Rare In North America: 1965 Isuzu Elf In Canada

Pre-1981 Isuzu products are rare in North America (never mind that the Bellel and Bellett were briefly distributed in the western US in the 1960s and the Bellett was locally assembled in Canada in the 1960s), and a first-generation Elf truck is not easy to find.

This is a heavily modified truck, with a Chevrolet V8, four-wheel-drive and a lift kit, but could still be restored by an Isuzu enthusiast. Being in Canada, it is not subject to the 25% "chicken tax" due to the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Find it here in Hamilton, Ontario for $1200 CDN

Previous Spot Revisited: 1984-85 Suzuki SJ410 Jimny

I first spotted this Suzuki here on April 4, 2013, but spotted it again in the same place. The racing stripes on the bonnet are gilding the lily a bit given that the 1000cc inline four is barely capable of normal freeway speeds, let alone racetrack speeds, and the J.C. Whitney Samurai hardtop looks out-of-place, but this would be an ideal restoration candidate between its condition and its rarity in the continental US. The outline of Hawaii on the back window may hint at where this came from, since unlike the LJ20 and Carry in the 1970s, they were only distributed on Hawaii and other US outlying islands.

IG Outtakes: Only In 'Murrica Edition

Two 4WD Ford F150s, one with typical war veteran stickers and an Oregon plate of the kind reserved for medal-bearing veterans of war, one loaded with redneck cliche stickers.

To the red 2004-09 F150's owner, thanks for your service. To the white 1997-03 F150's owner, thanks for your red neck and (presumed) conservatism providing me with chuckles.

Please Save Me: 1955-56 Powell Sport Wagon Pickup Truck

The Powell Sport Wagon was one of the most unusual post-WWII independent-make American vehicles. The use of remanufactured 1940-41 Plymouth car chassis, Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler Industrial or war-surplus Dodge military flathead six engines and parts-bin sourcing elsewhere was odd, but made for a very serviceable, dependable and inexpensive to build light truck. 

This truck looks to have lots of surface rust, quite a bit of denting, missing glass and most trim missing, but all the Powell-specific bits other than the front badge and grille bar supports are there, and all the missing Powell-specific stuff can be gotten or helped with through the Powell Registry, which the buyer of this truck should join. Some items are off-the-shelf pieces like 1942-47 Ford truck headlight rings, utility trailer lighting for taillights & turn signals, 1950 Ford 4-door sedan rear-door trim strips for the grille bar chrome, 1940-41 Plymouth or Kaiser Henry-J steering wheels and 1940-41 Plymouth instruments, eBay will be the best place to find those. Using auto parts store-derived license plate mounting & lighting pieces will not be frowned upon, and in fact may well be accurate.

Here is an excellent article on the Powell.

Find this Powell here, near Seneca, Missouri, for $950 (or go here if ad disappears)

This Powell has no title, but will legally have to be sold on a bill of sale, so either a lost-title application with the Missouri DMV, or going through Broadway Title are your best ways to get a title.

Parking Lot Photo Shoot: 1970 Toyota Corona Mark II 1900 Wagon 4x4

I'm gonna let my pictures speak for themselves on this one.

This thing followed me down the San Pablo Dam Road in Orinda one afternoon, about 3 cars behind and towering above the other vehicles. It's kind of spooky to actually see on the road.

Not For The Faint Of Heart: 1962 Mercedes-Benz Unimog project truck

This 1962 Mercedes-Benz Unimog, while somewhat tatty-looking and in need of some work, runs and drives, comes with a rebuilt spare engine, extra wheels and extra parts, and in general looks like a great project truck. The military-style canopy is a great addition, and the seller is leaving the 4x4 community so needs to sell the truck.

Find it here, in Ramona, California, for $8500, (or go here if ad disappears)