RARE AND BUILT RIGHT

The Story Behind Jake Winterton's 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny

When it comes to unique builds, few can top what Jake Winterton has done with his 1972 Suzuki LJ10 Jimny. Painted in House of Kolor's Tangelo Pearl Orange, this rare off-road machine is something you don't see every day. According to Jake, "No one has built one the way I have," and that's a statement backed by one-of-a-kind modifications and creative fabrication.

Only three of these models were imported into the USA, and this one is setting a new standard.

From the start, the goal was clear. Jake wanted to build something entirely custom, from the frame to the drivetrain. A full-body stretch of 24 inches and beadrolled sides that match the factory body lines was just the beginning.

Backyard Customz handled the bodywork, and the result is a unique fusion of factory aesthetics with modern touches. The stock fenders were customized, and the addition of JW Speaker black LED projector headlights and a custom LED chase bar round out the lighting package.

Under the hood, this Jimny is anything but stock. Jake opted for a 2.4L K24 engine from a 2004 Acura TSX. To make the engine fit, he hand-built engine mounts and used a Fabbot billet adapter to mate the engine to a Chevrolet TH350 transmission. The custom swap was a challenge, but the outcome speaks for itself.

The engine features a top-mount turbo manifold, a hand-built intake, and a Hondata Racing ECU, controlled through a Carrot Top Tuning harness. Exhaust is routed through a 2.25-inch system, also hand-built by Jake.