When you think of Iceland - what comes to mind? If you answer "Lots of snow and ice with hardly any trees or people" - you would not be too far from the truth 🙂
Getting around in the Icelandic highlands is not for your daily grocery getter. Even in the summertime you'll need a decent 4x4 to get on the rough trails that take you to the more remote places. In the wintertime a whole new world opens up for those who dare! Fully modified 4x4 monsters on huge big ass tires head to the mountains and glaciers for an indescribable and spectacular experience. An experience that is hard to describe without trying it yourself.
Icelandic trucks have big tires offering better flotation - especially with lower air pressure. This enables the trucks to drive ON TOP OF THE SNOW - instead of in it!
The icelandic style of modifying 4x4 trucks is well known among offroaders. Because 4x4 trucks in Iceland range from the most extremely modified 4x4 glacier trucks to the awesome Formula Offroad beasts.
Driving a 4x4 truck through the Icelandic highlands is an amazing way to discover the rugged but delicate nature the country has to offer. Icelandic 4x4 owners have taken 4x4 trucks form most brands and modfied and lifted as needed. There is a huge pool of knowledge about building usable offroading trucks - and you get to see a glimpse of it right now!
The Jeep started a revolution in making the Icelandic highlands available for vehicle access. First introduced by the US army during WWII it quickly got the attention of the locals.
A 4x4 Ford continues to be a popular choice for off roaders. The rugged construction and availability of spare parts and upgrade possibilities are great.
4x4 Trucks in Iceland come in many shapes and forms. Members of the Icelandic 4x4 club in cooperation with Bilabud Benna showed their rigs for other wheelers to admire, talk about and give ideas for own future projects.
Modified Land Rover Defenders - 64 Years ago, Maurice Wilks invented the Land Rover. By then he might have dreamt of a Range Rover Evoque, but never the Defender in the Icelandic ISAK-version! In 2007 the company Isak Ltd. was established to run a car rental with modified Defenders the Icelandic way, on 38 wheels. Both for an individual rental and in convoys for groups.
4x4 Nissan is an extremely popular choice for a fully modified offroad vehicle Icelandic style. The Patrol is big and has a good strong driveline. On 44 inch tires there is not much stopping these polar bears.
Ever growing in popularity the Toyota 4x4s are taken to the extreme in the Icelandic offroads. For years the relatively simple Double Cab with 38 inch modification has been the de facto standard in snow riding. Lately the more luxurious Land Cruiser is gradually filling that space.
Land Rover started life in Iceland as a farmers help. It had lots of seats and space in the rear that could be used for hauling sheep. When the Range Rover was introduced in the 70s the advanced suspension caught on in a big way and proved it could master the roughest roads. Lately modifications have been popular and are relatively easy to perform.
The Isuzu and not the least the Trooper have turned out to be pretty good in Icelandic off-roading so it is a pity Isuzu has stopped producing the Trooper.
4x4 Mitsubishi Pajero is a popular type of SUV in Iceland. I don't know why but there are not many with full modification. They seem to be mostly used for lighter summer trips and provide large windows and comfortable seating.
4x4 - The World Off Road. The 4x4 magic can be enjoyed by just about anyone that has the desire to get out and get one with machine in nature.
Wikipedia on the highlands of Iceland
