Highlights

Extremely rare in the UK
MOT valid until July 2027
Back-to-metal respray in original Isuzu white
New hand-built stainless steel fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines fitted

The Appeal

Elegant and underappreciated, the Isuzu is one of Japan's best-kept secrets. Penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro during his tenure at Ghia, its clean, flowing lines place it among the finest automotive designs of the era, with capable performance and comfortable touring making up its DNA. It became a hugely popular machine in its home market, but finding one in the United Kingdom is a genuinely rare occurrence.

This 1977-manufactured XC example features the fuel-injected 1,817cc G180z engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Imported to the UK in late 2015 and registered on UK plates, it has been in the current owner's care for approximately seven years, during which time it has been garaged and steadily maintained.

A back-to-metal respray was carried out in the original Isuzu white, while significant mechanical work includes a new hand-built stainless steel fuel tank, new fuel pump and fuel lines. The dashboard and rear parcel shelf have been repaired and re-trimmed, door window seals have been replaced, and the chromework and stainless steel trim are reported to be rust-free.

The vendor tells us that the car is very reliable, happily cruising at motorway speeds. With a current MOT valid until July 2027, it's ready and waiting to go - a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of Giugiaro's most graceful designs.

Key Information

Mileage: 101,700 km (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until July 2027
Technical specs: 1,817cc inline four-cylinder petrol with EFI, five-speed manual, no power steering
Paperwork: Selection of invoices, V5c, correspondence and some original Japanese paperwork

The Detail

Some localised paint bubbles now showing through the respray
Dashboard cracks repaired and re-trimmed with vinyl matched closely to the original
Rear parcel shelf repaired and re-trimmed
Rubber window seals replaced on doors
Passenger side front quarter light hinge repaired
New rear seat seatbelts fitted
Chromework and stainless steel trim reported to be rust-free
The vendor states the interior is in good condition
Nicely presented cream vinyl upholstery
All instruments and switchgear reportedly working, save for the rear window demister
Original, unmodified G180z engine with EFI system, reported to be running well
The vendor notes the gearbox can be a little tricky, possibly due to the clutch mechanism
New battery, spark plugs and tyres fitted
Engine tune-up carried out

BEFORE YOU BUY

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Comments

Dgo••••

2 weeks ago

Hello, some questions if I may: 1. When was the respray done? Was it very rusty before the work was done? Were the areas of rust not cut out or treated? I’m wondered why the rust has returned to the lower doors and wings 2. Can you expand on the gearbox/clutch issue? Judder, gears won’t engage? Does it need a new clutch? 3. Does it have spacers on the hubs? The offset especially at the front look odd 4. Do you know what the issue is with the rear demister? Electrical feed or are the elements broken. Many thanks

andrew.••••

Seller

Hi, The respray was done in 2020. The car was not very rusty but there were some areas that were showing issues. Much like it is now. AFAIK no cutting or welding was done, However it seems most likely that these areas were not properly treated and/or cured before they primed and painted them. It all happened during covid lockdown and corners were probably cut due to the circumstances. The gearbox works ok but is tricky as it requires double de-clutching to avoid crunching. I have been advised that this may be due to the clutch being a bit worn. So, yes, at some point it probably does need a new clutch. I have no information regarding the hubs and spacers. Never thought there was a problem. As for the rear demister, the elements are broken. The electrical feed and switch work fine. I did have an aftermarket stick on demister attached but this sometimes tripped out and is now itself no longer working.