Thanks to 4x4 conversion kits, any car can become an off-roader. While most cars come with 2WD, a conversion kit transforms it into a vehicle that can handle what lies beyond the beaten path. As Four Wheeler Network notes, a conversion can be simple or complicated depending on the vehicle that's getting the 4x4 treatment. An example of a simple one could be converting a 4x2 Jeep Cherokee—which already ships just short a 4x4 anyway; a shop just needs to make up for the difference. On the other hand, a conversion can be as extreme as taking a vehicle that wasn’t made for off-roading in the first place—like a sedan or supercar—and turning it into a 4WD monstrosity.
Updated April 2022: If you're into 4x4s and off-roading, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with more info regarding these weird and wonderful vehicles.
These creations are purely out of fun and carried out simply because it’s possible. Although they don’t offer the capabilities of a real 4WD vehicle, tuners tend to do it because their vehicle looks cool—or at least unique, that’s unlike anything else around. Regardless of the tuner’s reasoning behind a 4x4 conversion, some of the more offbeat ones that weren't made for off-roading in the first place tend to raise the most eyebrows. Even spectators who aren’t as familiar with cars can tell something is up just by the way it looks. While tuners have all the right in the world to make whatever they want, there are some 4x4 conversions out there so strange, they're going to garner a lot of attention. Gathered here are photos of some of the most bizarre and wild 4x4 conversions that are enough to offend some and turn off the rest.
13 Nissan
It’s hard to describe this 4x4. It appears to be a Nissan that’s someone raised, hoisted on an elaborate suspension and slapped huge tires on. There’s even railing going around the raised platform that sits around the car’s exterior.
While no one doubt this car can handle the desert terrain, it’s getting in it that presents a whole other challenge. This truck is certainly going to draw attention. It’s intriguing if nothing else, and we wouldn’t pass an opportunity to drive one.
12 Fiery Corvette
No car is safe from a 4x4 conversion, not even this rad Corvette. The onlookers look amused, and that’s all that matters when it comes to insane conversions like this one. What makes it stand out so much are the huge tires that belong more on a monster truck than a Corvette.
While a Corvette isn't the first vehicle one pictures off-roading, this one looks up to the challenge. The only question is whether the fiery paint job came before or after the 4x4 conversion.
11 Plymouth Road Runner
This classic muscle car has found new life converted into a 4x4. Roadkill reports that it’s called the Mad-Maxxis Off-Road Runner, which is appropriate considering the car is a 1973 Plymouth Road Runner.
The Roadkill team did the 4x4 conversion and even put a Cummins 5.0-liter V8 turbo diesel inside, giving it more power. Many observers will decry turning a muscle car into a 4x4, while others will openly praise the Roadkill Team for making something that's completely off its rockers.
10 Honda Z600
It’s hard to take this 4x4 conversion seriously, though that may not even be the point. According to Barn Finds, it’s a 1972 Honda Z600. As they point out, it’s polarizing for a 4x4, considering the original Z600 was a small sporty car.
Honda never intended this to get raised suspension, huge tires or 4WD capabilities, but this is America where anything is possible. As is the way with many of these off-roading vehicles, it went up for sale on eBay.
9 Apocalyptic Road Warrior
It doesn’t get more eyebrow raising than this. According to Pinterest user AJ Jimenez, this is a Mercedes-Benz 190D that got a 4x4 conversion—not to mention a layer of dust and grime.
Although it once was a regular compact executive car, it’s now a proven road warrior. There’s even a replacement tire locked in place on the roof should the need arise. Probably the most noteworthy aspect of the car though is the gas can with a chain strapped around it on the side.
8 PT Cruiser
It was bound to happen at some point, simply because it’s doable. While we don’t condone turning a PT Cruiser into a 4WD machine, we support the freedom to do so. What makes this all the more mind-boggling is the kind of rig hauling behind it.
It appears to be some sort of hotrod cruiser with its front jacked up on a trailer. This is a setup that draws a lot of questions, though it’s unlikely of any satisfying answers turning up.
7 Suzuki Carry Truck
Tuners have their favorite cars their gravitate towards. When it comes to 4x4 conversions, Suzukis like this are common. Many wonder what the appeal is, aside from the small bed that makes transporting luggage easier.
This particular model is in need of some real wheels and tires if it wants to go over rocky terrains. As the license plate reveals, this one resides in the Philippines. Granted, there are cars worse than this someone could turn into a 4x4, but these Suzuki Carry models are going to raise eyebrows.
6 Datsun Nissan 280zx
Here’s a 4x4 that’s going to get attention no matter where it goes. A custom job that’s now bearing a “for sale” sign, this sportier car proves that not all are worthy of the 4x4 conversion. The website Old Parked Cars reports that this is a 1981 Datsun 280ZX, which are great little performance cars.
An off-roader isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to the 280ZX, which also appears to have crossed the owner's mind as well.
5 Fiat Panda
Never mind that it’s a small Fiat Panda, said the owner, who decided to make it into a 4x4 regardless. This is going to garner attention for being a rare off-roader not many will encounter up close and in person.
It’s odd to see a Panda turned into a wannabe off-roader, especially with wheels that are almost as tall as the car itself. Aptly dubbed a “monster truck” by Old Concept Cars, this Panda manages to roll through snowy landscapes with ease.
4 Chevrolet Corvette
Few ever thought they would see something so ostentatious, but alas, here stands a Chevrolet Corvette converted into a 4x4. According to Flickriver user dave_7, this is a Corvette from the 1970s, which makes it a classic vehicle.
While some might look to preserve older vehicles, others are content with turning them into off-roading machines, even if they aren't very good at it. The user speculates that the Corvette is on a truck chassis, making this a monster even Frankenstein himself would've been proud of.
3 Chevrolet Camaro
What comes with accepting these 4x4 conversions requires one to suspend their expectations. Their established notion of what a Camaro is, for example, is no longer relevant. Instead, this 4x4 is the manifestation of a tuner’s dream.
They don’t care what critics think of it, or the fact that people walking by look at it oddly. All they care about is making a car that looks different and unique. While it may offend Camaro fans, the idea behind the build is respectable.
2 DeLorean
Putting a twist on a famous movie quote from “Back to the Future,” this photo calls one to ask, “Are you telling me you built a 4x4 out of a DeLorean?” It’s a polarizing vehicle that’s gained traction in popularity over the years for its iconic styling.
While it’s the last sort of vehicle many picture as a 4x4, it has become the lucky recipient of a conversion regardless. It also sports some huge tires that are enough to make believers out of critics.
1 Tesla Model X
As much as we want to believe our eyes are deceiving us, the truth is that a Tesla got the 4x4 treatment. The silver lining here is that they chose the Model X, as opposed to one of Tesla’s sedan models; a Model X makes the most sense.
What’s amazing to consider, as Teslarati points out, is that they only modify the wheels. The shop behind these conversions, Delta 4x4, doesn’t even tamper with the suspension at all during the job.
Sources: Four Wheeler Network, Barn Finds & Reddit