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Andy Lilienthal

@andylilienthal.bsky.social
233 followers 128 following 679 posts

Writer. Editor. Photographer. Gearhead. Traveler. #WeirdCarBS fan. Half of @crankshaftculture.com - '91 Mitsubishi Pajero XP (4D56, 5MT)) - '94 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear (4M40, 5MT) - '98 Suzuki Jimny Wide (1.3, 5MT) - '22 Subaru Crosstrek (2.0, 6MT)

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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 01/10/2026
After driving the 2027 VW Atlas, I was reminded of when we were in Germany ('24) and were asked, "Why don't Americans like wagons?" I think SUVs represent the idea of a go-anywhere-at-anytime vehicle, and Americans love that—even if they just use them as, well, wagons. #blueskycars #vw #volksagen
2027 Volkswagen Atlas in blue in Huntsville, Alabama.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 29/09/2026
Well, mine is a full size SWB Pajero, but iO are cool too.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 28/09/2026
After many years of owning our JDM 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero, I still love driving it, and am impressed how well sorted and well made it is. It might be slow, but it's so solid. #weirdcarbs #blueskycars #jdm #mitsubishi
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 25/09/2026
September 8, 2026, we took this 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness to the end of the road in Tuktoyaktuk, NT. #blueskycars #travel #subaru
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 25/09/2026
I'm fortunate to have the privilege to do what I do, and I recognize that. After being on the move for 24 days straight, getting back to "normalcy" isn't always easy, however. #blueskycars #travel
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 29/08/2026
Is SAAB Sonett Saturday a thing? It is now ... maybe. #weirdcarbs #saab
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 29/08/2026
I don't love it. I would say it's clean and understated, but it's also rather dull.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 29/08/2026
Great job to my wife, @mercedeslilienthal.com for her fun microcar piece in the @nytimes.com !!! 🏁🏁 #weirdcarbs #microcars #blueskycars
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 25/08/2026
Well this was a bit of a surprise. Still undecided on whether the U.S. will get a new Montero? Hey, we're getting a Nissan-based pickup, however.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 24/08/2026
These were two of my favorite 4x4 concepts, neither of which ever came close to fruition. #weirdcarbs #4x4
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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal
737 max [spooky] @bluebookvalue.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
remembering the daihatsu mud master concept
Tiny lifted white van (kei van sized) with short overhangs on some rocksSame small van from side on a wooded trailRear view showing lifting panels on left and rear and two bicycles insideSame van from front on wooded trail
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 20/08/2026
This was one of the most epic adventures @mercedeslilienthal.com and I have ever had.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 19/08/2026
The upcoming Elantra gives me late '80s/early '90s vibes. I cannot pinpoint which car, but maybe a 1990 Holden Commodore?
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 17/08/2026
I'm not necessarily a big fan of this gen Ford Escape, but this one looks really good. #blueskycars #weirdcarbs
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 14/08/2026
It's been 10 years of Crankshaft Culture!
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 13/08/2026
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I know why I like custom vans. Someday I'd love one.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 06/08/2026
Our trusty Pajero. It's been up to the Arctic Ocean ... in the winter. It's been in the dirt, sand, snow, and mud. Here's what it's been like to own one. PS: it needs another adventure soon. #weirdcarbs #blueskycars #jdm #mitsubishi
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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal
Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 29/07/2026
The team at Fox Bravo Overland are amazing. Help them win a Defender Service Award by voting for them! crankshaftculture.com/2026/07/29/v...
crankshaftculture.com
Veteran Non-Profit, Fox Bravo Overland, Becomes a Finalist in the 2026 Defender Service Awards Presented by CHASE - Crankshaft Culture
Fox Bravo Overland has qualified as one of five finalists for a Defender Service Award in the brand’s Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach category
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 29/07/2026
Our Suzuki Jimny in OVR Magazine! #weirdcarbs #jdm #blueskycars @mercedeslilienthal.com
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 25/07/2026
Another great looking vehicle at Rally Innovations in Anaheim.
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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal
Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 24/07/2026
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has been refreshed, but keeps its gusty V-6, unlike so many SUVs that have gone turbo-four. Plus, it has up to 6,000 lbs. of towing capacity. So is it any good? crankshaftculture.com/2026/07/24/r... #blueskycars #nissan #carsky
crankshaftculture.com
Review: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum — Refreshed SUV Style, Gusty V-6 Power - Crankshaft Culture
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is redesigned with a new front fascia and new tech. We review this long-running Nissan SUV nameplate.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 24/07/2026
Truth!
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 24/07/2026
Same.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 24/07/2026
I wanted a 1st gen Subaru Impreza 2.5RS so bad when they first came out. They still look great to me nearly 30 years later. #blueskycars #carsky #subaru
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 24/07/2026
This was a "live and learn" moment for me.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 07/07/2026
I would 100% rally this. Lifted, all-terrains, skids, and hybrid fuel economy. I dig it. #weirdcarbs
crankshaftculture.com
Toyota Prius Overland Build: A Unique Adventure Vehicle - Crankshaft Culture
I ran across this Toyota Prius overland build at Overland Expo PNW. And you know what? It looked really good.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 07/07/2026
Been over six years of Delica ownership, and still love this van. #weirdcarbs #jdm #vans
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 04/07/2026
Prospect: We can pay you X. Me: Sorry, but our rate is not negotiable. Prospect: Yes, this really happened. I think they might be 4 years old.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/07/2026
Lower entry-level trims (e.g. less cash), it's now the least expensive vehicle in the lineup. Best sales since 2021. This is according to the PR rep. Not sure about fleet sales. I'll admit the OS is old, but it's solid and reliable. I still think it looks good. It is in need of a refresh, however.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/07/2026
Mitsubishi Motors North America posted better sales results over Q2 of 2025. Interestingly, the aged Outlander Sport had a 51.7% increase in sales vs. 2025, and YTD sales is 53.3% better than last year. FYI, this platform is nearly 16 years old. I wonder why the spike? #carsky
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/07/2026
If I could talk cars and pet dogs all day, I would. #dogbs
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/07/2026
I cannot see this and not see some sort of bulbous animal.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/07/2026
I saw one of these in a museum in Germany!
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 22/06/2026
My old 1995 Suzuki Sidekick, aka The Teal Terror, was so small. #weirdcarbs
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 15/06/2026
Sademeveekanalisatsioon. This looks more like a complicated WiFi password instead of Estonian for "stormwater drainage." Found in a Circle K in Tallinn. #travel #Estonia #words
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 14/06/2026
Hahahahahahha
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 14/06/2026
I had a fat-fingers moment today and typed "blet buckle" instead of "belt buckle." Turns out "blet" is a word. It means a state of softness or decay in certain fruits, such as the medlar, brought about by overripening. You would not want a blet buckle. Example:
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 10/06/2026
And I think that's fair. Not everyone cares about DSM history anyway.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 10/06/2026
Probably. I've found there are a surprising amount of Lancer fans out there, especially on Reddit. But you know: call it anything from the past, and people freak.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 10/06/2026
More Mitsubishi-Nissan platform sharing. I don't think it's a bad thing, however. The Outlander has done well for Mitsubishi, and the brand needs a "next act." I can't imagine, however, this will be a big seller, since its an EV; we'll see. #blueskycars #ev
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
Act of God? Seismic event? Massive sales? A $1,000 option?
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
It's not my jam, personally. But I love it in white.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
Funny: I was just thinking about getting a foam cannon for the first time. Maybe I'll try it.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
At least there's a turbo, and fully loaded, it's under $33K, which is quite the bargain these days. A hybrid option would be nice to compete against the Civic Hybrid.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
I think the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Linea Turbo is one of the best looking new cars out there. Great lines.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
Well, thank God THAT never happened. Ok, it sorta happened and now I'm a freelancer.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
Replacing train cars with Mazda CX-5s is a great idea!
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 03/06/2026
Only more than half? Jeez! Talk about some underachievers.
static.klipy.com
Nick Thune: That Was Sarcasm
ALT: Nick Thune: That Was Sarcasm
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Reposted by Andy Lilienthal
Crankshaft Culture @crankshaftculture.com · 02/06/2026
So what's it like to drive the @kindredmotorworks.bsky.social 1966 EV Van? We're glad you asked.
crankshaftculture.com
Bus Stop: The Kindred Motorworks Custom EV Volkswagen Bus - Crankshaft Culture
We drive Kindred Motor Works' EV Bus in California. Kindred takes vintage VW Buses and turns them into fully restored electric vehicles.
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Andy Lilienthal @handle.invalid · 02/06/2026
That's fair. 20 years ago, our house was the same price as the EV Bus is. I can't afford one (I'm not buying a new Lambo or Ferrari, either.) So, knowing they developed their own drive train, it's fully restored, and has 1,300 hours of work into it, what do you think it should cost?
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