"[gallery link="file"] Now, we're not saying that roofracks are cool per se. Far from it. The world is awash with the kind of plasticky but super practical contraptions by Thule and a host of other worthy companies, that do "
The Beauty of Utility
At the first hint of falling snow, thoughts turn to utility as the prime motivator of automotive choice. Of course the SUV genre has had some killer bad press over the last couple of years. They don’t make sense for most of the year, but in these days of proper winters, they certainly have their place. And right now, with food and gifts to shop, kids to transport to seasonal festivity: which one of us wouldn’t want a big lump of Iron driven at all four corners in our driveway?
Here are our three faves.
As well as the classic Volvo take on utility as encapsulated in the Volvo 445 Duett (top) there a host of other early practical vehicles and offroaders that float our aesthetic as well as shed-haunting, daddish sensibilities. The Landcruiser FJ 40 (above, is an obviously delectable classic – but for us, even the tarted-up version of the humble and perennial Landrover Defender (below) is more than a little worthy of desire.
If Rudolph ever did run out of steam, then surely Santa would choose on the these stylishly workaday whips for his yuletide deliveries.
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Far less exotic than these three (which I will admit, do hold a special place in my gearhead heart) is the formidable Isuzu Trooper. A Range Rover for the everyman, these durable scamps continue to serve their owners well in all manner of conditions today.
Sadly, numerous wonderful Isuzu trucks met with a cruel fate this past summer, in the indicative of just what is wrong with modern society travesty that was “Cash for Clunkers.” Even so, Isuzu enthusiasts everywhere hold their 'Zus in the highest regard; their most dependable companion. The loss of all those Troopers only makes those remaining that much more endearing.
Besides, few things in life can bring more satisfaction to a 4WD owner than pulling a Jeep Wrangler out of a snow bank. Isuzus do it every day.
My Fave is the Ford Scout. Pure box-like genius.
We must not forget the Workhorse either, the Willys CJ3B, or it's cousin the Mahindra CJ4, Utilites that work all year round 🙂