1985 Suzuki SJ410
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Highlights
• A rare example of the popular SJ410 in a fully and fastidiously restored condition
• Has been subject to a “no expense spared” renovation covering every aspect of the car
• A great looking little SUV with real road presence that belies its size
The Appeal
Suzuki were no newcomers to making lightweight off road utility vehicles when the SJ410 arrived in the UK in 1981. After all they been making low cost and surprisingly able miniature off-roaders since the late 1960’s.
The SJ410 was a big success. Its recipe of tiny proportions, simple but rugged mechanics, low weight and a relatively low price ticked a lot of people’s boxes. They had a broad appeal too, being just as likely to be seen in Chelsea as they were on the side of a mountain.
This example is fascinating. It is quite unusual for an SJ410 to undergo such a fastidious and “money no object” restoration making this a rare beast indeed and a vehicle with significant potential appeal to JDM lovers and four-wheel drive aficionados alike.
The History and Paperwork
• Passed through the hands of a number of owners being seemingly lightly used
• Acquired by the current owner in 2018
• Became the subject of a team project at the owner’s business
• Underwent a full and fastidious restoration at that point
• Since restoration has been regularly but lightly used
• Complete with a good level of paperwork and provenance
• This includes the current V5 in the name of the owner
• Numerous previous MoT’s
• A significant number of invoices and paperwork relating to the current ownership
• Suzuki dealer invoices from 2018 alone amounting to almost £5,000
• The car has a current MOT valid until May 2023
The Interior
• The interior of this SJ410 is naturally focussed on durability and practicality rather than luxury
• The current owner has enhanced this example with the fitment of Suzuki Swift seats which are larger and more comfortable
• Seats are in excellent condition and both front seats and rear bench are finished in a combination of grey fabric and hardwearing vinyl
• In keeping with its roots as a working vehicle the floors are covered in practical and heavy-duty rubber mats
• The vinyl trimmed dash features a functional instrument binnacle housing the signature orange on black dials
• A big grab handle on the passenger side helps remind you what you are riding in
• A good quality Pioneer head unit is fitted
• As you would expect from a fully restored example, everything in here is in excellent condition
Always intended as a working vehicle first and foremost, the SJ410’s interior is appropriately spartan with very few nods to the trappings of less humble off roaders. This, of course, is key to its charm and character. The condition of the interior is first class throughout, however, with little to differentiate it from a new car.
The Exterior
• The bright red paintwork suits this little bruiser very well indeed
• The car benefitted from a full, professional respray during its renovation and an excellent finish has been achieved
• The contrasting gloss black bumpers, mirrors and headlight surrounds really set it off perfectly
• The new, black hood fits snugly and is “as-new”
• The 15-inch alloy sports wheels look big and appropriately chunky on this small SUV
• That impression is reinforced by the fitment of knobbly Cooper Discoverer tyres in a 205/70R15 configuration
• The car presents very well externally and, at least, equals the road presence of much bigger and flashier SUVs
It’s a hard little car to ignore. Its bright red paintwork is lustrous, shiny, and really pops. The wheels and tyres are well judged and give it a very purposeful demeanour. The little offroad details like the light guards on the bumpers remind you of the serious off-road capabilities of this car.
The Mechanics
• This SJ410 is fitted with the robust 970cc engine, originally rated at 45bhp
• Power is fed to either two or four wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox
• This model benefits from the powerful disk brakes on the front axle
• The light weight of the SJ410 enables it to make the very most of its modest output
• This car has benefitted from a full mechanical restoration and as such is reported to be in first class working condition throughout
• New clutch kit
• New clutch kit
Whilst not a car to contest any traffic light grand prix in, the SJ410 saves its party piece for when the going get rough. Its extremely light weight, under 900 kgs, highly articulated suspension and short overhangs make this an off roader with real ability.
When bigger, more expensive SUV’s get beached on a bank the SJ410 will likely scurry past with very little effort. Originally conceived as a mechanically robust work horse and remaining true to that original design ethos today.
When bigger, more expensive SUV’s get beached on a bank the SJ410 will likely scurry past with very little effort. Originally conceived as a mechanically robust work horse and remaining true to that original design ethos today.
Summary
The SJ410 enjoys an enthusiastic and loyal following worldwide and rightly so. Found in some of the most inaccessible places on earth, its solid but basic construction and easy to maintain mechanicals endow it with legendary staying power.
Given that, however, many examples have clearly led a hard life and bear the scars accordingly. That’s what makes this fastidiously restored example such a unicorn in SJ410 circles. It’s pristine and is reported to run and drive without fault.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1986
- Make Suzuki
- Model Santana SJ 410
- Colour Red
- Odometer 86,075 Miles
- Engine size 970
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Warwickshire
- Country United Kingdom
17
bids
- Ga•••• £8,000 07/06/22
- ch•••• £7,900 07/06/22
- Ga•••• £7,800 07/06/22
- ch•••• £7,700 07/06/22
- Ga•••• £7,600 07/06/22
- ch•••• £7,500 07/06/22
- th•••• £7,400 07/06/22
- Ga•••• £7,159 07/06/22
- th•••• £6,800 07/06/22
- ch•••• £6,500 07/06/22
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