In Brazil, the most popular 2WD off-road vehicle is the VW Fusca (Beetle), but the Gurgel X12 is also a good choice. Produced between 1969 and 1992(?), the Gurgel was built with VW parts and a "plasteel" fiberglass body on steel structure (100,000km corrosion warranty). X12: loa 3480mm, width 1660mm, rear mounted 1.6 litre air-cooled engine, 4-cylinders, horizontally opposed, 4x2, weight 800kg.
The VW mechanical components give good performance. Four wheel independent suspension, rear engine (the spare wheel is under the "bonnet") and the good powertrain results (engine and gearbox) in low cost and easy maintenance. In the 1980's a lot of off-roaders had a Gurgel X-12 - CJ-5 production ended in 1983. However, the 2WD is very limited in hard off-road activities. Now, you see same Gurgels on beach work (tours and police).	X12 1997
Gurgel produced other models (utilities and city-cars). Now, it is closed - "no economic fuel" to fight with world automakers. Today, the X12 is an option for a low priced used car (the girls like it). - Julio Florez [4/'00]

My 1990 Gurgel X-12 Tocantins model. It's a very reliable and comfortable off road vehicle with VW 1600 air cooled engine and VW Bus gear-box. X-12 have locks and 700x15 "Super Tracao" Firestone tyres - Paulo Malaman [6/'00], Sao Paulo, Brasil.	X12 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html X10
Military X15

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