Words and photos by Budd Stanley
Well, I am very proud to announce that the Stanley family has gained another member. No, unlike our very busy, and likely quite sleepy, Rich Walker with his two lovely twin girls, our family has grown to include a new 4WD project.
Whether it’s classic cars, sports cars, racecars, rallycars or 4WD’s, if it is a distinctive genre and not just simple A to B transportation, I’m a fan. I have not owned a 4WD in quite some time. During my time as an Automotive Journalist, I’ve had the burden of having manufacturers give me their shiny new vehicles to use on my off-road adventures. I say that with and without sarcasm, as it is fantastic to have someone else’s new and reliable rig to take on the trail, but at the same time, manufacturers want them back in the same condition they left. Therefore, dragging a new Range Rover through the Whipsaw or a G-Class up the West Harrison Lake road has made the act of wheeling an extremely stressful thing for me. I’m supposed to be relaxing, getting away from the office and getting my quality outdoors time. Not sweating about scuffs and dings.
So, my tribute to the BTCC Volvo 850 wagon (look it up, it’s a cool story for race fans) and my Toyota MR2 race/rally car have been put on the side burner to make time and room for the newest addition, a 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
I can already hear it, about 70-percent of you are now laughing uncontrollably, 25-percent of you are nodding your heads with a connoisseuring grin on your face while the other five-percent… The Samurai is a small 4WD no bigger than a sub compact with either a 1.0L or 1.3L four cylinder and weighs 930 kg soaking wet.
So, why the Samurai? Well, when I get right down to it, I’m a cheapskate. I hate to spend money if I don’t have to. Saving a rusty old Samurai in need of loving is more rewarding to me than buying a big brand new truck or SUV that chugs massive amounts of fuel and still requires heavy investment in modifications to get to the good spots. I love the underdogs, small efficient vehicles that use their small stature as an advantage. Every time I drive the MR2 to work, Mr. Irons loves to ask me, “why I brought my wife’s car,” and his comments have now shifted over to the 4WD version. My lesson in life, never underestimate the little guy.
The fact is, other than the LJ80, the Samurai is the lightest, most maneuverable, and efficient 4WD ever sold in Canada, at the sacrifice of a little less interior space. Okay, a lot of interior space. Regardless, a Samurai can usually go anywhere a larger 4WD can go, and many times, a lot further due to its small, nimble size, and efficiency.
As a result, trying to find one of these little beauties has been quite a chore. Only a few sit in the classifieds at any given time, and they either garner a massive price tag, are falling apart with rust, or the perfect condition for the money rigs are gone before I can call the owner. Regardless, a desert tan ’88 Sammi with a missing engine and bit of a rust habit has found its way into my driveway, awaiting life-giving work to commence. Spring has sprung; time to get the Sammi ready for a busy season of wheeling that is fast approaching.