4x4 Mag - Readers Rides

Reader's Rides - September 1999

A quick look at a selection of different kinds of 4x4 machinery this month, illustrating the diversity of interests of those who drive off-road and indicating something of the breath of interest this online magazine encompasses.

Well it's not everyone who has the chance of combing their off-road dreams with their business interests ! This lucky chap has a 1978 UNIMOG U1000 ... that's 100bhp of six cylinder Merc diesel driven through sixteen forward gears ... and regularly visits off-road days to show folks in lesser machinery what he can do. During the week the machine is equally impressive carrying fence posts, gates and assorted bits and pieces across the most arduous terrain to mark out foot paths and bridleways. What a nice job !

This is a different one, a FIAT 650 engined off-road buggy, yes only two wheel drive, but what it lacks in traction it makes up for in its power-to-weight ratio. The conversion frame and assorted assembly is offered in kit form and you may have seen them advertised as a BLITZ. Rear engined and driving the rear wheels this lightweight machine has astonishing handling, stopping it can be problem, and certainly getting in and out isn't the easiest of tasks unless you're under five foot tall. Plenty of fun to be had with one of these, ideal for more level pastures and those specalised off-road karting courses.

This looks like more "normal" four-wheel-driving material, and yes it's a relatively standard WRANGLER. Since this photo was taken there's been a suspension lfit and the fitment of larger mud-terrain biased tyres. This guy's into his off-roading now! That's the kind of gentle learning and modification course that many of us undergo as we venture into the world off-road, it's a great hobby to be able to combine our day to day transport with a means of entertainment and enjoyment at the week end. Watch out for this Jeep at off-road days in the North of England, its often on websites too being featured by 4x44U.com the large American internet magazine.

Landrovers abound at off-road events, and some say rightly so, take a look at this one. Looks like a Series III, at least as indicated by the "N" registration suffix, but under the "skin" it's got a 90 chassis and running gear, TDi engine. To complete it there's an external roll cage, 7.50-16 SATS and a driver determind to get bogged in the most difficult of conditions. Landrovers are easy to maintain and there's an abundance of parts at realistic prices this contributes to their popularity, and don't forget there's plenty of them on the road (and off!)

This is your puzzle for September. Let's have an e-mail from someone telling us about these two 4x4s. Are they Jeeps, and if so what kind/model ?? Let's hear from you Jeep experts, and yes, there must be someone other than Mark Askew out there who knows about Jeeps !!??