The automotive world is full of unique and fascinating vehicles, but few stand out quite like the Isuzu Vehicross. This off-roader from the late 1990s is a rare sight on the road, and a recent listing on Bring a Trailer showcases one of the most impressive examples yet. This particular 1999 model has been fitted with a Lexus V8 enginea Hummer H3 transmissionand a host of other modifications that make it a true standout.
The Isuzu Vehicross was always a unique vehicle, combining bold styling with advanced off-road capabilities. Designed in part by Shiro Nakamurawho later worked on the Nissan GT-R R35, the Vehicross featured dual-reservoir shock absorbers and a computer-controlled four-wheel drive system. Despite its innovative features, the Vehicross was a sales flop, with fewer than 5,000 units sold in the U.S. before it was discontinued in 2002.
The Heart of a Lexus in an Isuzu Body
Under the hood of this modified Vehicross is a 4.0-liter Lexus V8 enginespecifically the 1UZ-FE model originally used in the first-generation Lexus LS and GS. The seller claims this is a JDM-spec enginemeaning it lacks variable valve timing and exhaust gas recirculation. The engine is paired with an aftermarket intake manifold and ECUalthough the exact output is not listed. The original Lexus LS 400 produced 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torquemaking this a significant upgrade over the factory-installed 3.2-liter or 3.5-liter V6 engines.
Transmission and Drivetrain Upgrades
The Lexus V8 is mated to a five-speed manual transmission from a Hummer H3, along with an NR6 two-speed transfer case featuring a Behemoth Drivetrain manual-shift conversion kit. The differentials remain Isuzu units but have been equipped with air lockers and 4.77:1 gearingenhancing the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The suspension retains the factory KYB dual-reservoir shocks, which have been rebuilt to soften the ride. These shocks support 35-inch General Grabber X3 tires mounted on 15-inch wheels.
Off-Road Enhancements and Aesthetic Modifications
This Vehicross is not just about power; it’s also equipped with a range of off-road enhancements. These include custom skid platesan LED light bara roof basketa rear bumper guarda reinforced front bumper with recovery points, rocker guardsand a winch. The vehicle’s exterior has been painted in a non-factory blue, while the plastic cladding is covered with Line-X spray-on bed linergiving it a rugged and distinctive look.
The Isuzu Vehicross was always intended to be a rallying homologation special, reflecting Isuzu’s ambition to compete in high-performance segments while also selling traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the Trooper and Rodeo. However, by the time it reached the U.S. market in 1999, its high price of around $30,000 and polarizing design made it a tough sell against the emerging crossover segment. Despite its short-lived success, the Vehicross has gained a cult following among enthusiasts who appreciate its unique design and advanced features.
Currently located in Colorado but with a South Dakota title, this modified Vehicross is listed on Bring a Trailer with bidding well below $10,000 at the time of publication. The last V8-swapped Vehicross to appear on the platform had an asking price of $7,499, indicating that the market for such unique vehicles remains niche. However, for those willing to embrace the quirky charm of the Vehicross, this could be a relatively affordable turn-key off-roader with impressive capabilities.
