A beautifully restored example of the iconic BJ40 Land Cruiser
Expertly restored to retain full originality and period-correct presentation
Featuring the well-regarded and less common “B,” 3L diesel engine
The Appeal
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic piece of automotive design destined to fill the same brief as the American Jeep and the UK’s erstwhile Land Rover.
A rugged and robust utility vehicle that found favour in some of the most remote and inhospitable areas of the world thanks to its off-road ability and longevity.
It is this legendary ruggedness that has, ironically, made these vehicles an increasingly rare sight on today’s roads. Many went to areas where conditions were not conducive to delivering pristine classic examples some 5 decades later.
That’s what helps make this beautifully restored example such a find.
The interior is utilitarian in nature but appears to be entirely period-correct
The front seats are dressed in grey fabric with vinyl bolster inserts
Nicely sculpted with head rests, the seats appear to be in excellent condition
The dashboard is a combination of body coloured, painted metal and padded top and bottom panels
A small instrument binnacle sits ahead of the big, period steering wheel
Various labelled switches populate the dashboard together with a metal fronted glove box
Door cards are finished in grey vinyl and the floors are finished in ribbed rubber matting
The rear cabin is accessed via the signature “barn doors”
It features a twin, folding bench seat finished in grey vinyl
The rear cabin floor is covered with hard-wearing, textured rubber matting
A full headlining is present, and a sturdy roll bar is fitted to the aft of the front seats
Despite its fastidious restoration, this Land Cruiser has lost none of its utilitarian charm inside the cabin.
Whilst it appears to be in a first-class condition throughout, it is entirely functional as a rugged, off-roader. There is nothing superfluous or just “for show” in here and helps underline the lasting charm of this go-anywhere Japanese icon vehicle.
This BJ40 is presented in the two door, hard top configuration
It is finished in a very fetching “Rustic Green” with a contrasting Off-White roof and grill surround
As you might expect from a restored vehicle, all panels appear to be in excellent condition
The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical as would be expected from a Toyota of this period
The vehicle stands high and level on big wheels and tyres
The wheels are painted steel and finished with bright chrome hub caps
The front wheels feature locking hubs finished in back
The tyres are new Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain items in a period-correct profile
The rear, twin “barn doors” feature a spare wheel mounting and number plate mounting
A rear tow hitch with electrics socket is fitted below the doors
All period correct badging, lights and even serrated mud flaps are present and in fine fettle
A BJ40 is already a rare sight so almost bound to turn heads as its passes by. This example capitalises on that road presence still further thanks to its bright Rustic Green colourway and period-correct and pristine condition.
It’s the details that make it really pop, however. The contrasting, off-white accents, the big, painted bumpers and those big, yet narrow, wheels and tyres.
It really is an object lesson in rough and rugged off-roader design.
This BJ40 is fitted with the less common, 3L “B,” diesel engine
Designed for longevity the engine was tuned to produce a relatively modest 84 bhp and 145 lb-ft of torque
Being a 1976 vehicle, this BJ features the 4-speed manual gearbox rather than the earlier 3-speed
A low range gearbox is fitted for optimal off-road capability
The mechanicals are understood to have been addressed as part of the restoration
The underside presents very well too with new shock absorbers evident
The leaf springs and chassis rails all appear to have been renovated as part of the restoration
The current owner attests to the excellent mechanical condition of the vehicle
The recipe for the perfect rugged off-roader is well proven and evident in spades in this BJ40.
A torquey engine, mildly tuned to promote longevity. A four-wheel-drive powertrain with low ratio transfer box for optimal off-road performance. A boxy and simple body, sparsely equipped to promote usability in all conditions.
A Land Cruiser of this era really hits the brief and, when beautifully restored like this one, makes for a charming, useable classic companion.
Certain vehicles start life with quite modest aspirations and yet go on to help define a period or a category of vehicle.
The BJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser is certainly one of those. Much like the Land Rover it was its homeland’s interpretation of the World War II Willys Jeep. The Japanese were able to bring their bullet-proof reliability and zen-like sense of utility to the mix to make something truly impressive and long-lasting.
This example is a bit special too. A thoroughly restored vehicle but one which faithfully retains the specification and ethos of the original. By the time this vehicle left the Toyota City production line well over 300,000 Land Cruisers had been sold.
Nearly five decades on, the innate appeal of this utility vehicle remains, and its scarcity is only set to grow.
Bid today to avoid missing out on this rare opportunity.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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1976 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40
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