TRUCK OF THE YEAR
July 16, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
The Other American Musclecar
American Motors was an extremely conservative automobile company, happy with building basic transportation cars and small, economical compacts. When Pontiac stunned the world with the sales success of the ’64 GTO, many of the other car manufacturers also wanted to cash in on the new emerging muscle car movement. If strong-running cars could bring additional cash into the coffers, they were all for it. All except conservative American Motors, which denounced the idea of building fast cars because they wouldn’t be safe in the hands of young buyers. AMC continued on, content with building Ramblers. That idea lasted for about two years, but after seeing the sales success of the other auto manufacturers, AMC finally decided to cash in on the youth movement.
MUSCLE PERFORMANCE ’69 CAMARO
we learned that three important players in the hot rod industry—Chip Foose, Unique Performance and Year One—were coming together for a unique collaboration. Their combined goal was to build a limited-production-built car. Unique Performance already has just such a business, as it builds and sells its continuation Shelby Mustangs.
Spotlighter
SPECTACULAR SUVS
Buying Or Building An SUV Has Never Been Easier!
Author
Josh Kaylor
Photography by The AutoBuilder Staff
Since the start of the modern automotive era, shortly following WWII, the SUV has been used for mass transportation, taking people to and from their desired destinations. This began with the early depot hacks, and that has turned into a massive SUV marketplace, complete with blinged-out Tahoes, Suburbans, Explorers and all manner of crossover vehicles made to look more truck-like, and offering two and three-row seating. These larger-than-life automobiles and trucks have made as much of an impact on the truck-buying public as the pickup.
Over the past decade, people looking for utilitarian use in a more comfortable vehicle have recognized the versatility of the SUV. Today, and because of this popularity, we see a continued explosion of SUV and crossover models, and now we have begun to see more than the classic older restored Suburban at truck events across the country. Of course, there is good reason for this growing popularity; first, these trucks are equipped with the late-model drivetrains, improved suspensions and all the conveniences a vehicle can carry. Plus, because of their popularity, the used car/truck market is flooded with great used SUV deals. Even the earlier SUV makes a perfect family hot rod or weekend cruiser, as they offer more in the way of room than a pickup truck does and will carry the whole family, their friends and baggage.
While searching through our database, we thought it time to assemble this broad base collection of early- and late-model sport utility vehicles (SUVs), to give you a look at all that is possible using a little creativity. And while the fan base for these rigs has nearly doubled this past decade, building one of these cool rides is now very affordable, thanks to rising gas prices causing early trade-ins, especially newer SUVs like the Ford Explorer and GMC Yukon. We’ve seen several ’99-’02 Chevy Tahoes for sale recently for around $6,000; at that price, you can match up a hot set of wheels and static drop the vehicle for roughly $3,000, and you have yourself one very cool cruiser for under $10,000, with plenty of room for the whole family. Since this is to represent a weekend cruiser or grocery getter, daily fill-ups at the pump should not be a worry.
Depending on the size of your wallet, picking up an early version Blazer, Bronco or Scout, and building an economical driver will cost as much as a newer SUV, one that won’t nickel and dime you, but you can build an earlier example as your budget allows, enabling you to build-in all the dependability and fun you can afford. However, building an entry-level early SUV is very feasible, as there are thousands out there in backyards and garages across the country. You will find several being offered for sale at local swap meets at reasonable prices. But buyer beware; as you know, many of the early SUVs were used for camping and these four-wheel-drive versions saw plenty of time in the mud, which often leads to rust in the lower body panels. So, check this out carefully and shop wisely. Do your research, as there is plenty of aftermarket support for the Ford Bronco and Chevy Suburban, but not so much for the less popular International Scout or Dodge Ramcharger. And while all our tastes differ, we’ve compiled a gallery to cover the bases. Some are favorites; others show you what’s doable. So take a look and decide which fits your needs and who knows—any one of these cool rides could be your next project!
During the early years, trucks such as these were called depot hacks and hauled everything from mining equipment to people such as the one seen here. Scott Patton owns this nicely restored ’27 Ford Model T. Although these trucks are a little archaic to drive these days on the road or freeway, they do make for a comfortable fairground cruiser and can be purchased quite reasonably.
As time passed, trucks evolved, with more passenger-friendly designs and convenience appointments. Rather than have customers build their own bodies, Ford began offering a fully assembled vehicle in 1928, with the Model A. Bob Walker is the proud owner of this restored ’32 Ford station wagon.
By far, a favorite example of earlier mass transportation is this ’32 Ford built by Roy Brizio. The rare ride is powered by a small-block Chevy and rides on a custom-built Brizio chassis. Purchasing a desirable and rare people hauler can be pricey, so do your research.
You can’t walk past Terry and Dick Feile’s ’48 Suburban without stopping to take a second look. The early SUV features a cool two-tone paint scheme and vintage Taxi hardware throughout. Check out the early New York hack badge.
Troy and Chris Wiens have owned this ’51 Chevy Suburban a little more than a year, and since that time have made several small changes. This vintage ’burb is restored to pristine condition and features several rare options, including the front-mounted grille guard and deluxe trim.
Troy and Chris Wiens have owned this ’51 Chevy Suburban a little more than a year, and since that time have made several small changes. This vintage ’burb is restored to pristine condition and features several rare options, including the front-mounted grille guard and deluxe trim.
During the late ’40s and ’50s, Ford only offered a panel on the truck platform, leaving the station wagon on the passenger car platform. The station wagon featured the much better looking passenger car lines and sheetmetal, and offered several conveniences not seen in the truck line.
While not considered a true SUV, the ’53-’56 Ford F-100 panel does define the term utility. Originally equipped with solid wood rear floor, for tools and working, many owners opted to install seats for additional passengers and even more creature comfort.
Dave and Theresa Carter took the simple approach to building their ’66 Suburban. Taking a more subtle approach enabled the Carters to pair factory-style paint colors and wheels with a more pleasing-to-the-eye lowered stance. The combination works great and is very affordable for the average truck builder.
By far one of the most popular vintage SUVs is the ’67-’72 Chevy and GMC vintage trucks. If you are looking for a great combination of old and new, this is a great place to start, as many of these trucks are equipped with A/C, power steering, automatic and plenty of room.
Ford’s entrance into the sport utility and off-road market came in 1966, with the introduction of the Bronco. Shown here is a four-wheel-drive ’74 Bronco. These early Broncos can be purchased reasonably, for around $5,000, making for great low-budget builds, and are available in either two- or four-wheel-drive versions.
If you would rather purchase a finished ride, depending on the build, prepare to spend much more serious money. We spotted this ’70 Chevy Blazer last year at the Grand Run in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with a price tag of $26,500. While that may be a good deal for a finished ride, it is quite expensive for the average trucker.
Quickly gaining in popularity are the square body ’73-’87 Chevy Blazers. This, of course, is for good reason. One look at Travis Griffin’s sinister black ’77 will stop you dead in your tracks. There are plenty of these trucks around, parts are affordable and readily available, and purchasing one is as simple as heading to the nearest used car lot. Thus, you have the makings of a prime candidate for an SUV project build.
Off-road enthusiast and Editor Chris Tobin found the perfect mix of family and fun with this ’00 Chevy Tahoe. Tobin opted to lift his daily driver by 4 inches, and matched it with a set of 33-inch tires and 18-inch Centerline rollers for a cool off-road look.
Even the Big Three are pushing the performance SUV market with vehicles such as the Trailblazer SS and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, not to mention offering several high-performance dealer-equipped options. The Trailblazer SS pumps out 395 hp while the Jeep Hemi produces 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque!
Even the Big Three are pushing the performance SUV market with vehicles such as the Trailblazer SS and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, not to mention offering several high-performance dealer-equipped options. The Trailblazer SS pumps out 395 hp while the Jeep Hemi produces 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque!
