Patriot Campers’ 6x6 LC79 wins the 2017 Custom 4x4 of the Year title

PATRIOT Campers’ 6x6 LC79 was officially recognised as the winner of the Custom 4x4OTY award at the 2018 Australian Motoring Awards.

Patriot began the jaw-dropping 6x6 LC79 build by fitting a JMACX 6x6 system, which replaced the standard rear axle/leaf spring setup – after the back end of a brand-new LC79 ute was stripped and effectively cut off. Key mods also include: airbags supplied by Airbag Man, JMACX rear diff housings, Marks 4WD portal hubs, GSL Fabrication 100% kit, TJM intake snorkel, five-inch stainless steel exhaust stacks and an NPC clutch.

Based on a public vote, Damian Lucev’s meticulously built Defender 90 polled the second-most number of votes. The amount of time and effort Damian has invested in this vehicle is reflected in its impressive performance. Last year we took the 90 to Victoria’s Alcorns Track, where it showed off its strengths against an FJ and a JK.

The last spot on the podium was filled by Killa Kustom’s LS3-powered Colorado. The 6.2-litre GM LS3 V8 engine transplanted beneath the Colorado’s hood punches out 298kW (at least!) and 580Nm; it’s mated to a 6L80E six-speed auto transmission.

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Top 4 Custom 4x4s of 2017

1. Patriot Campers’ 6x6 LC79
2. Land Rover Defender 90
3. LS3-powered Colorado
4. Toyota N80 Hilux

Held at Melbourne’s Forum Theatre, the annual Australian Motoring Awards presented the 4X4 Australia 4X4OTY (Land Rover Discovery SD4), Wheels Car of the Year (Volvo XC60), MOTOR Performance Car of the Year (Honda Civic Type-R) and WhichCar Style award (Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe).