Automotive

In photos: Big rigs, 4x4 retromods and other earth-eaters of Overland Expo 2017

In photos: Big rigs, 4x4 retromods and other earth-eaters of Overland Expo 2017
Inside Overland Expo West 2017
Inside Overland Expo West 2017
View 132 Images
Fittingly the first vehicle we came across at this year's show was a 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 owned by Overland Expo co-director/owner Jonathan Hanson
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Fittingly the first vehicle we came across at this year's show was a 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 owned by Overland Expo co-director/owner Jonathan Hanson 
As described on its showcase sticker, this 1973 FJ40 has 315,000 miles of global overlanding experience
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As described on its showcase sticker, this 1973 FJ40 has 315,000 miles of global overlanding experience
Expedition Overland ready for overland expedition
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Expedition Overland ready for overland expedition
Overland Expo title sponsor Four Wheel Campers recently teamed up with Woolrich to create a rustic ski lodge on wheels
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Overland Expo title sponsor Four Wheel Campers recently teamed up with Woolrich to create a rustic ski lodge on wheels
Shown here as a flat-bed camper, the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition is also available as a slide-in
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Shown here as a flat-bed camper, the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition is also available as a slide-in
The step for the Four Wheels Campers Woolrich Edition looks a bit like a large bottle opener
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The step for the Four Wheels Campers Woolrich Edition looks a bit like a large bottle opener
Woolrich has outfitted this special edition flat-bed pop-up camper with rustic upholstery and fabric throughout
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Woolrich has outfitted this special edition flat-bed pop-up camper with rustic upholstery and fabric throughout
Inside the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition
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Inside the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition
Inside the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition
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Inside the Four Wheel Campers Woolrich Edition
This Norweld truck canopy is ready to party ... and it did, right into the wee hours, that very same night
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This Norweld truck canopy is ready to party ... and it did, right into the wee hours, that very same night
We first checked out Norweld truck canopies and trays at Overland Expo East last October
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We first checked out Norweld truck canopies and trays at Overland Expo East last October
1986 Toyota Bandeirante (that means "Land Cruiser" in Brazil) topped with a Cascadia Vehicles roof tent
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1986 Toyota Bandeirante (that means "Land Cruiser" in Brazil) topped with a Cascadia Vehicles roof tent
Adventure rigs at OX West 2017
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Adventure rigs at OX West 2017
Kargo Master Safari Overland truck
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Kargo Master Safari Overland truck
The show had an awful lot of ruggedized Toyotas from all eras roaming around
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The show had an awful lot of ruggedized Toyotas from all eras roaming around
EarthCruiser at Overland Expo West 2017
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EarthCruiser at Overland Expo West 2017
The Bleepin Jeep gets our unofficial award for best vehicle name of the show
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The Bleepin Jeep gets our unofficial award for best vehicle name of the show
Probably the coolest portable firepit we've seen - a must for Jeep guys and gals. Genright Offroad sells this laser-cut fire pit for $200 for those wondering
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Probably the coolest portable firepit we've seen - a must for Jeep guys and gals. Genright Offroad sells this laser-cut fire pit for $200 for those wondering 
Global Expedition Vehicles is one of the monster builders of the overland world
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Global Expedition Vehicles is one of the monster builders of the overland world
Custom-built 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 from The FJ Company, a Miami-based FJ restoration company
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Custom-built 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 from The FJ Company, a Miami-based FJ restoration company
Inside The FJ Company's 1984 FJ43
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Inside The FJ Company's 1984 FJ43
Classic Willys Jeep
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Classic Willys Jeep
A Hummer that's all about attracting attention
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A Hummer that's all about attracting attention
American Overland Expedition Jeep/trailer setup
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American Overland Expedition Jeep/trailer setup
Expedition vehicle, camper van and trailer rentals seemed bigger than ever at the 2017 show
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Expedition vehicle, camper van and trailer rentals seemed bigger than ever at the 2017 show
We've always liked VMI Offroad's XTender trailers, and this Kodiak truck camper looks pretty nice, too
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We've always liked VMI Offroad's XTender trailers, and this Kodiak truck camper looks pretty nice, too
The VMI Kodiak is built on a Ram 3500 chassis
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The VMI Kodiak is built on a Ram 3500 chassis 
Yep, another burly Toyota
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Yep, another burly Toyota
Classic Land Rover
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Classic Land Rover
This off-grid truck camper module from Minnesota's Camper Logic was one of the more distinctive and colorful camper shells of OX West 2017
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This off-grid truck camper module from Minnesota's Camper Logic was one of the more distinctive and colorful camper shells of OX West 2017
Colorado's Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers
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Colorado's Proffitt's Resurrection Land Cruisers
1962 Land Cruiser FJ40 restomod
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1962 Land Cruiser FJ40 restomod
Redverz builds expedition tents designed to sleep both motorcyclists and bikes
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Redverz builds expedition tents designed to sleep both motorcyclists and bikes
Some bikes, motor and otherwise, gathered at the Redverz booth - we like the one towing the kayak the best
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Some bikes, motor and otherwise, gathered at the Redverz booth - we like the one towing the kayak the best
Proffitt's "Retro Crawler"
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Proffitt's "Retro Crawler"
The 2017 EarthRoamer XV-LTS built on the all-new Ford F-550 Super Duty
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The 2017 EarthRoamer XV-LTS built on the all-new Ford F-550 Super Duty
At nearly $450K to start, the EarthRoamer XV-LTS is definitely not the everyman off-road expedition vehicle
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At nearly $450K to start, the EarthRoamer XV-LTS is definitely not the everyman off-road expedition vehicle
One of our favorite EarthRoamer features is still the swing-out kitchen area with stove, sink and grill
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One of our favorite EarthRoamer features is still the swing-out kitchen area with stove, sink and grill
Buggy at Rugged Radios
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Buggy at Rugged Radios
Rugged Radios wins the prize for coolest small, OHV off-roaders
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Rugged Radios wins the prize for coolest small, OHV off-roaders
Stare it in the face, and it's all Jeep, but look back and you'll notice this is actually a side-by-side
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Stare it in the face, and it's all Jeep, but look back and you'll notice this is actually a side-by-side
The most impressive truck slide-out of the day .. the $1,899 Expedition Truck Bed Tray Pullout from Nuthouse Industries
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The most impressive truck slide-out of the day .. the $1,899 Expedition Truck Bed Tray Pullout from Nuthouse Industries 
Nuthouse Industries tray pullout
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Nuthouse Industries tray pullout
Huge, kitted out Super Duty
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Huge, kitted out Super Duty
Black Dog Traders military truck
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Black Dog Traders military truck
We did not expect to find a carseat in the Black Dogs truck, but there it is
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We did not expect to find a carseat in the Black Dogs truck, but there it is
Toyota's luxury arm also makes mean base vehicles ready to be dressed up for worldly adventures
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Toyota's luxury arm also makes mean base vehicles ready to be dressed up for worldly adventures
Black Dog Traders at OX West 2017
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Black Dog Traders at OX West 2017
Unicat expedition vehicles are always some of the largest, gnarliest out there, and this one is no exception
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Unicat expedition vehicles are always some of the largest, gnarliest out there, and this one is no exception 
This International-based Unicat could be yours for a cool $350K
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This International-based Unicat could be yours for a cool $350K 
This big Unicat was just sitting unmanned in the parking lot so we couldn't get any other info outside of what was stickered and painted around the exterior
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This big Unicat was just sitting unmanned in the parking lot so we couldn't get any other info outside of what was stickered and painted around the exterior
VMI Kodiak truck camper
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VMI Kodiak truck camper
VMI Kodiak truck camper
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VMI Kodiak truck camper
The Turtle Expedition at OX West 2017
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The Turtle Expedition at OX West 2017
You didn't think we were done with meticulously kept/restored Land Cruisers, did you?
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You didn't think we were done with meticulously kept/restored Land Cruisers, did you?
This Land Cruiser was parked in the lot just outside the exhibitor area
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This Land Cruiser was parked in the lot just outside the exhibitor area 
Global Expedition Vehicles
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Global Expedition Vehicles
A newcomer to the expedition vehicle market, Montana's AeroContinental builds some rugged looking modules atop truck base chassis. Still in the works (the interior was basically bare metal), this model is built atop a Ram 3500 with AEV Prospector Package
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A newcomer to the expedition vehicle market, Montana's AeroContinental builds some rugged looking modules atop truck base chassis. Still in the works (the interior was basically bare metal), this model is built atop a Ram 3500 with AEV Prospector Package
We're used to seeing bikes and motorcycles on the back of big expedition rigs, but this skateboard is a first
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We're used to seeing bikes and motorcycles on the back of big expedition rigs, but this skateboard is a first
AeroContinental Ram-based expedition vehicle
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AeroContinental Ram-based expedition vehicle
This rugged expedition vehicle from Couch Engineering features a box from Dutch company Bliss Mobil
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This rugged expedition vehicle from Couch Engineering features a box from Dutch company Bliss Mobil
Another Couch Engineering big rig
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Another Couch Engineering big rig
Denver-based Couch Engineering specializes in custom Unimog trucks and expedition vehicles
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Denver-based Couch Engineering specializes in custom Unimog trucks and expedition vehicles
Couch Engineering expedition vehicle
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Couch Engineering expedition vehicle
Some serious wheels
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Some serious wheels
New Legend specializes in restomods of classic SUVs, like this International Scout
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New Legend specializes in restomods of classic SUVs, like this International Scout
The Scout currently lives on through restomods like this one from New Legend, shown at Overland Expo 2017
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The Scout currently lives on through restomods like this one from New Legend, shown at Overland Expo 2017
New Legend plants fully restored Scout bodies atop modern chassis, relying on GM LS3 V8 engine power
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New Legend plants fully restored Scout bodies atop modern chassis, relying on GM LS3 V8 engine power
Tred traction boards
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Tred traction boards
New Legend Scout 800s interior
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New Legend Scout 800s interior
New Legend Scout 800s
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New Legend Scout 800s
The Robinson Fuso is a staple of the Overland Expo experience; this time around, it has a new desert paint job
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The Robinson Fuso is a staple of the Overland Expo experience; this time around, it has a new desert paint job
Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
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Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
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Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
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Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
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Special exhibition Land Rovers at Overland Expo West 2017
Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2017
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Expedition vehicles of Overland Expo West 2017
Special exhibition vehicles of OX West 2017 (if you're wondering about that little Delica camper, it'll feature in our upcoming "camper vans of OX West" gallery in a few days)
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Special exhibition vehicles of OX West 2017 (if you're wondering about that little Delica camper, it'll feature in our upcoming "camper vans of OX West" gallery in a few days)
The interior of this converted bus isn't the coziest motorhome we've seen, but it definitely is open and spacious
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The interior of this converted bus isn't the coziest motorhome we've seen, but it definitely is open and spacious
Toilet area in converted bus motorhome
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Toilet area in converted bus motorhome
Shower in converted bus motorhome
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Shower in converted bus motorhome
Kitchen in converted bus motorhome
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Kitchen in converted bus motorhome
At the wheel of the bus-turned-motorhome on display in the special exhibition vehicles section of OX West 2017
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At the wheel of the bus-turned-motorhome on display in the special exhibition vehicles section of OX West 2017
A bus-turned-expedition motorhome
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A bus-turned-expedition motorhome
Overland Expo is a great place to see ambulances, work trucks, buses and other professional vehicles repurposed as adventure mobiles
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Overland Expo is a great place to see ambulances, work trucks, buses and other professional vehicles repurposed as adventure mobiles
Bus-based motorhome at Overland Expo West 2017
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Bus-based motorhome at Overland Expo West 2017
Two of the big boys of OX West 2017
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Two of the big boys of OX West 2017
Military-style expedition vehicle
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Military-style expedition vehicle
A big Unimog ready to explore and do work
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A big Unimog ready to explore and do work
This Unimog expedition vehicle shows some brand and country pride
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This Unimog expedition vehicle shows some brand and country pride
Another 'Mog
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Another 'Mog
Unimog Center truck
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Unimog Center truck
Toyota Hilux rigged up for adventure
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Toyota Hilux rigged up for adventure
The US market is all about Tacomas, 4Runners and Land Cruisers, but here, a rare Toyota Hilux slips into the mix
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The US market is all about Tacomas, 4Runners and Land Cruisers, but here, a rare Toyota Hilux slips into the mix
Converted-ambulance adventure mobile
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Converted-ambulance adventure mobile
Trucks of Overland Expo West 2017
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Trucks of Overland Expo West 2017
This 1999 Freightliner FL60 ambulance camper was for sale for $27,500, but it was already sold by the time we looked it over
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This 1999 Freightliner FL60 ambulance camper was for sale for $27,500, but it was already sold by the time we looked it over
New Legend Scout 800s
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New Legend Scout 800s
New Legend shows off its restomodded Scouts
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New Legend shows off its restomodded Scouts
New Legend offers an optional 2.8-liter Cummins turbo diesel on the Scout 800s, a GM LS3 comes standard
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New Legend offers an optional 2.8-liter Cummins turbo diesel on the Scout 800s, a GM LS3 comes standard
Built by Oklahoma's Exploration Outfitters, this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon features an American Safari Vehicles JXL conversion, AEV suspension and aftermarket components, a 15-in non-permanent rear extension, and myriad other modifications
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Built by Oklahoma's Exploration Outfitters, this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon features an American Safari Vehicles JXL conversion, AEV suspension and aftermarket components, a 15-in non-permanent rear extension, and myriad other modifications
Exploration Outfitters Jeep Wrangler with American Safari Vehicles JXL conversion ready to wander and camp
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Exploration Outfitters Jeep Wrangler with American Safari Vehicles JXL conversion ready to wander and camp
Exploration Outfitters 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon expedition vehicle
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Exploration Outfitters 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon expedition vehicle
The FJ Company 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 restoration
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The FJ Company 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ43 restoration
This Land Cruiser was priced just under $100K
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This Land Cruiser was priced just under $100K
We really didn't go very long without seeing a Land Cruiser restoration ... not that we're complaining - beautiful examples everywhere
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We really didn't go very long without seeing a Land Cruiser restoration ... not that we're complaining - beautiful examples everywhere
A lot of raw metal on this Jeep
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A lot of raw metal on this Jeep
Motorcycles of OX West 2017
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Motorcycles of OX West 2017
Land Rover skills driving course
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Land Rover skills driving course
BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
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BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
Drivers test out BFGoodrich tires on a rugged test course
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Drivers test out BFGoodrich tires on a rugged test course
BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
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BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
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BFGoodrich tire test track and teaching pavilion
Land Rovers of Overland Expo West 2017
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Land Rovers of Overland Expo West 2017
An interesting option for the fitness-friendly overlanding set, Montague makes rugged folding bikes for mountain and street
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An interesting option for the fitness-friendly overlanding set, Montague makes rugged folding bikes for mountain and street
A colorful classic Land Cruiser in the skills and testing corner of the show
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A colorful classic Land Cruiser in the skills and testing corner of the show
A colorful classic Land Cruiser in the skills and testing corner of the show
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A colorful classic Land Cruiser in the skills and testing corner of the show
Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
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Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
OX West 2017
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OX West 2017
Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
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Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
Motorcycles of OX West 2017
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Motorcycles of OX West 2017
BMW bikes ready to hit the open road and trail
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BMW bikes ready to hit the open road and trail
Our favorite Overland Expo attendee was one of the last we saw on our way out
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Our favorite Overland Expo attendee was one of the last we saw on our way out
We're pretty sure this canine was playing up the cuteness for the camera .. it worked!
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We're pretty sure this canine was playing up the cuteness for the camera .. it worked! 
Kalaber J1 Jeep
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Kalaber J1 Jeep
Kalaber J1 Jeep
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Kalaber J1 Jeep
Wilco Offroad adventure-ready pickup
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Wilco Offroad adventure-ready pickup
This beautiful New Legend Scout 800s features an all-new Cummins turbo diesel engine
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This beautiful New Legend Scout 800s features an all-new Cummins turbo diesel engine
Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
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Camel Trophy Expedition Skills Area
A big Unimog ready to explore and do work
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A big Unimog ready to explore and do work
This Rebel Off Road truck is pure fun on wheels
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This Rebel Off Road truck is pure fun on wheels
Inside Overland Expo West 2017
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Inside Overland Expo West 2017
View gallery - 132 images

As always, last weekend's Overland Expo West show proved one of the world's best places for spotting unique, well-traveled vehicles of every shape and size. This year's highlights included the usual massive Unimog, military truck and big rig-based expedition vehicles, but also some equally compelling small 4x4s, particularly those of the restoration and modernization variety. Here's a look at the best of show.

Working through hundreds upon hundreds of Overland Expo photos to create a manageable gallery is hard enough, but picking out the best highlights of the bunch is even harder. Truth is, there's a potential "best of" around every corner and down every aisle of the show. But many of these trucks and 4x4s stand alone, unmanned, with little identification information beyond grille emblems and rear logos. Here are some highlights about which we gathered a little more info.

Scouting a New Legend

There seemed to be an inordinate number of restored and perfectly kept classic Toyota Land Cruisers at the show, but what really caught our attention were the colorful New Legend Scouts. The new brand makes a business out of restoring classic International Scout bodies and modernizing them with an AEV JK suspension platform and GM LS3 V8 or Cummins 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine. Prices aren't cheap, starting around $100K, but these Scouts are sure to be the envy of everyone else on the trail.

The Scout currently lives on through restomods like this one from New Legend, shown at Overland Expo 2017
The Scout currently lives on through restomods like this one from New Legend, shown at Overland Expo 2017

New Legend is a spinoff of Anything Scout and its plans call for restomods of more than just Scouts. In fact, it's working on similar Jeep Wagoneer and Range Rover Classic designs.

Info: newlegend4x4.com and anythingscout.com

Aerospace engineering lands down at continental level

Overlanding is growing and even slowly weaving its way into the fabric of mainstream outdoor adventure. That means that new names in roof-top tents, expedition trailers, accessories and huge expedition vehicles are popping up at every Overland Expo West and East show. A company we had not seen prior to this year's show, AeroContinental is a Montana-based shop specializing in aluminum expedition modules planted atop truck chassis. The company's wild hog logo definitely gets your attention, and its "aerospace meets overland" name raises intrigue, but the shiny, rugged-looking boxes built from aircraft-grade aluminum are what really reel you in. The company builds its boxes to be tough-as-nails heirloom campers that ride from truck to truck, one generation to the next.

A newcomer to the expedition vehicle market, Montana's AeroContinental builds some rugged looking modules atop truck base chassis. Still in the works (the interior was basically bare metal), this model is built atop a Ram 3500 with AEV Prospector Package
A newcomer to the expedition vehicle market, Montana's AeroContinental builds some rugged looking modules atop truck base chassis. Still in the works (the interior was basically bare metal), this model is built atop a Ram 3500 with AEV Prospector Package

AeroContinental's first "000" build was on a Ford F-350 Super Duty, and its 001 effort makes things even more interesting with an AEV Prospector Ram 3500. Even before wearing a camper on its back, this pickup is a purpose-designed overlander that manufactures wanderlust on the spot (we know because we've spent a lot of time ogling it at past Overland Expo and SEMA shows). Designed for off-the-beaten-path exploration, it includes an upgraded on/off-road DualSport suspension, ruggedized front bumper and AEV wheels. The AeroContinental camper on top is designed for two people and still a work in progress.

Info: aero-continental.com

What has four wheels and lots of wool ...

Whether it's cars or campers, we're not usually all that impressed with a multi-brand team-ups that just stuff vehicle interiors full of another company's materials or wares. But by partnering with Woolrich, the near-200-year-old outdoor company specializing in woolen apparel and accessories, Four Wheel Campers highlights the growth and mainstreaming of overlanding with its Woolrich Edition pop-up truck campers. Plus, the campers remind us of a ski lodge on the back of a pickup truck, which is all kinds of cool.

Woolrich has outfitted this special edition flat-bed pop-up camper with rustic upholstery and fabric throughout
Woolrich has outfitted this special edition flat-bed pop-up camper with rustic upholstery and fabric throughout

Four Wheel Campers plans to build 100 Woolrich limited editions, offering both flat-bed and slide-in models in various sizes. Each one features an aluminum shell and an interior decked out in Woolrich upholstery and accessories, lending a rustic but colorful look. The pop-ups also come stocked for comfort with such features as forced air heating, hot water, a compressor fridge, an electrical system with 160W solar panel, LED lighting and plenty more. Prices start at $36,595, and this particular camper seems like an intriguing option for overlanders with an eye for design or trendy, style-conscious folks who want to get into the overlanding craze (or at least look like they're getting into it).

Info: fourwh.com

Those are but a few of the many highlights of Overland Expo West 2017. Our full Overland Expo gallery holds all the others.

View gallery - 132 images
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