1972 Suzuki LJ20V

Suzuki acquired Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company, which had an off-road vehicle named the HopeStar ON360. The first four-wheel drive Suzuki was the LJ10 (for Light Jeep 10), was introduced in 1970. Power was from a 359cc, two-stroke, inline two-cylinder engine. In 1972, it was followed by the liquid-cooled LJ20, with the cooling system in response to emissions regulations. The LJ20 and LJ50 were introduced in 1975 and came with a larger 539cc, two-stroke, inline three-cylinder engine, and larger differentials. The horizontal grille bars were changed to vertical.

With left-hand drive, the LJ20 was intended to export. Suzuki never exported them to America, but a U.S. company called International Equipment Co. (IEC) imported them.

The LJ20 qualified for KEI regulations, due to its small stature and a short length. A special version was built which had the spare tire positioned behind the passenger seat, with two small rear seats facing each other. The examples sent for export often had the spare tire mounted on the outside, as KEI regulations did not apply.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020