You’ve probably already noticed Matt’s impressive Jeep Unlimited Rubicon in other photos around the site so we thought it would be the perfect first non-Toyota related vehicle feature.
My first introduction to Matt was during the many late nights of preparation building my Land Cruiser for the Vermont Overland Trophy. Spending time in their first shop I quickly learned that both him and his brother Pete were gearheads to the core. To put it frankly, saying that the Henwood brothers have been immersed in cars and car culture their entire lives would be a understatement, from classic Jaguar’s to Spec Miata racing, these guys have seen and done it all.
Matt was very deliberate in his decision to go with the Jeep: “I moved on from my 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser which I had modified extensively – because like most Land Cruisers that age, I was constantly fighting a losing battle with cancerous rust. I managed to stay ahead of it (rust) for a while, but it just became too time consuming and I finally decided it was time to trade-up for something better. I had really considered a Land Rover 110, but most of the ones available were in rough shape, and I didn’t want to have the same issues that I was dealing with on the Land Cruiser at the time. I liked everything about the Land Rover 110 though, so I went off searching for an American version of that vehicle – which I found in the Overland Journal Jeep JK.” – Matt Henwood
Matt’s Jeep has already traveled west out to Moab running the White Rim Trail, to Newfoundland completing the Trans-Labrador, and he also successfully completed the Vermont Overland Trophy.
Vermont Overland Trophy
Those of you that read our post covering the VOT probably already have a good idea of the difficult terrain and terrible weather we experienced. It was during this event that I gained a whole new level of respect for Matt’s Jeep, I’m pretty sure he only engaged the front locker once the entire trip and spent the rest of the trip running open/open in low range. I can also confirm for a fact that he only had to winch once and that was to move 5 feet forward into our camp site on Mt. Vollers.
The Jeep definitely proved itself as the most capable rig and left me jealous due to being able to run 35″s with only a simple lift and wheel spacers. Combine 35″ mud tires with the Jeeps low range and all you have to do is let the clutch out and steer where you want to go. Matt and the Jeep made running the VOT look as easy as running down a washboard road in the middle of summer.
North East Overland Rally
We had such a great time during the VOT that we headed back up a few months later for the Northeast Overland Rally. We had a great time and Matt’s roof top tent had a lot of us envious of the simplicity of setting up camp. I’m still glad though that I don’t have the drag coefficient of a box truck (which is saying a lot coming from me).
Bald Eagle State Forest
Our most recent trip with the Main Line guys had us in Bald Eagle State Forest where Matt played trail lead. He ran point to test out obstacles and check the depth of mud holes for us, it was a great scenic trip and we were able to enjoy our first snow of the season.
Matt’s build has been successful in creating his vision of an “American Defender 110” from the white steel wheels to the full roof rack. The only thing he hasn’t been able to replicate is the unreliability. The Jeep has chugged along without missing a beat for over 100,000 miles now, and while it may be an under powered minivan motor, it’s never left him stranded. The best feature of the Jeep is that parts are available virtually anywhere, and as Matt will attest there are even NAPA’s on the Trans-Labrador highway that stock Jeep parts.
Something to note is that Matt’s Jeep isn’t some dedicated trail rig or rock crawler, like us it’s his daily driver and you can frequently find him driving around downtown Philly carrying his roof top tent. It’s a true expedition vehicle down to the core, he’s only got one modification left that we’re waiting for… The Hemi swap.
Current Modifications:
Tires/Wheels:
BF Goodrich KM2 35”x12.5
Jeep Mopar 17″ Winter Wheels
1.5″ Wheel Spacers
Exterior Modifications:
AEV Premium Front Bumper
Warn 9.5cti
Gobi Stealth Full Length Roof Rack
AEV Heat Reduction Hood
AEV Gen 2 Snorkel
AEV Tire Carrier and Fuel Caddy
Mopar Sliders (Modified)
Dual ARB Intensity LED Lights
Rigid Light Bars
Eezi-Awn Series 3 1600 Rooftop Tent
Goal Zero Boulder 30 Solar Panels
Suspension:
AEV Dualsport 3.5″ Lift
Interior Modifications:
ARB 50 Qt Fridge/Freezer
ARB On-Board High Performance 12 Volt Air Compressor
sPOD w/ 6 switch mount
Cobra 75 WX ST w/ 48″ Firestik
National Luna Dual Battery System
Dual DieHard Platinum Marine Group 34M’s
Goal Zero Extreme 350
If you find yourself having any questions about Matt’s build, feel free to reach out to him, he’s always happy to answer questions and talk shop.
A few extra photos for your enjoyment:
What does a rig like that cost/what is it worth?
You can expect the cost of a vehicle along these lines to run you around 65k once your factor in the cost of the Jeep and the modifications. Similarly, a AEV Jeep will cost about the same amount from a dealer.