This Frankenstein’s monster of a vehicle is based on a Suzuki, but you wouldn’t know it
Andy Racher’s dinky-size 4×4 is an example of what happens when you give two blokes a welding torch and a load of thin-gauge tubular steel – and absolutely no idea what to make with them.
“My late dad, who was a welder, and I fabricated a tubular frame, making it up as we went along,” explains Andy, who has an engineering background. “Whatever we decided at the time, we did. What you see is simply the result of the many challenges we faced building it. Basically, it was led by ‘Where are we going to put this and where are we going to put that?’.” This is the result.
At least they had a rolling chassis as a basis on which to work. Andy says: “Underneath all those tubes is a Suzuki SJ410 1.0 soft-top. I bought it 12 years ago as just a rolling chassis with an engine and a steering wheel. The tubular frame and all the extras added just under 200kg to its original kerb weight.”
Those ‘extras’ include every conceivable off-road essential, as Andy explains: “It has a snorkel and all-terrain tyres, of course, but also a pair of Rhino winches with a snatch block so I can gear them up to pull more. On the bonnet is a compact shovel and a pair of load straps, and at the back is a spare wheel, a fuel can, an auxiliary battery, more load straps and two waffle boards that I use as a bridge to cross narrow ditches.
“Inside are two bucket seats fitted with racing harnesses from a Caterham, a steering wheel from a race kart, a fire extinguisher, cameras and a pair of ear defenders because the engine makes a hell of a noise! It’s cooled by the radiator from a Toyota Avensis with twin high-speed fans, again sourced from a Caterham.”
A neatly crafted instrument panel features a gratifying assortment of dials and switches, but my eyes are drawn to more switches set into a panel mounted along the length of the header rail.
“These control a series of electrically operated valves that allow me to wash separate areas of the vehicle remotely, using water stored in a tank with a high-pressure Whale pump,” says Andy. “When it’s at full pressure, the water comes out like a jet wash. From the driver’s seat I can clean the headlights, the spots, the rear screen and the cameras. It’s useful when you’re speeding through mud.”
Speeding? Not quite. “Actually, it’s terrifying off road,” admits Andy. “There’s very little suspension travel. The first time I took it off road, I broke it. I couldn’t help myself: I took a jump and it landed rear first, breaking the rear suspension, part of the gearbox and the handbrake. I spent the next three days repairing it.”
In truth, I don’t think Andy is bothered by his Suzuki’s poor off-road manners; he has just had fun modifying it – and he’s not finished.
“My plan is to fabricate a couple of platforms on which to mount weapons, which I will also make,” he says. “I’m thinking rear-mounted surface-to-air missiles that will articulate, and at the front two Gatling guns or two single-barrel machine guns – I can’t decide. With those, it will be my A-Team tribute vehicle.”
I’m not sure Andy’s dad had that in mind when he set to with his welding torch.