Will the Stelvio make more of a mark than this very rare La Forza?

The La Forza was built between 1985-2003 and was fitted with multiple engines in the european market. Only offered in the states with a Ford windsor V8 and Ford transmission these actually proved to be rather reliable.  

The interior also seems more pleasant on a long road trip than the british rival of its time.

Find it on Los Angeles craigslist with an asking price of $14,000.

Clearly a very nice example however the audience wasn’t interested. The bidding closed at a $35,000 bid. The owner didn’t let it go and I understand where s/he is coming from. If I were looking for a retail number I would expect a sale from $45-50k. GLWS.

The photos reveal original paint with some missing trim and blemishes. Most notably are the rear passenger side patch above the wheel. There is also some metal damage on the drivers front fender. With possible rust issues it is safe to say that this rig hasn’t lived in Idaho its entire life.

Notice the crank windows.

When I inspected it, I noticed a few major issues. The original paint has been ruined by some spotty patch work. Not only was the passenger rear wheel arch cut out and painted over the rocker panels where patched in random spots. I found out that the vehicle originated in Missouri. So there you have it. For $3,000 flaws are to be expected. So I looked past the body issues and got behind the wheel. First off the gear selector was very loose and the transmission shifted in to reverse with a big clunk. Then at neighborhood speeds the truck pulled to the right and the front end was so loose it was almost unsafe. Thankfully the brakes were in good working order. So was it that bad? Yes. The dash board has a large crack down the center and the original head unit has been hacked out and replaced with a new Toyota unit that doesn’t fit. That is in addition to the torn drivers seat. I did notice that the odometer rolled over so it does have original mileage.  There are good things to say about this truck. But it really does need a lot of work. The price reflects it. I was not scared of the front end mechanicals or interior work. But my money will be spent on an original rust free Idaho truck. The search continues.

1995 FZJ80 for sale at TLC 

Year: 1995

Model: Toyota FZJ80 by TLC

Engine: LS V8

Mileage: unknown

Price: $96,000

1995 FZJ80 that originally had a Stage 2 restoration by TLC with a GM V8 conversion applied.
The vehicle has been fully inspected and any mechanical and safety items that required attention have been performed.
Outfitted with a 5.3L LS series engine and a 4L65E 4 speed automaitic transmission. Fully repainted in a modern Lexus blue and interior fully reupholstered in new leather.

1995 FZJ80 for sale at TLC 

Well all agree that this may be one of the best looking 80s ever. And here is why; the exterior fender flairs and running boards have been removed. The color choice is ideal. The steel wheels are industrial looking with the proper offset. It also has proper armor without having obnoxious front and rear steel bumpers. If it were my truck I would add a slim roof rack for skis or fly rods.

Unfortunately there are no photos of the interior but I really like that the Lexus interior has been swapped in. The truth is I really don’t care what the exterior of my vehicle looks like, it is the interior that matters. I drive a lot, I mean 50,000+ miles a year. That means my exterior is peppered with rock pits, covered in road grime, and my windshield is always cracked. And I could care less. But what really matters to me is a clean, comfortable and capable interior. The 80 series Toyota Land Cruiser with cloth interior and a ton of plastic, is not a place I want to be. However I would enjoy the Lexus interior with its power leather seats. And that is exactly what Jonathan has done. Sad the listing doesn’t have any interior photos. Be sure to check out the video where the interior can be seen.

And then comes the LS V8 swap. Not much to mention here other than it’s the ideal setup. The 1995+ are the ideal models with better axles, better brakes and a factory locking differential. But the factory inline 6 cylinder really needs more power. So out with the old and in with the best.

Considering the amount of work that went in to this truck the asking price is reasonable. If I were in the market I wouldn’t blink twice because every box has been checked on this one.

Click here for more details at Mecum’s site.

Everything seems to be in the right places on the exterior; bumper guards, mirrors, wheels & caps, and the straight pickup bed.

Year: 1982

Model: Toyota FJ-45

Engine: 2F

Mileage: exempt

Price: TBD

This vehicle is being sold as Lot No. F118.1. – Restored original 2F engine – Rebuilt brakes, front disc and rear drum – Axles serviced and inspected – Nostalgic Air – New OEM exhaust system – OEM power steering with new pump – New retro-look Goodyear tires – New clutch – New glove box auxiliary lamp – OEM radio – New seatbelts – New headliner – Custom floor mats

Click here for more details at Mecum’s site.

Clearly the interior is really tidy. Nice to see the aftermarket A/C as these metal cabs can become really hot in the summer. I like the fact that the interior was completely removed before the respray. I would like to see some floor mats because that metal is too nice to scuff.

The restoration on this FJ-45 was clearly through. But is it too nice to use it for its intended purpose? Yes. Expect this to reach collector figures. What do you think it is worth?

Click here for more details at Mecum’s site.

For sale at Dutch Safari Co.

Year: 1989

Model: Range Rover Classic

Engine: V8

Mileage: 92,000

Price: $17,500

This rust-free Range Rover has been backdated and extensively cleaned up. Recent works included a new Tuscan Blue paint job, a chassis paint job, new headliner, handmade front and rear bumpers, new tires, new freshly painted rostyle wheels, 1970s three piece grill, a full engine tune up include all fluids and filters, new exhaust, new side mirror, rear tail lights, and new front and rear Range Rover emblems. It features a factory sunroof and air conditioning.

The Buick based 3.9 liter engine seems to a little dirty but dry. The A/C looks factory but it is hard to tell if it has been retrofitted to modern Refrigerant.

Lets remember that these are true Sport Utility Vehicles. They were used to haul the kids, golden retriever, and multiple bags of groceries. This one appears to be really tidy. From the un-cracked wood trim, the clean seats, tidy headliner, and most important of all, a refreshed steering wheel.

Are these Classic Rovers going to be the next bubble? Probably not. However at this asking price you’ll have a fun weekender without loosing any money.

For sale at Dutch Safari Co.

2004 Duraburb for sale on Boise Craigslist

The LBZ Chevy was offered in every pleasure possible; 1500, 2500, and 3500 short box, long box, medium box, regular cab, extended cab, crew cab, HD, Z71, 6.0, 8.1, Duramax, do you get it yet? To make it even more complex these options were available in a Suburban body on the same platform as the pickups. Except for one major let down. What is that? You guessed it. A Duramax.

Year: 2004

Model: Duraburb

Engine: LBZ Duramax w/ Allison

Mileage: 137.xxx

Price: $33,995

Here is a Chevy Suburban with the ’06 Silverado LBZ Duramax Diesel Engine and 6-Speed Allison Automatic Transmission.

Now you can tow like your Duramax Pickup, and take your family also!

This 04′ Chevy Suburban is a 2500HD 3/4 Ton Model that comes with numerous options and features. Comfortable cloth seating with the center seat/console for an additional seat (9 Passenger!), middle-row bench, and 3rd row seat.
Interior is in very nice condition.

PLUS, ’06 dual arm telescoping towing mirrors which have amazing visibility and manually pull out so you can see around your RV or trailer.
AND, Custom 17″ Chrome Wheels with great condition LT285/70R17 Tires. …Gives this SUV an awesome look and attractiveness.

Professional Conversion/installation – GM Technician has taken the time and expertise to ensure the installation and functionality of this conversion has been done right!
The conversion has included removing the original gas setup, and installing the legendary 2006 Chevy Silverado Duramax LBZ Motor, Allison 6-Speed Automatic Transmission, and matching Duramax transfer case with 137k miles. All fuel systems, electrical systems and operating systems communicate and operate just like they would in a duramax pickup. Factory OBD2 port functions correctly under dash and allows diagnostic capabilities just like you would get from the factory. PLUS, 2″ Body lift – giving this rig just the right amount of height to set it apart from the rest!

Technician has performed a complete mechanical inspection – All Steering, brakes, ball joints, fluids, and functions have been checked out and verified. Recent Alignment at our local tire store. No check engine lights or mechanical problems. Runs and drives excellent!

Truly a one-of-a-kind-rig and certainly something you wont find available often. Title is clean/clear.

We are happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Please CALL for details, and/or to set up an appointment for test drive.
Serious inquiries only please.
{Business Hours = 9am to 5pm, Weekdays} __ wwwsilveradoautosales.com

—– Call Tom @ 208-371-8299, Caleb @ 208-455-1662, or email silverado.auto.id @ gmail.com

Silverado Auto Sales
6420 E Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83607

Office: 208-454-3664

((Note — For Buyers out of our Local Area, Transportation Options may be Available. Details, call 208-371-8299))

((Note — This vehicle is being actively marketed on our Sales Lot. We therefore reserve the right to Sell this Vehicle On Site, if a Buyer presents themselves))

Lets talk configurations. This 2500 burb is a great balance between utility and luxury. Gone is the large center console making room for the classic front bench seat. Perfect for the bachelor and his gal or a Dad and his 8 children. There are no redundant controls on the steering wheel and that’s fine because most of us will swap the head unit out for a hands free unit. Being the purist that I am, the 4×4 transfer case leaver on the transmission tunnel is welcomed. Now a thing of the past thanks to a button, I prefer a mechanical shift from 2wd in to 4wd. Leather would be preferred for easy clean up. Cloth tends to absorb the smell of fish. A cool addition would be these Carhartt seat covers. 

The exterior looks really clean and tidy for being over ten years old. Pewter may be the best color for hiding scratches dents and dirt. I would make a few modifications like removing the side trim and tinting the front windows. The distance between the rear barn doors and the bumper may indicate a 2″ body lift. If that is the case I would revert to stock. Maybe it has something to do with the drivetrain swap?

Clearly this rig has benefited from a professional behind the wrench as there are no warning lights on the dash. The engine looks very tidy. Per the description the rig has been inspected underneath and checks out. Whether you are a bachelor or a Dad, this is one trusty steed that will get the job done.

2004 Duraburb for sale on Boise Craigslist

To follow up the “Holy Grail” Brute previously posted here is a vehicle that sparked the idea. The CJ-8 was a long wheel base version of the famed CJ-7. It was manufactured from 81-86. These featured a removable half cab, creating ute or pickup. Most had a traditional transfer case and front manual locking hubs from the factory parts bin. They either had a four or five speed manual transmission however one could be found with an automatic.

Click here for the listing on Craigslist Boise

Year: 1984

Model: CJ 8 Scrambler

Engine: 300 3.0 I6

Mileage: 146,516

Price: $49,900

Selling my 1984 Jeep Scrambler…. very rare and all original – you will never find one this clean and low original miles (58,112)…. It is a 5 speed, factor air, cruise, brand new battery,
These Jeeps will just continue to increase in value over the years….

Come and see it – you will not be disappointed…….$19,800 or best offer… Title in hand..

Unfortunately the ad is quite sparse from any details. Sadly too, are the lack images. Like the listing there are some obvious things missing to the trained eye. The term “Scrambler” comes from an appearance package that many CJ-8’s were equipped with, which included tape graphics and special wheels. The wheels are period correct and may be original but I wonder where the graphics are? Was this one born without the cool graphics and SCRAMBLER hood type? Additionally, why is the roll cage and pickup bed paint matched? Is it really original? Note the plywood tail gate too. The interior is another big mystery that would be solved with a simple interior photograph. The ad claims that the mileage is original however, without historical service records, I would assume the clock has rolled over. Am I being too harsh? Maybe. I do want to note how clean the body is. I like how the vehicle sits. Seemingly stock. The pickup bed seems to be without any major dents and thanks to Idaho’s dry climate, the metal should be without major corrosion. At that asking price it must be.

Click here for the listing on Craigslist Boise

The term “Holy Grail” seems to have lost its luster as it is so commonly used. However, here, we have the most perfect application for the term. And we sincerely mean it.

2004 AEV Brute Hemi for sale on AEV’s Forum 

Year: 2004

Model: AEV Brute

Engine: HEMI conversion

Mileage: 75,000?

Price: $70,000 obo

The Hemi is a welcomed upgrade. To the underpowered inline six. I can’t imagine how much fun the HEMI would be to whip around.

The interior presents really well too. I understand the quality of work and the asking price. But I would feel terrible taking this off road.

2004 AEV Brute Hemi for sale on AEV’s Forum 

Click here 1980 Mastadon 

Year: 1980

Model: G300

Engine: 300 3.0 I6

Mileage: 146,516

Price: $49,900

THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MASTODON MOTOR COMPANY’S 1980 MERCEDES G WAGON.  WE HAVE OUTFITTED THIS TRUCK WITH GUN METAL GRAY HUTCHINSON WHEELS, FRONT RUNNER ROOF RACK, AND A LADDER.  THIS TRUCK IS ON A 1980 CHAISES BUT HAS A 1998 BODY WITH FEATURES LIKE POWER STEERING, HEATED SEATS, LEATHER STEERING WHEEL, 6 CYL TURBO DIESEL ENGINE, AND A/C.   INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ARE IN GREAT CONDITION AND THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT DAILY DRIVER THAT CAN REACH SPEEDS OF 80 MPH UP HILL.  THIS IS A LONG WHEEL BASE 4 DOOR HARD TOP G-WAGON.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS TRUCK IN PERSON PLEASE CALL TIM AT 615-557-3825

The interior dashboard layout is one of the best created. MB perfectly blended utility with luxury. I doubt that this came with a wood grain steering wheel but the upgrade is welcomed. Overall this truck is a perfect blend of luxury and utility.

Click here 1980 Mastadon