1970: Suzuki Jimny LJ10 (Brute IV)

Setting out to make a good vehicle even better, Suzuki used the HopeStar as the basis for their Jimny 360, other wise known as the LJ10 or the Brute IV. Replacing the engine with one of Suzuki's own design was just one of many modifications, which included a restyled but immediately recognizable body.

Suzuki Jimny LJ10 (Brute IV)

They needed to keep it within Japan's mini-car class for tax reasons, so its spare tire could not be mounted to the traditional position on the tailgate, but rather inside next to the one rear seat to keep the overall length less than 3 meters. This rendered the LJ10 a three-passenger vehicle.

In 1970 after two years of development, it became the first mass-produced 4x4 in Japan's domestic mini-car class. Although not officially sold by Suzuki in the United States, a few of these LJ-series Suzukis were sold by importers in California, Nevada, and Arizona beginning in 1971.

LJ10 a three-passenger vehicle

While the air-cooled, 25hp, 359cc, two stroke, two cylinder engine was perfect for its intended Japanese market, especially considering the truck's paltry 1300lb weight, it was severely underpowered for American buyers, working hard to reach its mere 45mph top speed.