Holy moley, this is a back in time leap for me! But beyond that, a way better, more sophisticated build than anything I ever thought of creating, much less having the talent and patience to accomplish. This 1991 Suzuki Samurai, or “Samyota”, is a finely focused build, the vision of a long time qualified customize car builder (with many builds to his credit) who wanted to marry Toyota running gear into a Suzuki Samurai and create the ultimate Japanese Rock Crawler.

By looking over the images, it is obvious to see the extent of the body work and preparation. One of the first things I noticed was the cut line at the bottom of the door. It ended before hitting the modified Bushwacker Flares. There is no gap where the flares met the body. Who would have noticed that? The two piece Rally Tops Hard Top is one I have not seen before and is great for adding security to the rig without it being a permanent Hardtop. The front Bumper is a modified ARB with a Warn Winch custom mounted. The rear bumper is custom made with stock Samurai tail light housings incorporated. The front grill some of you may recognize from a SJ410. It was installed with tubing formed behind it as reinforcement for possible impact protection if stopping distance was miscalculated someday. Stainless Steel Hardware was used extensively during reassembly as can be seen in the images. Nicely done!

The chassis and drive train got the same attention. The Toyota 20R motor was completely rebuilt with machine work by Peckham Machine in Grants Pass. The block was bored .100 over for new pistons, the Head completely rebuilt, an “RV” Cam installed and all moving parts balanced. A brace of Weber DCOE Side Draft Carburetors, equipped with manual chokes, is balanced with Tube Headers on the other side of the cylinder head. A Center Force “Stage 3”, 3 Puck Ceramic Disc, Clutch Kit was installed between the engine and the completely rebuild Gen 1 Toyota Transmission and Transfer Case. The rear Transmission Cross Member was also specifically designed for easily removal and installation of the assembly at later dates.

The front and rear Axles are Gen 1 Toyota, but as can be seen in the images, they are heavily gusseted and braced. The Steering Knuckles have braces welded to them as well as the Steering Stops. Every Bearing, Seal and Gasket was replaced in both units before reassembly. Inside, the running gear ratios are 5.56’s with Ozzie Lockers front and rear. On the down side, the speedometer drive was never sorted out and the Speedometer is not functioning. The Power Steering Pump is again, pre-86 Gen 1 Toyota, with PS Fluid routed through the Radiator Cooler (designed as an Automatic Transmission Cooler) for extra capacity and cooling. The front Brake Rotors are slotted and cross drilled with Ceramic Pads to avoid brake dust collecting on the wheels.

The frame was stripped and modified paint. Custom hoops were hand fabricated for the Shock Mounts as well as the Steering Stabilized Mounts, all of which are worth a second and third look. All of exposed welds have a professional appearance, nothing was done that was not first class.

The interior is mostly stock Suzuki. The tub was sprayed with bed liner before being reassembled. The door panels are part of an ABS Plastic Kit and attached with Stainless Steel hardware. The seats are from a late model Suzuki car model, but there are no carpets on the floor. There is an extensive, complete and loud stereo system with a custom made speaker box in the back. All of the wiring is routed through the body sills with nothing showing. It is said to be very clear and loud, I will take their word on it.

The builder was finished with the “Samyota” and realized that he had over done it. What he had built was a great “On-Off Road around town car”, not a freeway cruiser, but it was too nice to tear up crawling around in the woods of Southern Oregon or Moab, Utah. He made the choice to sell it to a local buyer who wanted the perfect “Wheeler”. That person put less than 1,000 miles on it and realized that it was not a BMW 535i (which is what he is now driving) and brought it to us to sell, which is the story of how it got to our shop.


The VIN#JS4JD31C6M4101316 The selling price is $14,995. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest