1995 Isuzu Bighorn SE 'Handling by Lotus'

Registration No: M671 GGC
Chassis No: UBS69GW7250269
MOT: October 2024
Estimate: No Reserve

Motor Car Location: Hertfordshire

• Imported to the UK in 1998 and used to tow a variety of race cars around the UK and Europe over the past three years
• 265,000 km recorded / circa 165,000 miles (see text)
• Offered with V5C Registration Document, handbook and current MOT certificate
• Said to be 'driving as it should' except for a diesel leak (thought to be coming from the injector pump)
• Rare 'Handling by Lotus' variant with thicker anti-roll bars and stiffer coil springs etc

Introduced in 1991, the second generation Isuzu Bighorn was markedly more civilised than its forebear both in terms of cabin trim and on-road manners. Based around a rugged ladder frame chassis equipped with independent torsion bar front suspension, a multi-link, coil-sprung ‘live’ rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes, it could be had in short (three-door) or long (five-door) wheelbase guises. Marketed as the Trooper in the UK, the rugged SUV was powered by a range of four-cylinder and V6 engines allied to five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Although for many the 3.1 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel was the pick of the bunch at least in terms of fuel economy (30mpg plus on long runs) and durability. A tie-up with General Motors which owned the Hethel-based sportscar maker at the time meant that there was even a ‘Handling By Lotus’ variant that boasted thicker anti-roll bars and stiffer coil springs etc not to mention a bespoke Momo steering wheel and special flank badges. Far less expensive than a Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen or Ford Bronco of the same vintage, the second (UBS) generation Isuzu Bighorn / Trooper is nevertheless becoming increasingly collectible.

Imported to the UK in 1998, this notably well-specified ‘SE, Handling by Lotus’ derivative is believed but not warranted to have covered some 265,000km (circa 165,000 miles) from new. The speedometer face carries a ‘MPH’ sticker but reads up to 180 which suggests the odometer is still recording in kilometres rather than miles. Regardless of the total distance covered the interior upholstery is deemed to be in good order for a twenty-nine year old car. There are some bubbles to the wheelarches, myriad scratches to the paintwork and dents to the nearside front wheelarch and rear tailgate (behind the spare wheel). Starting readily upon inspection, ‘M671 GGC’ is said to ‘drive as it should’. It possesses a current MOT certificate valid until October 24^th 2024 but is currently suffering from a diesel leak which is thought to emanate from the injector pump. Acquired by the seller as a ‘stop gap’ three years ago, the Isuzu has towed numerous historic race vehicles all over the UK and into Europe. Bearing in mind its rarity, the vendor has decided that this imposing Bighorn deserves a more relaxed retirement as a classic SUV rather than a workhorse. Offered for sale at No Reserve, the Isuzu can be heard running but should not be driven away due to the fuel leak.