FJ-UTE Bound

So, FJ-wha?

FJ-UTE, in the words of Justin of Redline Cruisers

The FJ-UTE (“UTE” as in Utility or “Ute Pass” in Colorado, is pronounced “yoot”) features an aluminum body modeled precisely after a vintage Toyota Land Cruiser body, which sits on a FJ80 frame. The standard FJ-UTE from Red Line will feature half doors and a full soft top. It utilizes the FJ80 suspension, engine, transfer case and transmission but takes on the look of a vintage LC with plenty of space for passengers in the first, second, and optional third row.

Here is a rendering: 

Per Justin, it exagerates the rear-end overhang some vs. reality, so we look forward to his progress pics.  His first one is due to debut at Sema 2014

We have an FZJ-80 which we love, we got it in 2011 to fit our family of 5 and enjoy the outdoors camping, beach cruising, off-roading (aka; wheeling), but do wish at times it had a removable top.  But the FJ-40 is just too small.  Defender 110's are too expensive and have the Land Rover reputation for maintenance issues.    The Icon FJ44 although attractive and functional:

...costs more than our first house so that's out.

Redline's concept of the FJ-UTE struck a cord with us, keep the best of the 80 (drive line, suspension, triple lockers) and add a utilitarian interior and soft-top (future removable hard top by Q1 2015 supposedly).

So, we put our deposit down on one - to be one of the first 10 chassis taking advantage of the early adopter pricing package, and the honor of having a low production number.  We're excited and look forward to driving on the beaches of OBX in our newly constructed UTE in 2015.