While Sport Utility Vehicles came into their own in the 1990s and have had an accelerated market share ever since, many people don’t realize the SUV really has been around for more than 80 years. Chevrolet first introduced a mass-market SUV to the automotive world with its Carryall Suburban back in 1935, which was largely used for transporting commuters to and from train stations. It had just two doors and could carry up to eight occupants, or you could remove most of the seats to transport cargo.
Versatile and robust, SUVs have undeniably established a reputation for their adaptability. While the initial emphasis was on utility and workmanlike pursuits, SUVs have now become a mainstream people hauler, replacing the family sedan and – dare we say it? – even the minivan. These vehicles effortlessly combine functionality and aesthetics, addressing a wide range of lifestyles and requirements. Whether maneuvering through urban landscapes or exploring the vast wilderness, SUVs assert their dominance on the road. With constantly evolving designs, cutting-edge technologies and limitless possibilities from custom builders, SUVs persistently redefine the landscape of contemporary mobility.
Immerse yourself in this showcase of exceptional SUVs, all selling with No Reserve at the 2024 Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld.
LOT #1341 – 2006 HUMMER H1 CUSTOM ALPHA WAGON – NO RESERVE
Pictured above, this custom 2006 Hummer is powered by a 6.6-liter engine with 500hp and a billet wheel turbocharger, upgraded up-pipes with EGR bypass and a full handcrafted stainless exhaust. These were the only H1s that came from the factory with the Duramax/Allison powertrain. A WARN recovery accessory kit accompanies the 16,500-pound WARN rear winch, as well as the fully functioning factory front WARN winch. The suspension was upgraded, as were the ball joints, steering box, idler arm, pitman arm and high-load soft-ride 2-inch lift springs. The interior packs full sound-deadening, heated seats, air conditioning and a sound system. There is a reversible jump seat for two more passengers in the rear.
LOT #1340 – 1970 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM SUV – NO RESERVE
Nicknamed “Big Sky,” this custom Bronco is powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The exhaust has been custom-made with a stainless MagnaFlow muffler system. The rear 9-inch axle has been upgraded with posi-traction. The suspension has a 3.5-inch lift with a 2-inch body lift to clear the 35-inch tires. Stopping is provided by 4-wheel power disc brakes. It is equipped with a one-touch gas-filler door, flush-fit windshield and tinted smoked flush-fit windows on the full-steel top, a Starlight LED headliner, AMP Research power steps, Dakota Digital dash, a blue LED lighted console, quad bucket seats and a chrome steering column.
This 4-wheel-drive Resto-Mod is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 Ford engine mated to a 6R80 automatic transmission, with an aluminum 9-inch rear end. The Bronco rides on a 3-inch body lift and 2.5-inch suspension lift kit and has hydro-boost disc brakes on all four corners. Features include power steering, AMP Research power steps, LED headlights, color-matched flares, a full removable soft-top, a full roll cage in white and chrome bumpers. Inside is a custom dash with Dakota Digital gauges, a 6.8-inch JVC Bluetooth radio and premium KICKER speakers, as well as a custom wood-grain steering wheel with a chrome tilt column.
Thousands of hours went into this no-expense-spared unique build. This K5 is powered by a new GM Performance 495hp LS3 crate engine with a 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission. The suspension features Fox Racing shocks and a 4-inch lift. It has a full custom leather interior, as well as hand-laid Ochre pinstriping through the classic trim and within the wood grain on the tailgate. Additionally, it has Vintage Air with hidden plumbing, and a fuel-filler door hidden in the driver’s-side rear marker light. Dakota Digital Instruments sit above a painted Flaming Rover tilt steering column. This K5 also comes with a completely restored hardtop finished in white.
This fully restored 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Built and completed in June 2023 by Dek’d Out Customs in Oxnard, CA. Finished in Mint Green over an Oyster interior that features a Vintage air system, Navigation, Bluetooth and FM radio. Sits on 20-inch wheels with 35-inch tires.
This custom Bronco is powered by a FiTech fuel-injected 347ci engine paired with a C4 automatic transmission. The engine is the original 302 V8 cylinder block with heads that were bored and stroked. It is equipped with power steering and a C4 automatic transmission, as well as a 6-piston Wilwood caliper 4-wheel disc brake system. This Bronco has new controls in the interior, along with a digital analog gauge cluster, a graphite steering wheel and a Vintage Air system. All the lights were upgraded with today’s technology and all the bezels were replaced with billet aluminum machined parts. This vehicle also has a cooler or camping trunk storage area, which opens the interior room for passengers. LOT #456.1 – 1976 GMC SUBURBAN CUSTOM SUV “GONE FISHIN’” – NO RESERVE
Built by Big Fish Garage out of Grand Island, NE, “Gone Fishin’” is powered by a fresh 454ci big-block engine with a new Holley EFI fuel-injection system, mated to a fresh TH400 automatic transmission. It is equipped with ceramic-coated headers, a custom full exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers, a cam from COMP Cams and Holley’s large fuel tank. A 6-inch suspension spring-style lift kit was added with all the correct steering components. This Suburban retains 90% of its original factory paint, and the outside wood paneling was rewrapped for a fresh appearance. The roof rack that holds an old-school long metal canoe. Every piece of the factory wood-grain paneling on the dash and door panels remains in place.
This custom 4-wheel-drive Bronco is powered by a Coyote 5.0-liter 8-cylinder engine mated to a 6R80 6-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle rides on a 3-inch body lift and a 2.5-inch lift kit, and is equipped with a Hydratech booster and disc brakes on all four corners. The black premium-seat interior features Dakota Digital RTX gauges, a 14-inch custom steering wheel and tilt column, a custom center console, a 6.8-inch touchscreen JVC Bluetooth radio, an Old Air Products system and a custom intake. Exterior features include power AMP Research steps, new smoked glass, LED lights and black fender flares, as well as a quick-removable hardtop.
This FJ45L Land Cruiser quad-cab has a 120-inch wheelbase and was custom-built by Larry Griffey’s Hot Rods and Restorations in Knoxville, TN. It is powered by a new crate GM Ram Jet 350ci fuel-injected high-torque marine engine paired with a custom-built performance 4L65E 4-speed automatic transmission. This Land Cruiser features a fabricated hydraulic Ram cantilever system that raises the entire suspension 4 inches for off-road use. Interior features include Classic instruments aircraft gauges, a Vintage Air system, a tilt steering column and a Billet Specialties steering wheel. The sound system has six speakers and a subwoofer. It has a removable top and a removable window.
This Hummer is powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel 8-cylinder engine mated to an Allion automatic transmission. It features exterior and AV modifications that include KVK Trac-vision A9 In-Motion automatic satellite TV antenna and multiple TV monitors. Other modifications include a CB radio, a PA system, a train horn and upgraded lighting. Recently this Hummer H1 Alpha underwent complete maintenance restoration work. The engine, transmission and all suspension parts have been serviced and, when needed, replaced with New Old Stock parts. Similarly, the underframe was cleaned and painted in the factory black paint. Only 729 H1 Alphas were built in 2006.
This Hogan Built 1972 Blazer was built for Captain “Wild” Bill Wichrowski of the Discovery Channel’s television show “The Deadliest Catch.” After fabrication, the chassis was smoothed and finished in a gloss black powder coat. The axles and brake system were completely revamped and the brake system was upgraded. Front and rear Deaver leaf springs were added, as well as Fox shocks. The Blazer is powered by a 500hp factory 6.2-liter GM LS3 engine mated to a Hughes 4L80E transmission. The custom interior features a leather-wrapped steering wheel attached to a CPP color-matched steering column, Classic Instrument gauges, a Vintage Air system and a RetroSound stereo.
This Hogan Built 1972 K5 Blazer is powered by a Don Hardy supercharged 6.2-liter LS3 engine rated at over 900hp backed by a Hughes 4L80E HP transmission. The chassis was completely upgraded, including front Fox 2.5-inch coilovers, hydraulic bump stops and crossover steering. Stopping power is provided by 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes backed by CPP hydro-boost. The front clip on this Blazer sets it apart from the rest with its ’68 hood slant and custom ’68-72 grille. The black and gold interior features a Starlight headliner, Classic Instruments gauges, a new tilt steering column, a Vintage Air system and an AM/FM Bluetooth RetroSound head unit.
Immerse yourself in this showcase of exceptional SUVs, all selling with No Reserve at the 2024 Scottsdale Auction, January 20-28 at WestWorld.