy Blazers set a benchmark for rugged reliability that many off-roaders, campers and would-be adventurers still appreciate. In this day of shrinking 4x4s and cute CUVs, it’s refreshing to find a full-size brute that’s still up to the task.
1986 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Nothing set you apart as an off-roader with style and taste like a wood-paneled Grand Wagoneer. Scads of seating, loads of cargo room and Selec-Trac four-wheel drive ensured you’d get both passengers and goods through just about any road or weather conditions. And let’s not forget the sweet, sweet wood-grained side panels.
1987 Ford Bronco II
This rough-and-tumble little brother to Ford’s iconic full-size Bronco has a rabid following to this day. Tough, reliable and fun to drive, it was one of Ford’s best selling badges. The introduction of the larger Explorer ended the Bronco II, but good examples like this one are still to be had.
