While doing research on survival vehicles, I narrowed my list down to a few robust and fuel economic recent-model trucks. While they aren’t EVs, all modern vehicles now contain plenty of intractable electronics and computers onboard. These will prove difficult if not impossible to repair in a survival situation and more vulnerable to EMPs.
The first use of computer chips in cars was in 1968 when Volkswagen installed a Bosch integrated circuit to control fuel injection in their Squareback Type III. Since then auto manufacturers have evolved from using simple ICs to installing extremely sophisticated chips and even GPUs that control everything from the engine and transmission to climate, driving cameras and suspension.
Therefore I would like to acquire a low-tech bug-out vehicle as a standby.
When I was at a winery in northern Portugal, the area was mountainous and rocky, and to shuttle guests around the terrain, they used an early 1970s Land Rover.
There were wires under the steering wheel exposed, it was incredibly hard riding on ancient suspension and the latches on doors were ill fitting.
| Key insights: • Learn to drive a stick shift • Automobiles built before 1968 didn’t use computer chips |
It felt like an axle could fall off at any moment, but that was part of the charm and the attraction. You could imagine fashioning a fix and repairing it with the tools and knowledge on hand.
Late 1960s to early 1970s Land Rover
I saw this beauty listed recently.
Land Rover IIA (1961-71) and Land Rover III (1971-1985) prices vary quite a bit, as conditions differ greatly, but I think it’s possible to acquire early 1970s examples for $20,000 to $28,000. Compared to cult favorite 1970s Broncos which routinely go for $80,000, these are an absolute steal.
These models have 4-wheel drive, 3 doors, seat up to 6 depending on configuration, 4-speed manual transmission, most often powered by a 2.2L inline 4-cylinder engine making about 75hp. Hey, you want it to get you out of town, not to 100mph. In any case, the speedometer only goes to 90 mph.
1970s F-150
If you’re looking for more power than the old Land Rovers, 1970s Ford F-150s can be found for $16,000 to $25,000 depending on the condition and originality. What they lack in cabin space, they make up for with with their inline six cylinder engine producing 150 hp.
The 4 wheel drive F-150 was introduced in 1975. Prior to that the F-100, F-250 and F-350 models were 4-wheel drive, but not the F-150.
1970s Jeep Wagoneer
Produced from 1962 to 1991, the Jeep Wagoneer is a station wagon type auto most of which came with a distinctive wooden panel that spanned the side of the vehicle. From 1972 to 1977 it came with a full-time 4WD system powered by an automatic transmission which had broader appeal than most 4×4 manual gearboxes. 5.9L V-8 engines were supplied by AMC and produced 230 hp. These are fast becoming classics and their prices from $45,000 upwards reflect that.