Off Road Magnets
Description: Throughout the 80s there was a 3-wheeler craze and they were a common sight most anywhere dirt bikes were ridden. Despite their popularity with adults and kids alike, they all suffered from a few nasty traits. Most commonly, riders who are used to a bicycle or motorcycle would most likely lean the wrong way in a turn, put their leg out for balance, and then run over their leg. The second biggest issue was their ability to tip in canted situations as again, their center of gravity and overall dynamic didn't quite behave as one might expect them to. Nonetheless, they were a blast to ride and if you didn't break a bone or die, you probably have fond memories of tearing it up on one.
Description: The Blazer's story began in 1969 when the first K5 rolled out to compete with the similar sport utility rigs on the market. Based on full-size pickup truck frame underpinnings, the Blazer was larger than the competition with an interior that could be configured to hold one to five passengers and for an open-air experience, the rig's fiberglass top could be removed. Options included air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, push-button radio, heavy-duty shocks and springs and an auxiliary battery. In its first year of production, customers could only get their Blazers with four-wheel drive, but chose from three different engines ranging from a 4.1-liter inline six-cylinder to a 5.7-liter V8.
Description: The Blazer’s story began in 1969 when the first K5 rolled out to compete with the similar sport utility rigs on the market. Based on full-size pickup truck frame underpinnings, the Blazer was larger than the competition with an interior that could be configured to hold one to five passengers and for an open-air experience, the rig’s fiberglass top could be removed. Options included air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, push-button radio, heavy-duty shocks and springs and an auxiliary battery. In its first year of production, customers could only get their Blazers with four-wheel drive, but chose from three different engines ranging from a 4.1-liter inline six-cylinder to a 5.7-liter V8.
Description: Jackman Wheels was born in El Cajon, California, when they began making custom wheels for off-road vehicles and buggies in 1973. After placing a small ad in the back of an off-road magazine, what began as a small family operation selling a few wheels locally rapidly grew into a national supplier of wheels popular with the Baja racing crowd and, eventually, with the street scene as well. While their designs were often copied, their quality was not and even today, decades later, their steel wheels are highly sought after by collectors and restorers who want the real deal from back in the day.
Description: The 4x4 Off Road Mudding UTV design is an ideal addition to any off-road enthusiast's wardrobe. It features a bold design of a powerful 4x4 UTV, ready to tackle muddy terrain, illustrated in a dynamic pose. It's perfect for wearing to off-road events, casual outings or everyday wear.
Description: K-Bar-S Bronco Specialties was founded by Hal Sealand and John Karp in the late '70s in Las Vegas, Nevada. The name of the shop is from their last names – K for Karp, S for Sealand. As the name implies, K-Bar-S specialized in custom Bronco parts. They also had a complete shop where they built some pretty amazing rigs, many of which went on to tough truck and Baja race events. Word is that the shop closed in 2001, but most of their rigs and exclusive aftermarket parts are still out there.
Description: Based in Southern California, International Racing Enterprises Ltd. was an off-road race organizer and promoter behind several Baja style racing events throughout the '70s and '80s. Not much more info on them, but hey, it's an off-road racing design with a cool old school race buggy, so what's not to like?
Description: The Desert Fox Sierra first came out in 1977, with a second edition in offered in 1979. These stylin' off-roaders came from the factory with a range of options, including: graphic stripe package, buckskin painted wheels, Hickey colored keyed brush guard and chrome tow hooks, four high-intensity off-road lights, special Desert Fox badge on the front quarter panels, four bed-mounted tie downs, and a Hickey colored keyed roll bar. There were additional Desert Fox upgrade options available as well, but this was the core package and how 99% of them were delivered.
Description: Johnson Valley is a 96,000-acre off-road playground in Southern California that is home to two of the toughest trails in America, Jack and Sledge, known collectively as "The Hammers.” Some of the most experienced off-roaders make a trip out here to challenge themselves and their rigs with some of the most unique terrain in the world and more often than not, break stuff. Seeing an unmet need for a hardcore off-road shop in the area, Johnson Valley 4WD opened their doors in Barstow back in the mid '70s, saving enthusiasts from having to drive back into San Bernardino or Riverside for replacement axles, lockers, and whatever else came unglued on the trail. Of course, they weren't just a repair shop, but also a builder of bulletproof rigs.
Description: The Desert Fox Jimmy first came out in 1977, with a second edition in offered in 1979. These stylin' off-roaders came from the factory with a range of options, including: graphic stripe package, buckskin painted wheels, Hickey colored keyed brush guard and chrome tow hooks, dual high-intensity off-road lights, special Desert Fox badge on the front quarter panels, four side-mounted tie downs, Hickey colored keyed roof racks, buckskin color-coordinated top, and a rear tire and fuel carrier. There were additional Desert Fox upgrade options available as well, but this was the core package and how 99% of them were delivered.
Description: In 1969, accomplished off-road racer and a self-taught mechanical innovator, Drino Miller, partnered with Stanford Havens to open up a shop to build and tune off-road race cars. Calling their operation Miller-Havens Enterprises, they specialized in creating race winning buggies that proved their stuff at both the Mint 400 and Baja 500 where they bested high dollar race teams with their low budget custom single seat buggies. Miller-Havens didn't just stop at dedicated race cars, but created one of the most accessible ways into off-road racing – the Baja Bug. Based on the readily available Type I platform, these vehicles were perfect for off-roading and something that the average Joe could not only afford, but build himself at home.
