The Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4² is one of the most
capable off-roaders out there. But with a starting price tag north of US$ 200,000,
it sure is quite expensive. Enter the Isuzu Vehicross Ironman Edition, which,
with a little imagination, can be considered as a more affordable, Japanese
version of the G500 4×4².
The Vehicross, for those that don’t remember the
funky-looking offroader, appeared on the American market in 1999. The SUV uses
the same 3.5-liter V6 that pumped out 215 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque as the
boxy Trooper and is paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Despite having a
SUV body, the Vehicross was pretty good, both on tarmac and on rougher terrain.
It was a great SUV and the Ironman Edition was even better.
Only 1,000 units of the Vehicross Ironman Edition
were reportedly made, and the limited-edition version was a way of sending the
SUV off in 2001. Precise figures on how many left the factory aren’t available,
but the listing on Craigslist claims that the vehicle is “1 of 86 ever made”.
Now the regular Ironman Edition didn’t look like the
vehicle on sale, but did come with a few extra features over the regular
Vehicross, such as upgraded shock absorbers, a Victory White paint job, special
exterior decals, a Yakima roof rack, a better stereo system and bespoke floor
mats.
This example, though, has some more touches that
make it even more capable off-road, the most noticeable of which is a two-inch
lift kit, massive off-roading tires, manual locking front hubs, a winch and a
rear limited-slip differential.
The vehicle has 118,300 miles on it and appears to
be in really good shape, especially for an off-roading vehicle that has some
modifcations. The interior, which features Recaro sport seats, looks pristine.
There are a few issues with the car, though, as the seller claims the ABS
module isn’t working, there are small chips on the hood and windshield, and the
front skid plate vibrates at low speeds.
Still, at an asking price of US$ 13,500, this Vehicross
Ironman Edition is one heck of a deal. If you like off-roading and want
something out of the ordinary, this is one tempting buy.
