Designed by Isuzu's Californian design studio, the Isuzu GBX concept debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show. With a vision to capture the original essence of the SUV, the Isuzu GBX is designed to function as a “GEAR box”, an automotive backpack to 'transport your gear wherever you want and enable you to do whatever you want.'

To revive the original SUV ideals, the GBX design team found inspiration in what was perhaps the first utility vehicle and a concept whose design endured for over 200 years - the stagecoach.

You can see the stagecoach influence, along with its focus on function and utility, throughout the Isuzu GBX. It’s short overhangs, 21-inch, 8-spoke wheels and expansive high-set passenger shell express the stagecoach-like utility of this vehicle.

Immediately your eye is drawn to the strongest design element, the exoskeletal frame. The designers started with the Isuzu trademark body-on-frame chassis, then emphasized functionality by bringing the frame to the outside. The exoskeletal frame provides added strength and rigidity to the center section. This also allows for maximized space in the seating compartment, and more importantly, allows the use of clamshell-style doors with no B-pillar, for unobstructed access to the interior.

A heavy-duty roof rack is integrated directly into the frame, and to help access the rack, there are drop steps which fold up to form the rocker panels. These elements serve to focus attention on the central frame, with the front and rear panels seemingly clipped-on to this structure. Extending the frame up to form the roof rack creates a dramatic side view graphic, while the roof panel itself can remain lower, for better aerodynamics.

The focus on utility is also evident in the details. A 'gear port' built into the cargo gate allows easy access to small items in the cargo area while offering special features like tool storage and work shelves.

Inside, external-frame seats are cantilevered from the center console to permit underseat storage, while the entire cargo and seating use waterproof materials to simplify cleaning.

The stagecoach influence is also evident in the wheel design - massive 21-inch 8-spoke rims with special Goodyear run-flat tires that extend the spoke design all the way into the sidewall. Just like the originals, these wheels give the GBX the kind of ground clearance and approach angles needed to handle the most rugged terrain.

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