Classic cars and more specifically, classic off roaders, are being saved in greater numbers as petrolheads remain nostalgic about the cars they’ve loved, and perhaps even owned, from the past. Restoration and conversion companies around the UK, and the wider world, are making it their sole aim to bring back these memories, translating and recreating them in the modern day.

Over the last 20 years, Twisted Automotive has been re-engineering the Land Rover Defender, in obsessive detail from its workshop in Thirsk, Yorkshire. However, for the first time in the company’s history, full conversions will be carried out on a vehicle other than the classic Defender. The lucky pick? The Suzuki Jimny.

Since its creation in the 1970s, the Suzuki Jimny has been a smaller, lighter alternative 4x4 to the usual suspects like the classic Defender. Founder and Managing Director of Twisted, Charles Fawcett echoed this feeling, commenting, “The much-loved Suzuki Jimny is a pure, proper little off roader. It’s evocative, engaging, and endearing. It’s almost a miniature Defender with similar architecture, driveline and analogue feel.”

It was this passion that led Twisted to take on the Suzuki Jimny as its next conversion project. However, interested customers are encouraged to register their interest quickly, as build slots will be limited. Twisted’s initial offering will be the two-seater Jimny Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). However, additional variants haven’t been ruled out. Pricing begins at sub-£50k, but as Twisted has confirmed it will tailor customers’ vehicles, that figure is not yet set in stone.

Specific technical details of the Twisted modifications will be released as the development vehicles are signed off later in 2023. However, what we know now is the base Jimny LCV has a 1.5-litre K15B engine with 5-speed manual transmission, 863-litre load area compartment with a flat floor and safety cargo partition, air conditioning, Dual Sensor Brake Support, and cruise control with speed limiter.

An ongoing theme of classic vehicle conversions is retaining that vehicle’s heritage and feel. Fawcett agreed, saying “The Jimny is one of the very few vehicles still in production with the same driving essence as when its predecessors were launched over 40 years ago.”

 To reserve a build slot for a Suzuki Jimny, redefined by Twisted, contact info@twistedautomotive.com
Conversions carried out by Twisted Automotive are not official Suzuki conversions.

Words by: Mike Booth
Images: Twisted Automotive