MR IN-BETWEEN

THIS MIGHT BE THE MOST EXTREME CASE OF DO-IT-YOURSELF WE’VE EVER SEEN

- DAN EVERETT

MANUFACTURERS try their hardest to make a wide range of 4x4s to suit every possible taste. They make ’em big, they make ’em small. All different colours, all different engines, all different prices. But what if when Goldilocks was trying out the different bowls of porridge there was one too hot, one too cold, but none just right? Well, if you’re the owner of one of the most respected diesel tuning shops in Victoria, you grab a little from each bowl and make your own to suit your exact tastes.

Stephen Booth, the man behind the magic at Power Torque in Victoria, was getting nostalgic over the original BJ74 LandCruiser of his youth when the model before you came up. Unfortunately, the old B series engine, leaf springs and drum brakes were also feeling very nostalgic too. It simply wouldn’t do.

Rather than waste time mucking around with the old gear, Stephen fired up the plasma cutter and set to work removing everything under the old Cruiser that wouldn’t cut the mustard for a modern-day 4x4.