Gurgel Carajás History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Carajás launched in late 1984 as Gurgel's largest vehicle — a proper two-wheel-drive SUV using a 1.8-litre water-cooled Volkswagen Santana engine mounted at the front, with a rear transaxle connected by what Gurgel called the 'Tork Tube System' (TTS). The rear-biased weight distribution improved traction off-road without a traditional four-wheel-drive transfer case.
Like the Xavante, the Carajás used Gurgel's Selectraction system: two hand-operated levers allowed independent braking of each rear wheel, transmitting torque to the wheel with grip. Engine options expanded to include a 1.6-litre diesel and both gasoline and ethanol variants of the 1.8-litre. A rare four-door VIP variant was also produced in limited numbers.
At its peak the Carajás was Brazil's best-selling SUV. Regular production halted in January 1991 after President Fernando Collor opened Brazil's market to foreign imports — the Lada Niva arrived and undercut it on price. The Carajás remained available on special order until Gurgel declared bankruptcy in 1994.
Body styles
- 2-door SUV
- 4-door SUV (VIP)
Notable special editions & performance variants
Carajás VIP
A rare four-door long-wheelbase variant with increased passenger capacity, produced in limited numbers. The VIP luxury trim appeared in 1988 and the four-door body followed in 1989.
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