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ONE REMARKABLE DAY WITH THE LEGENDARY XR-6
It was summer of 1981 when the phone rang. On the other end was Bob Juliano, calling to tell me about a car we might be interested in for Rodder’s Digest Magazine. The car was none other than the 1963 Oakland Roadster Show winning, XR-6. While the XR-6 remained on the show circuit well into the sixties, it had become somewhat forgotten of late.

GLORIA
A wave of surreal sweetness swept over Tim Pasillas as he got off the phone. Auto Connection had just informed him that his car was waiting for him at the shop. “It’s actually here,” he thought to himself as he rushed down to the importer’s warehouse to pick up his long-awaited prize.

THE PHOENIX RISES AGAIN
You may be familiar with the fable of the Phoenix, the beautiful bird that burned and died after a spark from a cherub’s flaming sword fell into its nest. Once the flames went out, a single red egg remained and from the ashes, a new Phoenix bird hatched and so the cycle continued. This legend is similar to the lifecycle of the Honda Civic Si hatchback.
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Gear, Grit, & The Great Outdoors
Overland Expo Mountain West 2024
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Wendy Miles
The Epicenter of Overlanding
Picture this: the Ranch Events Complex packed with over 300 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest in overlanding rigs and gear. From fully kitted-out 4x4s to the most rugged camping setups, this place was like Disneyland for anyone who loves the dirt. The array of hardcore off-road rigs and innovative gear on display made the experience truly unforgettable.
Learn from the Pros
If you thought you knew everything about overlanding, think again. The expo’s educational lineup was next level. With over 175 classes, slideshows, and demos, you could brush up on everything from vehicle recovery to campfire cooking. And with more than 100 experts dropping knowledge, even the most seasoned overlander picked up a new trick or two.
Get Your Hands Dirty
This wasn’t just a sit-and-listen kind of event. There were motorcycle demos, a RAM Ride & Drive Course to push your skills, and a storytelling pavilion where people swapped tales of adventure gone right—and wrong. The Backcountry & Culinary Skills Area, sponsored by Tacoma Lifestyle, had everyone from greenhorns to grizzled vets perfecting their camp cooking chops. It was all about getting in the thick of it and seeing what your gear—and you—are made of.
It’s All About the People
Overlanding isn’t just about the gear; it’s about the people. The expo was packed with chances to connect—happy hours, fireside chats, and even a few charity raffles to bring everyone together. The Women Who Wander Fireside Chats were a huge hit, giving the women of the overlanding world a chance to share their stories and connect with each other. This was more than an event; it was a community.
Until Next Year…
As the dust settled and the last rig rolled out, there was no doubt—Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 was one for the books. Whether you left with a shopping list for new gear or just some new friends, this weekend was all about embracing the overlanding lifestyle. And with next year’s event already on the horizon, it’s safe to say the overlanding community is only getting stronger. So, if you missed out, don’t make the same mistake twice. Check out the Overland Expo website to learn more or register for next year. Mark your calendars and start gearing up for the next adventure!
In the meantime, check out our coverage below.
Project Baobab, The Ultimate Overland Expedition Vehicle
This was one of the most popular builds at the show. The base vehicle is a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson M1079, former American Army communications truck. Built by Michael Ladden, its powered by a 6.6L Caterpillar turbo diesel engine that is mated to an Alison 7 speed automatic transmission. You can find out all about this beast machine on the DrivetheGlobe.com website. Be sure to check out the Drive the Globe YouTube Channel also to see much more of this vehicle in action and how this build came together.
Smoothies, Café Racer Style
That’s Not a 4-Runner
Family Fun with Furry Friends
Paws and smiles all around! The Overland Expo Mtn West 2024 isn’t just for adventure enthusiasts—it’s a family affair, where even the four-legged explorers join in the fun. The welcoming atmosphere ensures that every member of the family, including your furry companions, can enjoy the adventure-filled weekend together.
More than we could Photograph
Here’s a sampling of some of the coolest products that we spotted at the show.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Overland Expo
(317) 207-0557
info@overlandexpo.com









